Have you ever had a big opportunity but doubted your capabilities despite your qualifications and achievements?
In September 2018, I was driving on the Lady Young Road heading to Port of Spain, when I received a call from Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business asking me to be part of a panel for their Women in Leadership conference. Of course I said “yes!” But later that evening, as my day slowed down, I wondered “why me?”.
Then a few days later I saw the flyer for the conference. And I wondered “why me?” again.
There on the flyer was the keynote speaker from the USA, the former CEO and a General Manager. All well-known women and large regional companies. “How did I get there? Did they ask someone else before me and they couldn’t make it? “
I was relieved to find that there’s a name for what I was feeling- impostor syndrome.
Impostor syndrome is that little devilish voice in your head that makes you doubt yourself. If that voice whispered to you:
- You don’t know what you’re doing.
- You don’t belong here. Why are you here?
- You can’t possibly pull this off.
- You have no idea what you’re talking about.
- You’re not fooling anyone.
Then you have experienced impostor syndrome. Impostor syndrome can stop you from achieving your potential and cause you to miss out on important opportunities. When an entrepreneur experiences impostor syndrome it is of greater significance because entrepreneurs depend on their confidence to close deals, create partnership or simply deliver a presentation. Your livelihood as an entrepreneur depends, to a greater extent, on your belief in yourself.
The term was coined in 1978 by clinical psychologists Dr. Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes referring to high-achieving individuals marked by an inability to internalize their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as “fraud”.
Impostor syndrome is an obstacle for small businesses
In 2020 Kajabi, an industry-leading an all-in-one business platform, released a study on the impact of imposter syndrome on entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The results revealed that eighty-four (84) percent of entrepreneurs and small business owners experience imposter syndrome. 70% of respondents said they’re disappointed in their accomplishments and feel should’ve accomplished more by now. Kajabi found that imposter syndrome is an obstacle for small business professionals, especially solo entrepreneurs taking big risks in the name of pursuing their dreams.
Strategies to beat Impostor Syndrome
Now that we know there is a name for this “thing” we feel, so how do you beat impostor syndrome?
Call it Out
The first step to overcoming impostor syndrome is to acknowledge it and understand what your triggers are. This gives you a sense of control over it. The impostor feelings need not take over your life if you understand it is a response to a situation and that, with practise, you can control your response to the impostor syndrome.
Check your Accomplishments
One simple strategy is to make a list of your accomplishments, your qualifications, and projects you worked on. This will remind you of your capabilities. It will help empower you to show up in a powerful, “ yes I can” manner.
Reframe your Mindset
Reframing your self-talk, experts agree, is an essential part of taking back control. Tune in to your internal conversations, identify it for what it is and learn to turn off your negative self-script and develop a new script that will be a rational voice
The above are a few strategies from a pool of many strategies that you can utilise. Impostor syndrome will not disappear like magic, but you can minimise it with these strategies. If you really want to take back control and prepare yourself to seize opportunities as an entrepreneur, then developing your skills to beat the impostor syndrome is the only option.
Let’s get you started! Start your transformational journey to beat the impostor syndrome.