Tackling Imposter Syndrome: A Guide for Freelancers and Small Business Owners

If you've ever found yourself doubting your skills, accomplishments, or feeling like you're just one step away from being exposed as a fraud, congratulations – you might be dealing with imposter syndrome. Trust me, you're not alone in this. I’ve worked with a huge number of entrepreneurs over the years, and believe me, many many people feel like this. 

Picture this: You're working away, putting in the hours, delivering top-notch work to your clients, and making huge strides in your industry. Yet, there's this nagging feeling that you're not as competent as others perceive you to be. Welcome to the world of imposter syndrome – that sneaky voice in your head that whispers, "You're not good enough."

On a day-to-day basis, imposter syndrome manifests in various ways, turning what should be a hugely rewarding experience into something that leaves you riddled with fear and self doubt. You might find yourself downplaying your achievements, attributing success to luck rather than your hard work, or feeling anxious about the next big project, fearing it might be the one where you'll finally be exposed.

The constant comparison game is another trap. Scrolling through social media, you see your peers showcasing their wins, and suddenly, your own accomplishments pale in comparison. "Am I doing enough? Am I even cut out for this?" These questions can become overwhelming, clouding the joy of your achievements and stopping you from taking action. I see this time and time again with my clients. Not achieving the results they want because they are caught in a cycle of fear and procrastination, stopping them from taking the action they know will bring about results.

But here's the kicker – imposter syndrome isn't just about feeling like a fraud. It's often a red flag for deeper issues of self-worth. Renowned therapist Marisa Peer delves into the concept of conditional worth, emphasising how our beliefs about ourselves are often rooted in early experiences and societal expectations. If you're plagued by imposter syndrome, it's often a sign that somewhere along the line, you picked up the notion that you must achieve to be worthy. It’s not as simple as a confidence issue that can be overcome by feeling the fear and doing it anyway - imposter syndrome runs much deeper than this. 

But how does this impact your business? In my coaching practice I see imposter syndrome having a huge impact on the potential success of business owners.  Imagine you're hesitating to pitch that groundbreaking idea, fearing it's beyond your capabilities. You might be avoiding networking opportunities because you believe you don't measure up to your peers. These hesitations, born out of imposter syndrome, can hold you back from seizing opportunities that could skyrocket your business.

It's not just about missed opportunities either – imposter syndrome can lead to burnout. Constantly striving for perfection, working late into the night to prove your worth, can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. The fear of failure, deeply rooted in imposter syndrome, can turn your entrepreneurial dream into a stressful nightmare. I know this feeling well myself.  

So, what's the antidote? I get the best results with my clients by unraveling the layers of conditional worth. This is working with clients to unpick the notion of attaching their value solely to achievements and working to acknowledge and accept their worthiness just as they are right now.  It's not about proving yourself; it's about embracing the fact that you're deserving of success simply because you exist.  This can be tough to accept, especially for those of us experiencing imposter syndrome. 

However, working with a coach can be a game-changer. Coaches like myself are armed with tools and techniques that can help you get to the bottom of what is really going on for you.  Through guided sessions, I can help you uncover the roots of your self-doubt, challenge negative thought patterns, and support you in cultivating a mindset that supports you achieving the success you desire. 

Remember, as a small business owner or freelancer, you're often navigating this alone. You don't have a wider team to lean on, so it can feel like a really lonely place. But it doesn't have to be.

Here’s what one of my clients said about the work we did together:

I was introduced to Emily in her capacity as a business coach by a good friend. Recognising that I had been struggling with some significant life changes, she knew that Emily’s unique style could help me break through some of the unhelpful thoughts, feelings and limiting beliefs I had created a narrative around for myself. I had gone through a marriage breakdown, change of job with the insecurity and imposter syndrome that serves up when you find yourself in a much bigger pond. When I met Emily, she instantly put me at ease. I unpacked everything that had weighed down heavily on me very quickly. She has an unassuming and non-judgmental way of sitting with you, so you feel completely comfortable doing this. Well timed questions, incredibly pertinent observations and reframing along the way have been a gamechanger for me. For me it was a no brainer to continue past the initial consultation, in fact it’s singularly one of the best investments I’ve ever made in myself and has made a considerable difference to my life this year. My confidence in myself has improved. I think it will always be a work in progress, however I now try to think of myself much more kindly and celebrate the small wins daily. I understand what I’m prepared to tolerate in others and have clearer boundaries and therefore healthier relationships.The imposter syndrome has lifted – I still get nervous or anxiety with certain situations, which I believe is very human, but it's no longer crippling me daily. I’ve got very comfortable with myself and being ok if I’m not for everyone. I set clear expectations with others. I’ve got my own house in order; taking a look at my financial circumstances and how I can set in place better spending and saving habits, planning more effectively for the future and taking back control. 

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If this resonates with you, please get in touch to talk through how we can work together in 1:1 coaching.