Are you suffering from Imposter Syndrome? Is it stopping you from achieving results? Discover the steps to stop it from getting in the way of your success.

Remember back when you were a startup – launching a new program – your lead funnel was up and running and the first leads started trickling in. During this time the thoughts would clammer in your head….

“Should I be doing this?” “It’s not perfect” “What if it isn’t good enough?” “Others are better” They will see I am a fake… a fraud” “They will find out I don’t really know my stuff” Why should they think I am an expert” and so on.

And even after those startup days, even though you are established, have a working program with happy clients feelings still surface” “I’m just lucky” “I better enjoy this while it lasts” “I’m not good enough” “Who am I to do this?”.

Sound all too familiar?

Wikipedia describes Imposter Syndrome (also known as impostor phenomenon, impostorism, fraud syndrome or the impostor experience) as a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”. Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing this phenomenon remain convinced that they are frauds and do not deserve all they have achieved.

I think we have all felt like frauds at some point of our lives and feared that we would be found inadequate by our peers – I know I have.

The problem with Imposter Syndrome and other negative mindsets is that if we allow them to take hold they create massive self doubt that affects our confidence, decision making and ultimately affects our performance and results.

Basically, letting Imposter Syndrome take the wheel will turn you into the Imposter you Fear. 

The good news is that you can take the wheel and stop Imposter Syndrome getting in the way of your success with three steps you can start using today:

Step 1: Know You Are Not Alone

According to a 2020 review published by Medical News Today, 9%–82% of people experience impostor syndrome. The numbers may vary depending on who participates in a study. Many people experience symptoms for a limited time, such as in the first few weeks of a new job. For others, the experience can be lifelong.

Imposter Syndrome tends to affect more high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments including some people you may know:

Step 2: Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

I feel self doubt and things like Imposter Syndrome are on the rise and this rise is being helped along by Facebook, Instagram and other social networking sites. We are more than ever comparing ourselves to others and social networking sites only provide airbrushed “what we want the world to see” versions of ourselves that make us all doubt our looks, talents, skills, achievements, lives etc. on a daily basis.

If you find it hard, like I do to avoid this comparison, take a look at who you are following and interacting with on these socials and try to find people that keep it real, those that will give you a warts and all perspective. Doing this, won’t stop the comparison but it will make you laugh more and give you a better perspective.

Step 3: Reset Your Mindset for Success

There are four things you can to do to reset your mindset and stop Imposter Syndrome getting in the way of your success:

Separate feelings from reality

Acknowledge the feelings of doubt but recognise them for what they are – a lack of confidence. Think about the issue you are doubting and tell yourself all the reasons and examples of why this feeling isn’t really a fact in reality.

Focus on the Positive

When those feelings of doubt creep in, focus on the things that you do really well. When I wonder if I might not be good enough at something I always try to tell myself it will be okay as I am willing to learn and pick things up quickly plus I am really good at a.b.c.

Put a New Spin on the Negatives

Some really easy ways to put a positive spin on negatives is to realise:

1) It is okay to make mistakes because you really learn from them

2) You don’t need to know everything, if you acknowledge that you don’t, you will be more open to learning and developing your skills

3) Aim to be a mentor rather than an expert. Why? It opens you up for collaboration and discussion and growth

4) This is one of my favourite mantras in times of doubt – think progress not perfection

Track your Success

Put your significant awards, client thank you cards, certificates, meaningful photos, achievements on displays to remind you that you deserve the success that you have made.

Tracking and recording your progress and success will help you separate your feelings from reality, focus on the positive, put a new spin on the negative and ultimately reset your mindset for success.

Start actively doing these 3 steps to avoid massive self doubt that affects your confidence, decision making and ultimately affects your performance and results. You got this. Take the wheel and stop Imposter Syndrome getting in the way of your sales success today!

Want more great resources to help reset your mindset for success? (as well as other great sales tools, tips and resources to maximise your results and win more clients).