Imposter Syndrome…this affects many people! It can definitely take its toll on successful entrepreneurs. I know firsthand what it feels like despite my confidence and success in business – it can still creep up on me!
I recently had an Imposter Syndrome expert teach me that there are all different types of Imposter Syndrome that people can suffer from which really blew my mind. In fact, I learned that Imposter Syndrome cam be so debilitating that it can lead to self sabotage and ruin your business! Learning to deal with this is very important.
And today, my friend Sidra Ansari, from The7ofUs.blog, is going to give you solutions to this! Because my goal at Network Nessi isn’t to just help you succeed with Pinterest and blogging, but I truly want you to feel confident in your success! So grab a notepad and pencil so you can take notes – and finally get rid of imposter syndrome and all its ugly thoughts.
How to Cope When Imposter Syndrome Rears Its Ugly Head
Let’s be honest, on your road to success you may have doubts. Do you really have what it takes to make it in this shark-infested world? Maybe it’s better to lie low and stay quiet. After all, if you’re sure about anything it’s the fact that you’re not perfect!
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a feeling of inadequacy that persists despite the fact that it’s a lie. ‘Imposters’ suffer from self-doubt and a sense of faking success. This overrides any feelings of external proof of how well they are doing!
It alludes to the feeling that by putting yourself out there as a successful woman, you’re somehow duping people. You’re faking it. And you’re worried people will think you’re a fraud.
Although it applies to both males and females, the term was actually derived by women and is defined by successful women who are suddenly overcome by self-doubt.
Crazy right?
Take heart in the fact that you’re not alone in this. It happens to the best of us! This problem is prevalent in the most unlikely of women.
I quote two inspiring successful women who have been through this exact feeling.
“I have written eleven books, but each time I think, “Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.”
“Sometimes I wake up in the morning before going off to a shoot, and I think, I can’t do this. I’m a fraud.”
Are you surprised?
You need to remember that by working towards your own success you’ve never said to anyone that you’re perfect or that you never make mistakes! You’ve never pulled the wool over people’s eyes in order for them to take you seriously. In fact, maybe you’re more likely to downplay your strengths and be honest about your vulnerabilities!
So, what’s the solution?
1. Be confident
Imposter Syndrome is overridden by confidence. Your job is to speak loudly back to that little voice that tells you you’re not good enough. Tell it that you’re trying your best. That sometimes, not good enough works. Imperfection works. Honesty and being in touch with your raw feelings work. Forget worrying about colleagues getting in your way of success. We are sometimes our own worst enemies. We put ourselves down and tell ourselves we can’t make it all on our own! Stop doing that and own your strengths. Do it with gratitude.
2. Feel the fear and do it anyway
Despite everything, to continue and not give up on one’s ambitions or goals in life is crucial to succeed. Continue with butterflies in your stomach. Continue amidst the self-doubts. Your success will speak for itself.
3. Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back and is something that can be worked at. It comes from many years of trial and error and the conviction to continue despite the obstacles.. You will get knocked down- the road to success is pot-holed with failures. The answer is dusting yourself off after each and every let-down or mistake and accepting failure as a crucial part of the process. Failure must be seen as a detour and not a sign to give up. Everyone must fail in order to learn, progress and ultimately succeed.
Through putting yourself in the realm of success. Imposter syndrome and failure will be inevitable along the way of your own creative process.
To continue with my goals, I have nurtured a deeper appreciation of what success means to me. I urge you to do the same. From having more free time in my work week to spending time with my loved ones and writing a blog post which resonates with others. All of this spells success to me. Ultimately, influencing one person to make a positive change in their life is enough. For this to ring true, imposter syndrome doesn’t really have a place. Influencing one person is not faking, right? Anyone can do that in the course of a normal day. Imposter syndrome is tackled day by day. By carrying on and being resilient.
4. Support
A support network of like-minded people helps. They will help to ground you. They may help to inspire you too. You can work together to achieve a collective goal too.
Success comes in waves. Let’s learn to ride the wave of euphoria when it comes, and learn to surf through the inevitable self-doubt when it arises.
The Upshot
Sometimes, Imposter Syndrome will strike on the road to success. It is that little voice which tells you you’re not good enough. Fortunately there are ways to override this. The answer lies in learning to play to your strengths and to be confident. Continue on your chosen path no matter how scared it makes you feel to put yourself out there. Learn to ride failure like a wave and be resilient and lastly, surround yourself with like-minded people who will help ground you and inspire you.
I’m committed to trying my best to prevent imposter syndrome from stopping me in my tracks. To remind myself that I deserve to live the beautiful creative life I work so hard for.
I’m determined to keep fighting the feeling I might be faking it, when it arises.
Because I am not an imposter, and neither are you.
About the Author
Sidra is a freelance writer for hire. She is a professional writer who will soon be a published author of her book “Finding Peace Through Prayer and Love” which will be out in October 2020. She writes for clients and specializes in writing about personal development, digital marketing and lifestyle including motherhood, travel and food. Get in touch today to find out how she can help you with your content writing needs. You can check out her blog and learn more about her writing at The7ofUs.blog.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sidra_writes
Ending Notes...
Wow! What a powerful message and awesome advice! When I read this myself, I was floored. It really sunk in deep as I have almost struggled with imposter syndrome myself before – but I got my mind right and got through it. Whether you’re a mom who just started a business or you’ve taken on a new job that you’ve never done before – be confident in all that you! Whatever reason you’re feeling imposter syndrome – take these steps to overcome it, because you are powerful, beautiful, and amazing.
And if you haven’t already, listen to this Marketing & Mindset episode on Imposter Syndrome with Imposter Syndrome Expert, Nando Rodriguez! It’s an amazing episode on this topic!
Comments? Questions? Ask them below! I will answer as soon as I can 
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Wow this is very powerful message, for all women who have any-doubts in their own abilities. very important to highlight, feel the fear and do it anyway!
Yes! Absolutely! That is spot on. 😉 I am so glad you found value in this post 🙂