Do you feel like a fraud?

Definition:

Impostor syndrome?is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities and accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of their competence.

?"Any day now, I will be exposed as a fraud. They will figure out that I am not qualified for this position."

Sound familiar? If so, you are not alone.?

Over three-quarters (78%) of surveyed business leaders reported experiencing imposter syndrome at work, with almost half (47%) reporting that they are currently feeling it, according to new data from NerdWallet.?

So what causes Imposter Syndrome?

There are several reasons why this might occur:

1. High expectations: Small business owners and leaders often set high standards for themselves and have ambitious goals. They may constantly compare themselves to others or hold to unrealistic expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
2. Fear of failure: Leaders bear significant responsibility for their team's success. The pressure to maintain profitability, make important decisions, and lead their team effectively can be overwhelming. The fear of making mistakes or failing can contribute to impostor feelings, as they question whether they truly deserve success.
3. Lack of validation: Leaders may not receive external or internal validation or recognition for their achievements, especially in the early stages of their careers. This absence of feedback or affirmation from others can make them question their competence and feel like they are "faking it" or just lucky.
4. Comparisons with others: Constantly comparing oneself to other successful entrepreneurs or leaders in the industry can magnify feelings of inadequacy. Small business owners might believe that others are more knowledgeable, experienced, or deserving of success, undermining their confidence in their abilities.
5. Attribution bias: Impostor syndrome can be perpetuated by a cognitive bias known as attribution bias. This bias leads individuals to attribute their successes to external factors such as luck, timing, or the help of others while attributing their failures to personal inadequacies. This skewed perception of their achievements reinforces the belief that they are impostors.
6. Perfectionism: Leaders often strive for perfection in their work. They may have difficulty acknowledging their accomplishments because they constantly focus on what could have been better. This relentless pursuit of perfection can contribute to impostor feelings, as they feel they have not yet reached the standard they have set for themselves.

So what can we do to combat these feelings?

1. Celebrate your wins: Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and give yourself credit for the hard work and skills that have led to your success. Write them down and remind yourself of them when self-doubt creeps in.
2. Gratitude Changes Everything: Question the validity of self-doubt or negative thoughts. Ask yourself for evidence to support these thoughts and consider alternative, more realistic perspectives. Replace negative thoughts with things you are grateful for.
3. Embrace failure: Understand that making mistakes and experiencing failure is normal for growth and learning. Instead of viewing them as a reflection of your worth, see them as opportunities for improvement and personal development.
4. Stop being a Perfectionist: Shift your focus from striving for perfection to valuing progress. Recognize that it's okay to be a work in progress and that continuous improvement is more important than being flawless.
5. Invest in Personal Growth: Focus on expanding your knowledge and skills in any areas you feel inadequate. Seek opportunities for growth, such as workshops, courses, or networking events, and remember that learning is a lifelong journey.
6. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Getting enough rest, regular exercise, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and pursuing hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Imposter Syndrome can cause severe damage, and it is essential that you focus on overcoming it. Remember that overcoming impostor syndrome takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the progress you make along the way. If the feelings persist or significantly impact your daily life, consider seeking professional support from a therapist or counselor who can provide additional guidance and tools to address impostor syndrome.

No one is perfect. We are all "work in progress."

You are not an imposter. You are amazing.??