How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
This week in The Well, the topic of imposter syndrome was a hot topic.
And look, I *get* it.. When I began my career as a Holistic Nutritionist, I felt like such a fraud. After graduating, I began working with clients and I was doubting myself so hard that I went to the open house for CCNM (Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine) because I felt like if I was able to call myself a "doctor", that would solve everything.
(I didn't end up pursuing it, by the way. While it would've been a super interesting 4 years because that subject matter fascinates me, it's not where my heart was at and I was exploring it for the wrong reasons).
I noticed the same thing happening again when I became a Mindset Coach. I had been studying mindset with a coach for 2 years for a total of over 1000+ hours over 1.5 years, but still felt like "I didn't know enough" and that I should go and get some letters behind my name.
Now, when people ask me what I do, I can say with CONFIDENCE (even though I feel like it doesn't *fully* sum up my dynamic, Manifesting Generator-self) –– I am a Mindset Coach.
Here's how I went from "Imposter" Coach to "Confident" Coach.
How To Navigate Imposter Syndrome
1. Acknowledge How NORMAL It Is
This is the first step because Imposter Syndrome isn't something you "overcome" and then are done with forever (note: I would usually use verbiage like “how to NAVIGATE Imposter Syndrome”, but for SEO purposes, I titled this blog post “how to OVERCOME Imposter Syndrome” because I know that’s what most people are concerned with). Imposter Syndrome will likely always come up whenever you're doing something new.
The first step is just normalizing it, rather than wronging yourself for it and guilting yourself into believing you're the only one going through it.
This week I came across a post from Joanna Griffiths (Founder of Knix) who shared about her still feeling imposter syndrome to this day. CAN YOU IMAGINE?! After everything she's built?!
Case and point – EVERYONE is affected by imposter syndrome. Just because you're experiencing it, it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with *you*.
2. Take Action
Wanna know the antidote to imposter syndrome? TAKING ACTION! (Save this post if you need a reminder for this one).
I know, I know, I know. It sounds a bit backwards because you're like "Well, how do I do the thing when I feel like a fraud?". The answer to that is, you allow the feelings that are making you feel like a fraud to come up AND you do it anyway.
I remember when I used to write a whole script when I ran webinars or masterclasses. Now, I jot down a few notes, hit record and have myself a hay day. My masterclasses are more powerful than ever before (here's a link to a recent one I taught – Unstoppable: YOU Masterclass replay )
Action item: What's ONE small thing you can do to work towards your goal this week, even if it scares you a bit?
3. Work On Changing the Story You Have Of Yourself
Everything starts and ends with the way of which you view yourself, and the way you see yourself dictates the results you'll see in your reality.
If you see yourself as the bad a** that you are, you'll take actions that bad a**es do, and experience direct results as well.
But, if the story running through your mind is "who am I to do something like that", then the actions (or rather, inactions) and results will reflect that.
So, what do you do? YOU CHANGE THE STORY.
By writing out the vision you have of yourself daily using Self-Identity Script Writing, you can change the thoughts you have of yourself, and, in turn, encourage the actions and results that you desire.
If you haven't yet written your Self-Identity Script, here's a little gift for you to get started
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What I’ve also come to learn is that Imposter Syndrome lessens when more people share about their story and experience with Imposter Syndrome. The more you can see that you’re not alone and that there isn’t anything inherently “wrong” with you, the more you can release the judgment and shame that’s causing the Imposter Syndrome to feel so crummy to begin with.
If this post resonated with you, I’d love for you to share a bit about your experience with Imposter Syndrome in the comments!