Feeling like an imposter in the life coaching industry?

I remember when I started as a coach 10 years ago, I would get into self-doubt quite often; thoughts like "Am I able to help this person", "Am I good enough to coach people", and "Is my advice even helping". So here is something my mentor taught me and that stayed with me: "Coaching is not about finding answers on behalf of your clients, it's about asking the right questions, holding a safe space where a client can find their way, you just go on that journey with them with a lot of openness, curiosity, non-judgment, objectivity and kindness" Try this perspective in your coaching practice and see how you feel.

Everyone puts on pants the same way. It's a great equalizer. You don't need to have a million dollars, a number one song, or a gold medal to have a bond with someone who has those things. These are the things that pull us into imposter syndrome. But these aren't the things people are likely to need your coaching for. People you might view as being above you, have doubts, insecurities and blind spots just like everyone else. Find the point where where you can connect, and that's the place where you can be effective.

Stop labeling yourself! Nine times out of ten, we hide the real issue by telling ourselves we have imposter syndrome. When you identify the underlying problem (lack of confidence, expertise, education, experience, etc), you can take control of your journey and take steps to feel more like you "fit in". When you tell yourself you have imposter syndrome, you make it a hundred times harder to recognise the steps you need to take to eliminate that feeling. "Imposter syndrome" feels big and overwhelming but "I'm not as experienced as other coaches" is something you can deal with a lot more easily!

Impostor syndrome is a common phenomenon in the life coaching industry, where professionals may feel like frauds despite their qualifications and successes. The pressure to project a flawless image and the personal nature of coaching relationships can exacerbate these feelings. However, acknowledging that impostor syndrome is a widespread experience is the initial step towards overcoming it. By recognizing and reframing their thoughts, focusing on strengths, and cultivating self-compassion, life coaches can develop a more genuine and resilient sense of self, leading to more effective coaching and personal growth.

I never operate above my station. I never worry about fraud. I simply am open about what I have been through in my life without using any names via a blog. I make it perfectly clear I am not a doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, I am a person, a mother, a survivor of abuse and Adult Child Abandonment. My only goal is to support them and give them resources to get to the specialist they need to be with. I give them some coping skills and information.

Remember WHY you started. It's not about YOU. Your passion for helping others is your greatest strength; let it guide you through any self-doubt you may face.

Your distinctive journey to becoming a life coach is a treasured asset. Embrace your unique path by acknowledging your experiences, skills, and dedication. You don't need to be perfect or have all the answers to empower others. Your authenticity, vulnerability, and willingness to learn are powerful tools that foster meaningful connections with clients who value your genuine and relatable approach. By proudly owning your story, you'll build trust, credibility, and a loyal client base who appreciate your individuality and perspective.

Everyone has their super power! You have it too! Just listen what is one thing that your clients keep telling you. Is it - it's so easy to open up to you or - You inspire me to .... or - you just see right through me that's your superpower! Add this to your expertise and you become unstoppable!

I absolutely NEVER stop studying everything I can get my hands on. For me ? Definitely! For others? Definitely! I feel my higher power, which is God. Not judging anyone for who they are and no judgement on their higher power. Just let it guide you to where you need to be. Lifelong learning is imperative in what I have to offer people. I will never stop learning better ways to help people.

One thing I recommend doing when you are feeling down or unsure of your abilities is to compare yourself with yourself. Compare your first sessions to sessions now. Compare your first-year earnings to the last. Let yourself to see your growth - you can not argue with that!

Being a Life Coach is a great tool to help people with self experiences, study, research. Giving my clients resources to help and getting them to where they need to be. Helping them in all areas of their lives by offering support that is only within my realm of experience and continuing education.

If you've actually put the work in and have made efforts to increase your skills and knowledge, then you aren't an imposter. Imposter syndrome creeps up on me sometimes and I have to remind myself that no one has the right or authority to tell me who I am or what I'm good at. People may have their own judgements based on THEIR perspectives, but that doesn't make them right. Focus on what you are doing well rather than anything else. I would also suggest that you challenge any negative beliefs about yourself. I may record a video about this topic soon.

Esse é sentimento que acontece com todos aqueles que realmente se importam com o que estão fazendo! Eu acredito que para vencer a "síndrome do impostor" em qualquer área da vida, precisamos de 3Ps (atitudes e ações): 1 - Presença 2 - Preparo 3 - Prática Quando vivemos e aplicamos esses 3 pontos, nos desenvolvemos, adquirimos confiança e assim, credibilidade.