9 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
That dreaded phrase imposter syndrome can really stop you in your tracks when you're trying to make progress in your business.
I wrote this blog post because I felt the need to help at least one person that is struggling with this, especially when you start a new business venture in an industry that you're fairly new.
When I started my business as a graphic designer, I’ll be honest I felt confident ‘i was like yeah I can do this, I’ve been creative since I was born it’s in my DNA (my mum is super creative), how hard can it be’. But then I started becoming friends with other designers on Instagram, more experienced designers who were very successful. Hearing how they were making 10k a month, finding clients left right and center. Needless to say, I wasn’t having the same success that they were, I was struggling to get clients and imposter syndrome started creeping in, the self-doubt was real “maybe my designs aren’t good enough, I’m self-taught what do I know, can I really make this work’. I knew that I had to do something because I refused to give up on making my business a success, after all the whole point of me starting my business was because I wanted to ditch the whole 9-5 working in the corporate world rate race and start a business as a branding and web design, I loved it. So how was I going to shift my mindset?
These are just a few things that helped me deal with Imposter Syndrome and I hope they help you also
1. Stop Comparing
I know it’s easier said than done especially when you are bombarded with content from other people in your industry. But honestly, if you can block out what your fellow peers are doing it will help you so much. do what you have to do, I mute some of my fellow designers on IG because I know that it will distract me from my own goals.
2. Celebrate your wins
I’m a big believer in celebrating your wins. No matter how big or small celebrate your wins are, celebrating them will boost your confidence.
3. What makes you unique
we’re all different and have unique gifts, when you find yourself comparing remember what makes you different and use that.
4. What's your reason for starting your business in the first place
Remember why you started, your business in the first place, focus on that and use that when you feel like giving up honestly it will give you that push to keep going.
5. Invest in a course
if you feel that you skills aren’t where you’d want them to be, there’s no shame in that, I invested in a few courses to give the skills and confidence I needed.
6. Find a mentor
If you feel that you are stuck, then reach out to someone in your industry that is more experienced and you feel a connection to. I did this and it was so reassuring because she understood exactly how I felt and was able to give me some advise that I have used in my business.
7. Talk to a supportive friend.
Notice I said supportive, talk to a friend that you know will give you the support you need. Let them know how you're feeling just talking to someone else and getting your feeling out can relieve you of the burden of self-doubt. Or write in a journal how you're feeling.
8. Practice, Practice, Practice.
A good way to boost your confidence is to practice your skills, imposter syndrome can stop you from moving forward but practicing and sharpening your skills will help your confidence to grow. and before you know it you’ll be saying imposter who?
9. Don’t Stop
Whatever you do, don’t stop!!! I know you got a dream and would be a shame to allow feelings of self-doubt to stop you from living out that dream. But try and push through it honestly you’ll be so happy when you look back at how far you’ve come and what an inspiration you are to others.
Just remember you're not alone, we all experience imposter syndrome at some point in our lives, Remember why you started, Celebrate your wins and remember what makes You, YOU.
I really hope that these tips help. Love Joanne x