As an entrepreneur, you possess a unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences that make you a valuable contributor in your field. However, many entrepreneurs struggle with overcoming imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud. This can hinder your confidence, prevent you from sharing your talents with others, and ultimately limit your entrepreneurial success.
I have first-hand experience of what it’s like to doubt your credibility as an expert and lack the confidence to share your talents with the world. A few years ago, I struggled to share my message publicly. I didn’t know it at the time, but I had to overcome imposter syndrome.
If you’re doubting yourself, your ability, or your credibility then perhaps you’re where I was; and you have a few hurdles to overcome.
In this article, I’ll share a bit about my story, and I’ll offer a few useful tips that can help you too!
Recognizing Imposter Syndrome
When I first started out, I chose the brand name “The Path of Me,” which focused on helping people find their own distinct path (of purpose) in life.
At the time, this image resonated with me.
In those early days, I struggled with having my personal name tied to my work. Confidence in my ability to serve was never an issue. However, I did wrestle with whether I had the credibility needed to share my message as an authority figure.
[Pause]
I want to take a quick commercial break to inform you that I am simply telling my story here. I don’t have an issue with anyone using a brand name or company name, that isn’t their birth name, to conduct business. If that’s your brand name, then all power to you. However, in my case, I was hiding from the spotlight.
[Back to our scheduled program]
I had the skills. I had the training. And I had the certifications to back it up.
But deep down, I felt like a phony.
Who am I to share this advice publicly? Why would people listen to me? What makes me an expert on the matter?
These were thoughts that I would think to myself.
I didn’t know why I thought that way. To be honest, I didn’t try to analyze those self-sabotaging thoughts or the negative feelings that came with them. I didn’t think about it because I was stuck in the muck.
True, I was doing good work. I was serving others and helping people get results.
But I wasn’t giving myself permission to show up as myself and truly shine. I wasn’t allowing myself the chance to step into the spotlight as Rich Perry.
Do You Have the Willingness to Change?
Over the years I put out lots of content and promoted my work across the social media multiverse. I made hundreds of videos, wrote articles, and launched a podcast, not to mention all the opportunities to share my message in person via speaking gigs and trainings. It was all a period of learning.
As with anything in life, things (and people) change.
Your message can change over time.
Your image can change over time.
You can change over time!
The message or brand identity you start out with may not be the one you end up with. It can change once or a few times and that’s okay.
Through personal and professional growth, we refine and sharpen what we do. It becomes clearer and stronger. Or it evolves because we evolve.
People who have followed me for a while can attest to that, as they’ve witnessed my messaging and image evolve over time.
Coming to Terms with Imposter Syndrome
In early 2020 I went through a big rebranding period. As mentioned above, I started on this journey under a different brand name and identity – The Path of Me. This was the name of my website and all my social media channels. But over time, my feelings towards the name and identity had changed. I was doing the inner work needed to overcome imposter syndrome and it was time to step into the spotlight under a new banner.
The only problem was that, for a few years, someone else had owned the domain name – RichPerry(dot)com. For a while, I felt trapped between a rock and a hard place because I refused to settle for an alternative.
And that’s when it happened!
Finally, after years of waiting, the domain name became available, and I was able to purchase it. This meant a lot of extra work, but the shift was in alignment with the person I had grown to become. It aligned with my new message and empowered self-image.
This became the outward manifestation of doing the hard inner work to overcome imposter syndrome.
But I would never have arrived here if I didn’t start all those years ago. It was a process of learning, refinement, and personal growth.
If you’re in a similar situation – don’t fret.
Practice sharing your message. Make incremental improvements. Institute the habit of daily learning. Don’t wait for things to be perfect. Take action and move forward every day.
Also, give yourself permission to evolve.
As promised, here are some tips to overcome imposter syndrome and confidently share your message, expertise, and talents with the world.
Tips to Overcome Imposter Syndrome so You Can Share Your Message with the World
Understand Imposter Syndrome:
Believe it or not, it’s more common than you might think, even among the most accomplished entrepreneurs. It stems from a fear of not meeting expectations or a belief that one’s success is a result of luck rather than skill. Recognize that imposter syndrome is a distortion of reality and that you are not alone in feeling this way. Remind yourself that your accomplishments are the result of hard work, dedication, and genuine talent.
Reframe Your Perspective:
Instead of focusing on what you perceive as your shortcomings, shift your perspective by acknowledging strengths and achievements. Make a list of your accomplishments, both big and small. Reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome and the positive impact you’ve had on others. Emphasize the value you bring to the table and remind yourself that you are deserving of success.
Embrace Vulnerability:
Imposter syndrome often thrives in secrecy. Break the cycle by opening up to trusted friends, mentors, or a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs. Share your fears and insecurities, and you’ll likely discover that others have experienced similar feelings. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and encourage you, and remember that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
Challenge Your Inner Critic:
Your inner critic can be relentless, feeding imposter syndrome and holding you back. Take a step back and objectively evaluate your self-talk. (Self-talk is defined as the thoughts you think and the words you say, to and about yourself.) Are you being overly critical or setting unrealistic expectations for yourself? Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and realistic expectations. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge that making mistakes is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey.
Focus on Continuous Growth:
Entrepreneurship is a constant learning process. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace the mindset of continuous growth. Invest in your personal and professional development, whether through education, networking, or seeking guidance from mentors. Remember that your worth as an entrepreneur goes beyond your current achievements—it lies in your willingness to learn, adapt, and evolve.
Celebrate Collaboration:
Recognize that no entrepreneur succeeds alone. Celebrate the power of collaboration and seek opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Engage in meaningful conversations, share your expertise, and learn from others. By fostering a collaborative mindset, you’ll realize that you have unique insights and experiences that others can benefit from.
A Quick Recap
Imposter syndrome may try to hold you back, but you possess a great number of talents and expertise that the world needs. Overcome self-doubt by embracing your accomplishments, reframing your perspective, and challenging your inner critic. Surround yourself with a supportive network, celebrate collaboration, and prioritize continuous growth. Remember, your voice matters, and the world is waiting to hear your message. Step forward with confidence, share your talents, and leave a lasting impact as the remarkable entrepreneur you are.
Do You Want Help Overcoming Imposter Syndrome?
It’s time to break free from the chains of self-doubt and embrace your expertise. If you want professional coaching to help overcome imposter syndrome, then reach out to me.
I’m interested to hear your story and excited to help you step into the spotlight!
Contact me today and let’s schedule a free consultation to discuss your personal and professional needs.
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