One of the main things that hold people back from going after their goals and dreams – like REALLY going after it full force is imposter syndrome.
Imposter Syndrome is that feeling like you’re not good enough. Who am I to…? We all feel it to some degree. It’s not about eliminating it forever but instead, not allowing it to hold you back.
Have you ever had an idea – maybe creating art or starting your own business? You got really excited about it and then eventually talked yourself out of it?
Saying things like…
Who am I to be a painter and expect people to buy my art? There are so many better artists than me.
Who am I to start a photography business? There are so many photographers out there much more talented than me.
Who am I to create a course about cooking? I only cook for my family. I’m not a professional chef!
Any of this sound familiar?
Throughout my life I’ve always felt this way!
- When I was hired with only 7 months experience to be the only computer programmer at a licensing company, I asked during the interview – are you sure you want me? I only have 7 months experience!
- When I became the systems analyst and ran the IBM system for the company I wondered when are they going to realize I don’t know what I’m doing? I can read the manual to figure it out but that’s it!
- When I was hired for freelance computer gigs paying me lots of money I’d wonder when are they going to realize I’m still figuring it out?
- When I had my gift basket business for many years working with corporate clients I wondered – when will they figure out it’s only me working from my apartment?
- As a photographer I think when will they see that I don’t understand all the techie stuff and I’m more of an intuitive photographer. Isn’t being a technical photographer better?
The thing is, even though I’ve felt these things all along the way (and still do), I haven’t let it stop me from doing what I want to do and showing up for my goals. And you shouldn’t either!
You don’t have to be the one and only expert in your field or be the best to be able to do what you desire.
In NYC there’s a pizza place at almost every corner. There’s enough business for all of them. They’re not comparing themselves to the other pizza joints. They’re just doing their thing. There’s not just ONE pizza place for everyone – there are so many! How great is that – lots to choose from!
You don’t have to be the best to teach a class or create a course. You just need to be a few steps ahead of your students.
With art and photography, everyone has their own unique perspective and style. No one can be you. I guarantee if you went out with a group of photographers to the same location, all of the images would be different!
You know more than you think you do or are giving yourself credit for. You don’t need a degree or having to go to art school or culinary school to start painting, photographing or cooking- just as an example. If you love it, do it and get yourself out there!
How To Reduce Imposter Syndrome
Notice how I’m not saying overcome it? Not sure that it’s 100% possible but there are a few things you can do to make it better.
1 – Stop comparing yourself to others! Stay in your own lane and you do you! There’s someone out there for what you’re offering – even if you think it’s a saturated market.
2 – Reduce the fear – journal on it and see what comes up for you. It’s always so much bigger when it’s floating around in your head. Get it out onto paper where it will seem much less scary. What’s the worst thing that can happen? Embarrassment? You’ll live and will probably have a funny story to tell afterwards! You’ll also most likely learn something from the experience. There are no failures!
3 – Own your expertise! What do people come to you for? What do they always ask you about? Recipes? Photography tips? Organizing?
4 – What do you love to do? Keep doing it! If you want it to be a business, start small and test the waters but if it’s a strong desire, don’t give up!
5 – Practice being uncomfortable and doing scary things that way it won’t be as scary when it comes to doing the things that really matter to you!
6 – Think about how it would feel if you kept putting it off. Would you feel regret? Disappointment in yourself? Is that how you really want to feel? I don’t think so!!
Be brave and get your stuff out into the world! There’s someone and something for everyone!
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If you need help I have a couple of ways to support you…
- 1:1 Privale Coaching sessions – short and long term options available
- My signature goal achieving program is the best of a membership, group coaching and self paced course all wrapped up into one. You’ll be surrounded by like minded women also going after their goals in a supportive community, I invite you to check out Visualize To Materialize. Our next live round starts January 2nd!!
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