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Imposter Syndrome is one of the most common problems entrepreneurs face when they come to me.

So common in fact, I’ve decided to dedicate this extended blog post (as well as two more) to helping you soulful entrepreneurs out there understand and tackle imposter syndrome.

Let’s get started. 🟢

I want you to picture these two 2️⃣ scenarios. 

Scenario 1: The ‘Made-It’ Entrepreneur

You’re an entrepreneur with a successful track record of running your own business. 📈

People look up to you and respect you – because of what you’ve achieved.

You feel great. You’ve made it. 🏆

And yet you haven’t. You’re still not “there”. Something still feels… amiss.

Scenario 2: The ‘On-the-Way-Up’ Entrepreneur

You’re an Entrepreneur. You’re intelligent, maybe a little bit disorganized, but you work hard. 💪

You’re not quite at the stage where you can say “I’ve made it”, but you’ve had a few wins 🎉 along the way… and yet, you can’t help but feel that they’re the result of luck🍀, not hard work. ⚒️

Do either of these scenarios feel familiar to you? 

I’ll be honest. Most of my clients come to me from Scenario 2. But there’s one thing that’s common to both scenarios, regardless of which most relates to you.

What’s the Common Factor with Imposter Syndrome?

In short, it’s that gnawing feeling. 😬

More accurately, a feeling like you don’t deserve to be where you are. 

A persistent feeling of self-doubt – “How did I get here?”, “Should I even be here?”, and – worst of all – “When are my peers going to realize I’m a fraud?” 😟

If you’re experiencing any of the above, dear soulful entrepreneur, you’re likely suffering from imposter syndrome. 🥷

Yes, you read me right: imposter syndrome.

Believe me, I know. I’ve been there. And the truth is, so have many, many other entrepreneurs.

But here’s the thing: recognizing imposter syndrome can be tough!

After all, it often wears different masks 🎭 – perfectionism, a fear of failure, believing that your success is down to luck and not hard work. A feeling that you don’t deserve your own success.

A feeling that you don’t belong where you are right now as a entrepreneur.

This can make for a pretty isolating experience – especially if you’ve got people supporting you and telling you how great you’re doing. 

What’s more, if these feelings are left unaddressed, they can solidify into fixed beliefs. We know how dangerous those can be for our mindset – in business, and in life.

Why Am I Experiencing Imposter Syndrome?

At this stage, you may be thinking, “Okay, Lisa – so how do I overcome imposter syndrome?”

We’ll get to that shortly –

But first, it’s worth understanding why you’re experiencing it – in particular, “What’s fueling my belief that I’m an imposter?”

Honest answer? It’s probably you. 🫵 

And not because there’s anything wrong with you. No. ⛔🙅‍♀️

And don’t worry – it’s definitely not because you’re a fraud. You are where you are for a very good reason. 

Dear Soulful Entrepreneur, the chances are, you’re feeling like an imposter because of your own high expectations. 📏 Because you have high standards – for yourself. 

Which is a good thing! 👍

In fact, if you’ve only recently become an entrepreneur, it could just be that you’re going through a phase of adjustment – that you’re getting used to the new environment you’re now occupying.

But this isn’t imposter syndrome. Not technically speaking. In fact, it’s quite normal.

On the other hand, if it’s something that’s gone on for a while – a persistent insecurity that gnaws at you, day in, day out… the chances are you’re looking at imposter syndrome.

What Drives Imposter Syndrome?

Most often, it comes down to one of these:

• Fear of judgement 😨
• Fear of failure ⛔
• Perfectionism 💯
• Comparing yourself with others 🐢🐰
• Lack of self-confidence 😓

…each of which can be easily exacerbated by the demands of just being an entrepreneur – something which is especially difficult if you’re an entrepreneur who’s also a second-language speaker of English. (Here’s a resource to help you)

How Can I Improve My Mindset?

I know what you’re thinking – “How do I get myself out of this imposter syndrome funk?” 

Well, the good news is, after reading this, you may well be on your way already. 🛣️ 

Understanding imposter syndrome – as with so many things – is the first step on the journey to conquering it. 

It all starts with awareness. 🧘‍♀️

So no, you’re not a fraud. You can stop believing that now (Lisa’s orders!). Instead, you’re a successful entrepreneur. You are. And you’re on your journey. And all journeys have bumps. ⛰️

In my next blog post, that’s exactly what I’m going to be talking about – helping you take that next step in your journey to overcome imposter syndrome.

Or maybe you are ready to talk to me personally, as a mindset coach with experience helping entrepreneurs like you push past imposter syndrome?

If that’s you, I’d love to hear from you – reach out to me here. 📧

And don’t forget – if you’re an entrepreneur, I’ve got just the resource to help you conquer your imposter syndrome.

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