Overcoming Imposter Syndrome for Your Business Success

Do you feel pressured to meet the expectations you think others have of you? Maybe you feel that before long you will be found out, that you don’t really know what you’re doing.

If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome; it affects many of us at some point in our life or work and can be debilitating.

We talked to business mentor and Your Business Matters member Elizabeth Toogood who supports her clients to achieve business success. She told us that while it can be frustrating and exhausting to deal with imposter syndrome, there are things you can do to overcome it and change these feelings looking ahead.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome often starts as a small feeling, which causes you to struggle feeling like you are a fraud.

There are thoughts that you’ll be found out, that you can’t really do what you need to, and everything will fall apart; the feeling often grows, becoming a loud voice in your head. This voice can cause anxiety and worry, it can distract and distort our perception until our everyday experience seems to confirm this skewed viewpoint and our self-esteem falls.

As I’ve already said, many of us experience imposter syndrome – particularly at times when we’re taking on something new. Within a business context, you may experience this when approaching new tasks, but it can also be when dealing with a new client, or something else which disturbs your confidence. Additionally, as a manager, you may also have people in your team who experience imposter syndrome; these steps can be shared to support those individuals.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – You Can Do It

If you realise you’re becoming impacted by imposter syndrome, it’s important to take stock and recognise that you can take control and – although you can get support – it will be up to you to do this.

Taking control of your inner voice may take time but this article will provide you with simple, practical steps which can quieten that voice helping you find confidence in yourself.

1. Evaluate the Evidence

It’s important to recognise that this voice is attacking you with negative thoughts so providing evidence of the alternative will help you combat its effect, look instead at what is true!

If you have been asked by someone to organise an event or speak on a subject, this person believes you are capable – this is the truth. They have asked because of evidence they have that you can do this thing, they have confidence in you.

2. Build a Portfolio

Whether it’s a file in a drawer or a folder in the cloud, create a portfolio of evidence of those things you’re good at.

Start with your skills, talents, and qualifications – list, brainstorm and gather. Be creative when considering your talents and own those things which others value in you. Keep the wonderful things others have said to you – verbally or written, emails or testimonials.

Return to this portfolio whenever you need it.

This is the truth, the proof that you are capable and valued.

3. Make it Your Focus

Particularly when you have an event or activity which is causing concern, your fears can make that voice louder. Use your own truth to override the imposter syndrome.

Whether you pick one specific affirmation or a few, make sure you can’t miss them. Write on post-it notes, record voice notes, or create screensavers with your affirmation – perhaps saying, “I am good at what I do”. Repeat these to yourself and you’ll find you start believing it.

4. Talk to Someone

If you find you are still struggling, there is benefit in sharing your thoughts with others. This may be a friend who can help you find perspective, or your own coach or mentor who can help you reflect on the truth you’re struggling to see.
You’re not alone.

Don’t Let Imposter Syndrome Halt Your Business Success

Wherever you are in your business growth, the journey to reach this point will provide evidence of your skills and talents. While it’s easy to dismiss these, recording and taking stock of what you believe makes you special – as well as what others do – can provide real benefit at those times when you are struggling with imposter syndrome.

At Your Business Matters, we know that your business success depends on you and those people within your team. Providing support for your development and mindset is one of the benefits of a strong network and effective collaborations.

If you’re looking for a team to bring you that kind of support, check out our networking and see what Your Business Matters can offer you – Networking.

Thank you to Liz Toogood for providing the inspiration and tips in this post.