The Impostor Syndrome Debunked
By: Karen Pattock
I recently was listening to a business podcast and the hosts were discussing how so many business owners block their own success because they feel like an imposter. It’s what they called “Impostor Syndrome”. I immediately had a light bulb go off in my head because the definition of Impostor Syndrome is what plagues so many health & fitnesspreneurs and prevents them from getting more clients.
Wikipedia says that ‘impostor syndrome is sometimes called impostor phenomenon or fraud syndrome. It’s a psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments. Despite external evidence of their competence, those with the syndrome remain convinced that they are frauds and do not deserve the success they have achieved.’
Is any of this ringing a bell for you? Do you ever second-guess your abilities to help a client or the value you bring to the table? If you answered yes… rest assured you’re not alone.
In truth it happens to all of us. Even the most successful people will tell you that they still doubt their abilities at times, despite having enormous success in business. The impostor syndrome can cause fear of success, fear of failure or even fear of being exposed as a fraud.
So this leaves us with the question of what to do to overcome those feelings when they rear their ugly head. Since the impostor syndrome can stop you in your tracks, keep you from helping others and cause you to devalue your services, it’s important to get a game plan in place as soon as possible. Here are 3 steps to break free from the impostor syndrome.
Step 1: Learn to quickly identify the feelings that cause you to feel like an impostor.
Being able to quickly identify the feelings that cause you to feel inadequate is crucial to shutting down those nasty voices inside your head. Typically each of us has a very specific voice reel that plays in our head when we feel like we’re not good enough. As soon as you recognize that voice you must turn it around with feelings of positivity. Keep a list close by of people you’ve helped & successes you’ve experienced that you can reference whenever necessary.
Step 2: Identify a support person or group that you can rely on in times of need.
Having a friend, family member or trusted colleague that you can confide in is a must. All of us need a go-to support person in our life. In business, entrepreneurs often join mastermind groups to find support. I’ve always believed that the old saying, “misery loves company” goes deeper than what it appears to say on the surface. I’ve always believed that when two people share a similar experience the potential for extreme healing and growth is usually the outcome. Having that support person that knows what your experiencing is the quickest way to banish those feelings of fraud.
Step 3: Become crystal clear on what is fact and what is fiction.
Anytime that you begin to feel like an impostor ask yourself this question, “Do I feel this way because of something I know for a fact or is it coming from a feeling of inadequacy?” When you have strong feelings about something it can feel very real, however, without something factual to back it up it remains just a feeling. Knowing the difference between the two is the best way to break that cycle of negativity.
So let me ask you a question. Do you ever experience the Impostor Syndrome? Has it held you back from feeling confident in helping a client or charging what you’re worth? Have you found a way to break free from that voice of negativity? If so, please share your story with me on my Facebook page. I want to support you in breaking free from the Impostor Syndrome today.
Post your comments on: Karen’s Facebook Page. I look forward to hearing from you & I promise to respond.
With love & support,
Karen Pattock
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Come Work With Me For
14 Days…. FREE
Join thousands of other Health & Fitnesspreneurs
that have taken advantage of my 14-day FREE
marketing course. I cover topics like: target market,
free offers, website design, referral partners, newsletters, email
management systems & lots more!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
