Are You Fed Up of Feeling Like an Imposter in Your Own Business?

As a business owner, do you ever feel like a fraud? Like you’re not good enough, and everyone around you is more qualified or skilled? This feeling is known as Imposter Syndrome, and it affects many entrepreneurs and business owners. It can lead to self-doubt, fear of failure, and a lack of confidence, which can all have negative impacts on your business.

I’ve definitely had IS on many occasions – especially when I was first starting out in business.

Who am I to be saying I’m the expert at what I do?

Why would people pay for my services?

Am I even a real business owner?

Even as my business has grown and expanded, I have had occasions (although definitely more rare now!):

Who am I to be charging that much money for a service?

Most of us will have had these thoughts at some point in our business.  It’s pretty normal.

Signs of Imposter Syndrome in Business Owners

Some common signs of imposter syndrome in business owners include feeling like a fraud, fear of failure, negative self-talk, and overworking. 

When you constantly doubt your abilities and feel like you don’t deserve your success, you can often end up talking yourself out of things, or convincing yourself you should stick to playing small.

But who is that really serving?

Causes of Imposter Syndrome in Business Owners

Imposter syndrome can stem from various causes, such as childhood experiences, societal pressure, perfectionism, and high expectations.  Societal pressure can also play a role, as we’re often told that success is only for the “best and brightest.” But sometimes, it’s as simple as worrying what other people might think.

Do you know what I firmly believe?  Other people’s opinions of me are none of my business.  I’m here to serve a particular group of people and if you don’t like that (or me), that’s absolutely fine.

Effects of Imposter Syndrome in Business Owners

The effects of imposter syndrome in business owners can be detrimental to both mental health and business growth. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. It can result in a lack of confidence and fear of taking risks. 

It keeps you small.

If you have a message, or a product, or an offering that is genuinely going to be a game changer for people, then why on earth would you play it small??

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think everyone is going to be shouting from the rooftops from day 1, but you should definitely be taking steps to get to that rooftop.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Overcoming imposter syndrome is not easy, but there are strategies that can help. A mindset shift is crucial, where you start to believe in your abilities and accomplishments. 

I have had some momentous mind shifts over the past 18 months, including imposter syndrome.  I had negative feelings about whether I deserved success and what made me think I could position myself as the expert. 

What I realised was that there will always be people who might think I don’t deserve success or don’t think I am the expert.  And that’s ok.  I’m not for everyone.  But for those that I am for, then they definitely deserve for me to be all in and believe in myself.

I don’t think I have met someone who did not have moments of imposter syndrome in one form or another at some point.

And occasionally it rears it’s head, even for me.  But I remind myself of my why, who I am here to serve and celebrate all of our successes.  

Much Love, Sam x