Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Susan Friesen BBA
Speaker & Small Biz Brand Strategist Unmasking Your Brand's Authentic Identity
Don’t Let Doubt Dictate Your Destiny
Are you playing small so other people around you can feel more comfortable?
There was something about that question that struck a chord with me when I was on a recent trip listening to Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima.
I could relate a lot to the scenarios she was describing either from my past or what is currently going on in my deep psyche.
From feeling like an imposter for many years as I dove into the complex world of the online web and marketing space to questioning if I truly am expert enough to be declared a brand strategist.
When we believe we are not enough, the domino effect is enormous.
Looking at this insidious issue from a business perspective, we can easily talk ourselves out of numerous opportunities due to that quiet (or rather very loud) inner voice telling us we are not good enough, know enough, have enough.
Which all boils down to feeling we are not worthy.
Not worthy of the kind of success we can only dream of…
Not trusting we can accomplish our dreams…
Not asking for advice for fear of looking stupid (ouch!)…
Not seeking help thinking it would be too expensive or not wanting to give up control…
Not feeling we have enough value to charge what we should be charging.
I was recently invited to my grade seven Bradner Elementary reunion celebration (I didn’t know that was a thing!). In an instant, all of my 12-year-old insecurities showed up and I immediately thought, “I can’t go!”
I instantly relived all the drama of those years, with the incessant teasing and bullying, the humiliating moments of rejection, and the hair-pulling fights with the mean girls.
No thanks! I’ll stay home where it’s safe.
Irrational? Absolutely!
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That’s why listening to Jamie’s book was so profound for me.
She called me out and made me face my deep-rooted insecurities that are not relevant at all to me today.
As a result, I feel I am not showing up fully and thwarting the true experiences that are awaiting me.
How about you?
Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed a lot of success in my life since those dreary school days, and if I had listened to ALL those not-so-quiet inner voices, I would not be enjoying a very successful business today.
But those voices are still there. Taunting me. Questioning me. Telling me to be safe.
It’s a daily practice to ignore them and keep moving forward.
Sometimes I waiver and want to quit, slow down, and go back to bed. But I quickly realize that’s just trash talk and I get back to fulfilling my purpose in life.
Do you have the courage to ignore those negative voices, too?
Do you have the courage to trust your knowledge and expertise?
Do you have the courage to feel worthy?
I’m here to tell you YOU ARE ENOUGH!
Believe it and do what it takes to pursue your passion.
Still not convinced? Take a step forward and read Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life.
To your business success, Susan Friesen
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