Entrepreneurs Conquering Impostor Syndrome

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson CNW Staff Writer

Impostor syndrome and impostor phenomenon can affect anyone, especially entrepreneurs, no matter how successful you are.

Before diving into this topic, let’s briefly define impostor syndrome. Impostor syndrome involves asking yourself the question of whether you are deserving of your accolades or accomplishments. It causes you to feel inadequate or like a fraud. It is the belief that you are not enough and not as innovative or successful as you appear to the world. Individuals who have impostor syndrome have difficulty accepting compliments. These individuals often fear taking on new responsibilities due to fear of failure. Impostor syndrome is real. Impostor syndrome keeps a person in never-ending doubt, which can often lead to both professional and personal damages. Individuals who suffer from impostor syndrome believe that perfection is a sign of success, and anything less than that is a failure. High achievers and successful individuals are most likely to experience impostor syndrome.

Impostor syndrome is common among entrepreneurs because they are often high achievers who place high expectations of themselves. However, entrepreneurs who are just starting out are at higher risk of succumbing to impostor syndrome. This is due to comparison and the strong desire to succeed.

Realizing some years ago the effect impostor syndrome was having on my life journey. I began researching to learn more about impostor syndrome affects entrepreneurs. I’ve learned throughout these years that you can conquer impostor syndrome. Let me share with you some of the ways entrepreneurs can beat impostor syndrome.

First, keep track of and celebrate your wins, even the small ones. A small win is anything that brings you closer to your goals and objectives. Keeping track of your small wins will help you focus on your strengths rather than weaknesses.

Second, be a lifelong learner and educate yourself. No doubt, confidence comes with competence. Master your skills by participating in workshops, attending webinars or possibly returning to school. Being a lifelong learner means you have a growth mindset. It means you are willing to continually push yourself and embrace new challenges and experiences. Lifelong learners tend to lead more fulfilling and multidimensional lives.

Third, network with other entrepreneurs. When I decided to start a nonprofit,

I surrounded myself with other successful founders. My purpose was to learn and glean all I could from them so that I could eventually establish my own nonprofit. Today, I am happy to say I have learned a great deal from these individuals and am the founder of started a thirty-one-year-old nonprofit.

Fourth, hire a coach. Entrepreneurs need support, accountability and a sounding board. Impostor syndrome is prevalent when you are striving toward your goals and finally doing something you’ve always dreamed of doing. Coaches can accompany you on your journey and help find solutions to your challenges. In addition, your coach can help you gain insight that will help you eliminate the feeling of impostor syndrome.

Fifth, learn to separate your feelings from facts, which is one of the best ways to combat impostor syndrome. From my experience, this can also be the most challenging part. Why? Many entrepreneurs often think they could have done more, even when the situations are out of their control. When things go wrong, self-pity or believing that you are a failure can quickly lead you down the abyss of impostor syndrome. Instead of accepting defeat, as an entrepreneur, you should examine your strengths and how you can succeed despite the difficulties.

Sixth, remember that you are not alone. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely journey, especially when you feel like no one can truly connect with your experiences and you have no one to talk to about the things you are going through. Allowing ourselves to believe we are alone will enable negativity to set it, leading to you questioning whether you are worthy or have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Remember you are not alone.

Again, celebrate your wins and accomplishments. Always learn from your failures and continue to push forward. Doing so derails impostor syndrome and will keep you motivated. Ultimately, as entrepreneurs, we can conquer impostor syndrome.

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson is Life Coach, Nonprofit CEO, Author and Minister, follow her on social media @ drsanja.com