Have you ever thought to yourself, “One of these days people will realize I don’t know as much as they think”?
If so, it’s okay – it happens to everyone – especially high achievers because they understand the more you learn, the more you realize how much you don’t know. This has become such a widespread phenomenon that it has been given a name – IMPOSTOR SYNDROME.
It’s all about thinking – and believing – that you are not BEING ENOUGH. Usually, you end up looking at what you’re doing wrong and forget to look at everything you’re doing right in your life.
Apart from narcissists, super low achievers, and outright crazy people – no one is immune from having self-doubt.
It’s okay to have these feelings – it’s normal, in fact. But it’s not okay to let them hold you back from doing whatever it is you want to do.
I remember sharing my self-doubts with my coach a few years ago. I had been comparing myself to another well-known marketer who had an amazing online presence and a huge following. Our programs were similar and when I questioned how I could possibility be as good as she was, my coach just laughed…turns out he had also coached her and she had the same self-doubts and feelings I had. Phew…I wasn’t the only one. In that moment, many insecurities were lifted.
Self-doubt can strike at any time to anyone – so, you’re in good company – but it’s time to get over it. Here are 5 steps you can take to ensure you win the battle.
Step #1: Own Your Success
Once a week, take stock of your successes. Write out a list in your journal of all the accomplishments you’ve done in the past 7 days. You will be amazed! And it will help you to stop dwelling on the few things that did not go as planned.
Step #2: Stop Comparing
Accept yourself for who you are. There’s a difference between bettering yourself and being better than everyone else. You don’t realize this, but you may be comparing yourself to “Gloria” who is a whiz in the same field as you are – but “Gloria” is probably comparing herself to you because you do something better (in her eyes) than she does. There’s a saying: Don’t compare your inside to someone else’s outside.
Step #3: Be Clear On The Value You Bring
Have you really considered the value you bring to others? If not, it’s about time that you did! Take out a large piece of paper and write down 30 ways you bring value to your customers – don’t stop until you complete all 30. Not only will you see how truly amazing you are, but you’ll also have a list of great outcomes to share in your marketing messages.
Step #4: Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Limiting beliefs of “not being enough” or “being an impostor” often stem from not taking a chance to prove to yourself that you ARE capable of doing more. Step out of your comfort zone and do things that challenge you…and make you think WOW…I did that. Start with baby steps outside the zone.
Step #5: Be Authentic
Share your story so people connect with you. You’re the only one with your story so it helps to make you stand apart from others in your field. People want to know where you came from, how you got to where you are today, and why you’re doing whatever it is you’re doing. And share your value so they know you are the right person to connect with. When you stand proud in being you, you cannot be an impostor.
