Have you ever felt like you shouldn’t be doing this whole “business” thing? As entrepreneurs, and especially as creatives, the comparison game is real. Eighty-four percent of entrepreneurs experience imposter syndrome at some point in their business. Imposter syndrome has become so much of a thing, that it now has an actual definition – the inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately earned as a result of one’s efforts or skills. Basically, you don’t believe in yourself. When this happens, it can be hard to keep going, especially when you see other people that seem to be more successful than you. So let’s talk about how to overcome imposter syndrome and what to do when you feel it creeping in.
Talk About your Successes
Oftentimes, we shrink the things that we’re good at. Society often makes us feel that sharing our successes means that we’re conceited and prideful, both traits that no one likes. I want to challenge you to put in an effort to talk about your successes. Make a list of them weekly and don’t be ashamed to share them with others. The more you do this, the more your mind will shift and you will see that others want to join you in celebration and are cheering you on, not judging you.
Notice your Achievements
Make an honest assessment of your accomplishments. Your success may look different from others so try to steer clear of comparing. Put your accomplishments in context to where YOU are in your business. When you add in context, then you are able to better see what those accomplishments actually mean. For example, when my co-owner and I launched the Boundless Audio Podcast Network, we had no idea if anyone would be interested in joining. But before our official launch, we had 13 shows signed on to be part of the network! We had to celebrate and acknowledge that achievement for us, regardless of what others would think. Our expectation was 0, and we actually got 13. To someone else, that may not be a big achievement, but to us, it was huge. So, notice the things that you are good at and work hard to achieve. Don’t worry about comparing yourself to others and what their measure of success is.
Share your Knowledge
You have a lot more knowledge than you think you do. There are things that come naturally and are easier for you than others. Find those things and share them. The more that you begin to share what your mission and your ideas are about your business, the more you are going to attract more like-minded people. They will enjoy getting a behind-the-scenes look at your life and business. This will help boost your confidence and help you feel like you aren’t an imposter in your business. Remember, you have valuable knowledge to share; share it confidently.
Don’t Miss the Small Wins
In my opinion, there is too much focus on achieving those “big” wins. The wins that make the headlines and everyone celebrates with you. What people often forget is that the small wins are what build your business. These small wins are the foundation, allowing you to gain momentum and success. The daily tasks may seem to become mundane, but they should be celebrated just as much. You completed your to-do list today? Win. Took time for your mental health? Win. Don’t forget about these small wins. They are crucial for you and your business.
Everyone is going to experience impostor syndrome at some point in their business. Remember that 84%. Even though it will happen, you can find peace knowing that it can be overcome. When you start gaining the perspective of yourself in the same way that other people outside of your business do, then you will start to feel more confident in your business. Having a business in general means that you are doing something that a lot of people will not and cannot do. It takes a special person with passion and dedication to decide that they want to have a business for themselves. Own it, you’ve got this!
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