I read my coach’s newsletter a few weeks ago which had an article discussing the imposter syndrome. I thought I’d share as I’m sure many of you have felt this (I know I have!). She has some great tips to help us deal with this and feel more confident. Enjoy!
Imposter Syndrome is well-known. It has its definition in Wikipedia. Many successful people (yes, presidents and thought-leaders of the world) have suffered from this syndrome which can stop you in your tracks and keep you from realizing the success you deserve.
- When it comes to your business, have you ever felt:
- Uncomfortable being the authority?
- Unqualified to be called an expert?
- Like a fraud?
I know I have. I remember a particular situation where I was preparing to speak to a crowd of 450 women and I began to feel my own Imposter Syndrome creeping in. It started when the AV guy was running his hand up my blouse to connect the lavalier and the event host was reading my bio from the stage – not a good time to allow the Imposter Syndrome to get my attention! In that moment, I was questioning my authority about speaking to such a large group of women. It happens to everyone who chooses a path of growth, personal development, and success. It usually rears its ugly head when you are just about to step fully into the next phase of your success – your feminine leadership path.
Here’s the truth: You’ve got to overcome Imposter Syndrome if you are to reach your true potential in your business. Allowing this syndrome to take center stage while you hide out waiting for it to magically disappear will never work. Hiding out allows you to play small and keeps you from achieving your brand of brilliance. Here are a few tips and solutions that work for me:
- 1. Rave Reviews – Keep a folder in your desk drawer for rave reviews that clients have sent you about how your product or service has changed or transformed their lives. Every time I feel the Imposter Syndrome rearing its ugly head, I reach for my file and it always reassures me that I’m ready for what’s next in my life and business.
- 2. Grab a Life Raft – Surround yourself with people who champion you. Keep those people on speed dial when you need a quick boost of belief that you are on the right track.
- 3. Challenge Yourself – Seek out and accept invitations out of your comfort zone. For example, if you know public speaking could help you expand your reach and grow your business more quickly, call some event hosts and ask if they require speakers.
The women in the room that day were smiling and nodding because each of them knew only too well what Imposter Syndrome feels like. Someone asked, “Joy when was the last time you felt this syndrome – can you remember?” My reply? “Yes, at 7 am this morning before I came downstairs to speak to you. : -)” This syndrome lives within all of us. Acknowledge that it’s there and use the tips I shared with you today to stop hiding from your success and step into your brand of feminine leadership.
Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach and Motivational Speaker. To read more articles by Joy and learn more about her Success Circle workshops, teleseminars, or keynote topics, please visit her website, www.SmartWomenSolutions.com, or contact our support team at [email protected].
