Have you ever felt that strong overwhelming feeling that you’re out of your depth? That someone else could do a far better job than you?

Do you often hear a little voice inside that says “You can’t do this!” Or “You’re not good enough.” Or “You don’t deserve this.”

If this resonates with you, then you are likely to be experiencing symptoms of Imposter Syndrome.

And you are not alone. Hearing these negative thoughts inside your head is completely normal. Especially when you’re out of your comfort zone.

Research conducted by Dr. Valerie Young tells us that 70% of people experience Imposter Syndrome at some point in their lives. Even celebrities, who we all consider to be very successful, people like Ryan Reynolds, Kate Winslet, and Emma Watson, experience this syndrome.

But imagine if these celebrities listened to those negative voices in their heads and never took action. Never stepped out of their comfort zone? We definitely wouldn’t recognise their names today.

Imposter Syndrome – Bully or your Best Friend?

I believe that you have a choice.

I believe you can choose whether you want to be the victim – and listen to all the negative things that Imposter Syndrome has to say – and NEVER take on any new challenges in life. And never improve yourself.

OR you can choose to treat the Imposter Syndrome as your best friend. You know, that friend who ultimately has your best interests at heart. And simply doesn’t want to see you get hurt.

I prefer to choose the latter.

Don’t try to overcome Imposter Syndrome!

I’m not here to tell you to overcome these feelings. In fact, I want you to acknowledge that it’s all part of being human – and if deep down in your gut you feel that you’re making the right decision – then you should go for it!

Over the past four years in my content marketing business, I’ve discovered that the majority, if not ALL, of the small business owners I’ve met over that time, have felt this way at one time or another. And this vulnerability has been stopping them from stepping out of their comfort zone to write those blogs and send out those e-newsletters.

But if you don’t push forward – then you’ll never reach your full potential.

Become friends with the Imposter Syndrome

You can choose to take control and be the driver in your life. Not the passenger. And you can CHOOSE to be positive. All the time.

So today, I want to teach you how to become best friends with the Imposter. And it all starts with a HUG. 

H – The ‘H’ stands for ‘Hear’. Hear what she has to say. What negative words is she throwing at you right now? Whatever she says, acknowledge it – but don’t absorb it.

U – The ‘U’ stands for ‘Understand’. Understand WHY she is saying those things to you. It could be because you’re in a situation that is way out of your comfort zone. Or a friend or family member has planted that negative seed. Or you have planted that negative seed yourself. But deep down in your gut, you know you deserve to be where you are.

G – The G stands for ‘Go do it anyway!’ Because it’s your job to prove her wrong. Prove that you DESERVE this!

And only after you’ve gone and done it anyway, can you experience HUGS – plural.

S – The stands for ‘Silence’. Because once you prove to her that you CAN do this – she has nothing left to say.

But she won’t ever completely go away.

No.

She’ll be back again when the next challenge presents itself. But I hope now you know how to manage her negativity! 

Imposter syndrome can be a bully or your best friend. I hope you make the right choice.

Until next time,

Leanne