Be brave and believe in yourself

You’re not good enough There’s no vaccine, no antidote and no way of avoiding it. You’ll be infected with imposter syndrome within moments of setting up your own business. Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you don’t deserve the respect, trust or money that comes your way because of what you do.

It’s the little voice that whispers “You’re not good enough,” usually at inappropriate moments. It often strikes as I’m about to email my first invoice to a new client: “You’re not good enough to charge that much money.” Imposter syndrome can cripple your confidence because if you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else?

When it strikes, you’re in good company. Tom Hanks, Lady Gaga and Serena Williams have all described feeling inadequate. “When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?” asked Hanks in an interview.

Stock up on positive feedback

One of the best cures for imposter syndrome is listening to the good things your customers say about you.

Whenever someone gives you positive feedback, make a note of it. Create a document that lists all your positive reviews, all the generous thank-yous in emails and private

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PUMPS, MOTORS, FANS & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT with engineering solutions from an expert in electrical & machinery efficiency, with 35 years’ experience messages, and any other kind words you receive. Make this list your defence against imposter syndrome. Print it out and put it over your desk or in your work space. Use it to arm yourself, daily, against the worm of negativity that threatens to undermine what you’re building. The statements from people who appreciate what you do are way more powerful than negative thoughts.

Don’t be isolated by doubt

They are in a different league to me. Or so I think.

But when you mix with others like yourself –owners of small businesses – you find that you’re not so different. You have similar fears, problems and experiences. Your skills, that you consider inadequate, are envied by some of your peers. Don’t let imposter syndrome keep you locked up. I’m a big advocate of talking to your customers, to your competitors and to other business owners. Sharing thoughts, ideas and points of view helps confirm that you’re not so very different from others who do what you do.

Take care who you listen to.

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Imposter syndrome can stop you talking to the people who can help you – your peers. I’m a copywriter, and sometimes the last people I want to talk to are other copywriters. Why? Because it will take just seconds for them to spot that I’m not really one of them.

Accept wisdom and experience when it’s offered, but ignore irrational negativity, including imposter syndrome. When you run a small business, or aspire to run one, you’re taking a bold step. You’re putting yourself in control of your time in order to do something you love, or to earn an income, and probably both. I celebrate that boldness – well done to you!