Facing Imposter Syndrome Head-On: When book sales rise but self-doubt doesn't fade

It's beginning to feel more acute.

I should feel elated when meeting fans of my book "No More Bosses."

Instead, imposter syndrome hits me straight away.

Though I try to hide it, I can't ignore the internal monologue:

"Did I give the right advice?"

"Just because it works for me, might it push others off a cliff they can't survive?"

"Can they buy more books?" (just kidding)

The data suggests I'm hitting the right notes.

I recently received my first royalty cheque, and according to my rough calculations, I've sold between 1,000 and 1,400 copies.

Still, I can't shake feeling like an overnight success with undeserved empathy.

Finding Community Through Podcasting

This is why I've dedicated the latest season of "The Adrian Tan Show" to interviewing fellow self-employment travellers.

I want to identify common threads between us and share alternative pathways that have led them to where they are today.

Because life isn't linear like an old-school first-person shooter game.

I've completed four episodes with another 20 to go.

If this interests you, please listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

A review would help bring the show to others who might find it valuable.

Recent Episodes

EP1: Coen Tan - From Sensitivity to Strength

Strategic business storyteller and coach ? Coen Tan, CSP shares his journey from being highly sensitive to becoming an empathetic leader and master communicator. Using cooking metaphors, he describes developing wisdom over time and offers insights into the speaking industry.

EP2: Cheryl Lau - Defying Convention

Podcaster, coach, and content creator Cheryl Lau discusses quitting law school and a PhD program to pursue entrepreneurship. She talks about consistency, "failing forward," and building a successful career despite early setbacks.

EP3: Adeline Tiah - Reinvention for Solopreneurs

Author of "Reinvent 4.0," Adeline Tiah 謝善嫻 shares insights on lifelong employability and navigating career disruptions. She details her pivot from corporate marketing to becoming a career coach and author, emphasising risk-taking and continuous learning.

EP4: Amir Bashirudin - From Nursing to Entrepreneurship

Amir Bashirudin discusses his transition from nursing to entrepreneurship, driven by financial challenges including a $68,000 debt. His ventures include a health tech company and a crypto teaching business, culminating in "The Golden Nugget Podcast," which now has over 300 episodes.

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