Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Your True Worth
As confident of a woman that I am in recognizing my own strengths, I still do not completely escape imposter syndrome. In fact, the night before each event that I host, I get an overwhelming feeling of anxiety and want to run the other direction. Suffice to say, I have learned to overcome these temporary moments of fear and have learned to prosper forward, not so much for me, but rather for all of you who have put your trust in me to create a beautiful and engaging environment for networking and relationship building.
Imposter syndrome can feel like an unwelcome guest that shows up just when you’re about to celebrate your successes. Despite evidence of your accomplishments, you may find yourself questioning your abilities, feeling like a fraud, or attributing your achievements to luck rather than skill. You're not alone—many women, at any given time of their entrepreneurial journey, experience this feeling. But there are ways to confront and overcome it.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is characterized by persistent self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as a "fraud." It can manifest in various ways, including:
Perfectionism: Setting excessively high standards and feeling disappointed when they aren’t met.
Discounting Praise: Dismissing compliments and attributing success to external factors.
Fear of Failure: Worrying that any mistake will reveal your perceived incompetence.
Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward overcoming them.
Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Acknowledge Your Feelings: Accept that feeling like an imposter is common and doesn’t define your abilities. Writing down your thoughts can help clarify and confront them.
Focus on Facts: Compile a list of your achievements, positive feedback, and strengths. This tangible evidence can remind you of your capabilities and reinforce your confidence.
Talk About It: Share your feelings with trusted friends or colleagues. You may find that many have similar experiences. Open conversations can normalize these feelings and provide mutual support.
Reframe Your Thoughts: Challenge negative self-talk by reframing it into positive affirmations. Instead of thinking, “I got lucky,” tell yourself, “I worked hard for this achievement.”
Set Realistic Goals: Break down large tasks into manageable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way to reinforce a sense of accomplishment.
Embrace Continuous Learning: Understand that no one knows everything. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on growth and improvement. Mistakes are opportunities to learn rather than evidence of inadequacy.
Seek Mentorship: Connect with a mentor who can provide guidance and share their experiences with imposter syndrome. Their insights can help you navigate your feelings and build your confidence.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. Recognize that everyone struggles with self-doubt at times, and it’s okay to seek support.
Visualize Success: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself succeeding in your goals. This positive imagery can help shift your mindset from doubt to confidence.
Engage in Networking: Join women’s networking groups or professional organizations. Surrounding yourself with supportive peers can provide encouragement and a sense of belonging. I highly recommend “CORE Women’s Network!” ;)
While the above strategies will certainly help you overcome imposter syndrome, do not get overwhelmed by all of them. Begin by choosing one or two steps to move forward and remember that consistency is key!
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, not a destination. As you continue to confront these feelings, remember that it’s okay to ask for help and lean on your community. I have found that many women I have met through my events at “CORE Women’s Network” have a sincere motive to want to see one another succeed. I have had the blessings of building strong and healthy relationships with so many of you. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and give yourself permission to own your success.
By acknowledging your worth and embracing your unique journey, you can silence the inner critic and step confidently into your future. You are not an imposter; you are a capable, talented woman deserving of every success you achieve.
Much love,
Inez xo