Imposter syndrome is a common experience for women entrepreneurs. It’s the feeling that you’re not good enough or that you’re going to be exposed as a fraud. This can be a debilitating experience, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many successful women entrepreneurs have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”. Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing imposter syndrome have difficulty internalizing their accomplishments. Instead, they attribute their success to luck or to fooling other people into thinking they are more competent than they perceive themselves to be.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, there are a few things you can do to overcome it.
- Acknowledge your accomplishments. It’s easy to downplay your successes, but it’s important to take the time to acknowledge your achievements. Make a list of your accomplishments, both big and small. This will help you to see how far you’ve come.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s easy to compare yourself to other women entrepreneurs and feel like you’re not as successful. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your own progress and celebrate your own successes.
- Seek out mentors and role models. Having a mentor or role model can help you to feel more confident in your abilities. They can offer you guidance and support, and they can help you to see that you’re not alone in your experiences.
- Surround yourself with positive people. The people you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your self-esteem. Make sure to spend time with people who support and encourage you.
- Celebrate your successes. It’s important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you to build your confidence and self-esteem.
Remember, you are not alone in this experience. Many successful women entrepreneurs have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. By acknowledging your accomplishments, focusing on your own progress, and surrounding yourself with positive people, you can overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your goals.