3 Effective Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

The feeling of “not being enough” or being seen as a "fraud" when just starting out is commonly called imposter syndrome, and it can happen to the best of us. Read on for three tried and true ways to conquer those dreaded feelings before they stop you in your tracks.

When you first started your career, did you feel like you had all the answers for your potential clients? Maybe you haven’t taken the leap to start your business yet, because just the idea of knowing where to start is keeping you stuck firmly in inaction. 

According to the American Psychological Association, imposter syndrome (aka impostor phenomenon) “occurs among high achievers who are unable to internalize and accept their success. They often attribute their accomplishments to luck rather than to ability, and fear that others will eventually unmask them as a fraud.” And it’s OK to feel this way! 

I am going to share with you some helpful tips to battle imposter syndrome, and my #1 secret to finally overcoming this feeling!  

#3 - Find a Mentor Who Is Where You Want to Be

Finding someone to act as a guide for your entrepreneurial journey is super important when you’re just starting out. Not only will a coach help you to see the route they took to get their success, but they can also provide insider information on what NOT to do, saving you tons of wasted time, money, and energy

When I started my business, I wanted to be able to make enough money to leave my corporate job. So, I hired a coach and surrounded myself with people who were able to build 6- and 7-figure businesses after leaving corporate America. These incredible people showed me how my dream could become a reality, and gave me the mindset, tools, and tactics to get there.

When looking for a mentor, especially one you may hire as a coach, it is important to find someone who suits your specific needs.

  • Does he/she have the industry experience you’re looking for?
  • Can you see yourself working with this person on a consistent basis?
  • Do they have the same values and drive?
  • Have they built a similar business to one you’d like to start?

When you are choosing a business mentor, you want them to be firm but also supportive. They are there to help you while also keeping you accountable to your goals

Another thing to keep in mind when hiring a mentor is making sure you do an intro call before you commit. Any coach worth their salt will offer a free one-on-one consultation to ensure you and he/she are aligned. Be sure to come armed with all of your questions, and make sure to get a sense of their personality on this call. 

#2 - Realize You Only Have to Be a Few Steps Ahead

If you feel lost at sea with your business, know that you’re not alone! We all suffer from doubt, fear, and insecurity when we are starting anything new. 

Think of the first time you hopped on a bicycle. You had training wheels on, right? You didn’t just jump on a 10-speed and take off down the road...

Many first-time entrepreneurs feel like if they don’t have ALL the answers, they don’t have anything valuable to teach. But this just isn’t true! As long as you are a few steps ahead of someone else, you have valuable information to share.

Imagine being in a company and dealing with a manager who seems to know it all. Truth is, they probably just learned to be a couple steps ahead of everyone else to elevate their leadership skills.

The same goes for the entrepreneur world. You see many coaches with $20k+ months and you’re wondering, "HOW?!" They probably used the same philosophy of staying 3-4 steps ahead of their clients, and over time they learned everything they needed to know to become a master in their niche

And finally, our NUMBER 1 way to overcome imposter syndrome and kick your inner critic to the curb (drum roll, please)...

#1 - Take Small, Imperfect Action

This step tops our list for a very important reason. By taking small, imperfect actions, you gain a sense of ability through ACTION. 

As Kelly Clarkson sings, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!” I like to think of tackling imposter syndrome this same way. Imposter syndrome usually gets worse the longer you stay stuck. So, taking small, imperfect action gives you the momentum you need to build confidence in what you’re doing.

Waiting until your process is perfect will let your competitors pass you by as they continue to create and iterate. Remember: messy is better than perfect!

Everyone goes through trials and tribulations when starting out in business, but these tough times won’t last forever. Imperfect action not only helps you build the confidence you need, but also helps you refine your business processes and methods over time.

If you’re ready to take some imperfect action of your own, please join me LIVE on August 26th for my in-depth 2-hour LAUNCH YOUR BUSINESS BOOTCAMP.

This free training is specifically designed to get you unstuck and on the road to running your dream online business. Grab your FREE spot in the training here.

 

Kelly Cochran is an award-winning Marketing & Mindset Coach, and the author of #1 Best Seller, LOUD: Silence Your Critics & Turn Up The Volume On Your Life.

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