3 Strategies I Use To Navigate Imposter Syndrome
Photo by José Carlos Chero
Ahh, imposter syndrome—that shadowy trickster lurking in the dark corners of every business owner’s mind, just waiting for the right opportunity to whisper, “Are you sure you’re supposed to be here?” or “Do you actually know what you’re doing?”
Most of you have already wrestled with it, but if you haven’t come across it yet, stay on guard! Imposter syndrome tends to strike during your weakest moments, when you’re the most exhausted, spread thin, or burned out you could possibly be. As business owners, we’re the captains of our own ships and are no strangers to difficulty. We’re used to navigating unchartered territory and carving our own unique paths forward. Uncertainty and unforeseen challenges are simply part of the gig.
But the leadership, freedom, and responsibility that comes with entrepreneurship is often accompanied by the tendency to compare ourselves with other business owners that are marching ahead of us. Or even those walking alongside us. In my experience, imposter syndrome has caused me to take huge pauses in growing my business when I could have been pressing forward instead.
As someone who’s been there, done that, and gotten the metaphorical T-shirt, I’m here to say that you don’t have to give in to the tricks your brain is trying to play on you. You can overcome imposter syndrome and should make every attempt to because you have a gift, a vision, and a voice worth sharing.
For those of you who feel stuck navigating a minefield of self-doubt, I’m here to share 3 strategies that helped me conquer the temptation to self-sabotage and move forward with confidence in what I have to offer—which is exactly what you're capable of and worthy of, my friend.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
01. I Figured Out My Unique Value Proposition
One practical step you can take after you finish reading this blog post is taking the Marty Neumeier The Onlyness Test.
I started with The Onlyness Test to discover my distinctive edge and took it a step further with Ashlyn Carter’s approach. It helped me hone in on my ideal client and helped me figure out what I stand against, which proved to be just as valuable as what I stand for. Let me tell you, digging deep was HARD. But once I dialed in I found clarity in what made me different from my competition, and suddenly, I had access to a treasure trove of confidence.
That doesn’t mean I never struggled with imposter syndrome or comparing myself to others ever again… I’m human after all. But it did reveal to me that leaning on my past wins, my strengths, and the small steps I take each day to improve is a muuuuch better strategy for self-development than staring at everything going on around me.
02. I’ve Adopted an Abundance Mindset
Ever heard of the abundance mindset? It’s the belief that there are enough resources in the world for everyone to achieve their own kind of success—and the practice of being grateful for whatever the universe provides.
Pairing this with my onlyness factor has helped me change how I view myself in relationship to my business and the people around me. “Their people are not my people” is a foreign concept to many in a competitive market. When you’re competing for attention, time, and sales, it’s hard to let go of the idea that you “lost” to someone else. But in the three years I’ve been running my little studio, I’ve learned that a client will choose me when I’m specifically meant for them. They will be drawn to me because of my approach, my values, my background, and the unique experiences that shaped my professional journey. That’s something that can’t be replicated or offered anywhere else.
Imposter syndrome can’t thrive when you believe that you have (or will have) everything you need to build the business and life you daydream about. Especially when you let gratitude guide you. Trust me on this one, gratitude practice and journaling go a long way in reinforcing these beliefs!
03. I’ve Shifted My Focus to My Community
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road, especially when you work where you live, eat, sleep, and play. But I’ve made an effort to expand my network beyond my cozy home office and have made connections with other like-minded people in the industry. Hear me when I say that THIS has made all the difference.
Supporting and sharing with other entrepreneurs in their journey has been rewarding each and every time. The same goes for our clients! I once read about someone who kept screenshots of their client testimonials on their desktop, and whenever they felt limiting beliefs they would revisit them as a way to ground themselves in reality.
Focusing on the impact I create with my work and pouring into the relationships I’ve made along the way is usually enough to pull me out of whatever funk I fall into. It gives me something to fight for instead of against, which keeps imposter syndrome from raining on my parade most days of the week.
So instead of allowing yourself to be intimidated by success stories, perfect Instagram feeds, or shiny facades, look for the people you want to have in your circle. Look for excuses and ways to uplift them or support them. And watch how eager most people will be willing to do the same for you.
Whenever you feel stuck, remember that navigating imposter syndrome is something most people will have to contend with. And if you’re a business owner, you may be more susceptible to it than most.
To keep it at bay, you must recognize and hold tightly to the fact that your voice MATTERS. Being uniquely you is a superpower no one can take from you. And embracing an abundance mindset while you cultivate a supportive community can help you power through the worst of days.
You’re not an imposter; you’re an entrepreneur.
You have an unparalleled journey ahead of you, a voice worth amplifying, and you are, no doubt, a force to be reckoned with! These battle-tested strategies will help you put imposter syndrome to bed so you can enjoy your time in the sun, so don’t be afraid to stick up for yourself—even if it’s your own mind that’s fighting against you.
You’ve got this!
