Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Light-Hearted Insight for Solo/Entrepreneurs ??

Ever felt like you’re secretly winging it in your business, anxiously awaiting for the 'Entrepreneur Police' ?? to knock on your door and expose you as a member of the ‘I-have-no-idea-what-I’m-doing’ club?

You’re not alone.

Welcome to the common, albeit slightly absurd world of impostor syndrome, where even the most successful solo or entrepreneurs sometimes feel like they’re just one misplaced WhatsApp message away from being outed as a complete fraud. ??

The Reality of Small Business Challenges

If you're like me, I bet you’ve dodged more than your fair share of pitfalls to get past the ominous two-year mark, a feat akin to a culinary novice successfully preparing a five-course meal without burning down the kitchen.

But don't panic if you've not reached the 2 year mark yet. But brace yourself for this is a scary stat... according to the Office for National Statistics, about 60% of new businesses don't make it past their third year...WTF!

So, if you're feeling out of your depth, remember, just staying afloat is still a massive accomplishment (trust me I've been there!) ??

But, I'm here to help, so let's look at why we feel like an imposter...

Understanding Impostor Syndrome

Imposter syndrome doesn’t just serve you a humble slice of self-doubt; it delivers a full banquet of fear, anxiety, and the perennial worry that someone, somewhere, will discover you’re not the business expert everyone thinks you are. Here’s the mixed group that might be populating your thoughts:

• The Eternal Pessimist ??. Yep, the thought that keeps reminding you that the smallest success is probably just a fluke.
• The Doom Prophet ??. Who keeps you awake at night eagerly pointing out every conceivable way your business could fail.
• The Perfectionist Critic ??. Nitpicks every small mistake, no matter how insignificant.
• The Workaholic Taskmaster ??. Insists that sleep is a luxury, and work is the only measure of your worth and success.
• The Underachiever ??. Who dredges up every minor failure from the past to keep your self-esteem low and in check. Or, if you're like me, reminding me how crap I was at school and 'who do I think I am anyway!'??

Recognising these internal critics can help you see the absurdity in imposter syndrome and remind you not to take those thoughts too seriously. However, remember that these thoughts are mostly triggered by our feelings.

Talking it through with fellow solo/entrepreneurs who you trust will always help. The successful ones will reassure you that they too were once in your shoes and even being successful, can still leave you feeling like an imposter.

Working with Business Owners

I get it! I've had my fair share of impostor syndrome. I've tried my hand at a number of professions as a solopreneur whilst still holding on to my career job, and each one didn't work out as I'd hoped. Perhaps that's why I held on to my career job! ??

Let's take the profession of 'Coaching'

So many coaches out there focusing on different genres of coaching, from 'money coaches' to 'wellness coach' (and I include myself in this as a certified Law of Attraction Coach). All of us know that what we do helps others in some form or other. But when you're competing with people in the same industry, especially if they have been doing it for years, we automatically think they are better than you.

Strangely, the big impostor syndrome for me was my relationship with money not the role.

Growing up, our family didn't really have money. My dad didn't seem to hold down a job for long, and whilst he did start his own business, sadly he died financially broke. Therefore my belief system about making money was that I would never make enough, yet alone enough to be able to invest in my business.

And then there's that fear of people thinking I would be too expensive, and therefore always undercharged for my services.

Transforming Imposter Syndrome into an Asset ??

The first step in mitigating the impact of impostor syndrome is recognition, and many like me, don't recognise it. But by acknowledging these feelings, business owners can begin to address them constructively.

Here are a few strategies:

• Embrace Vulnerability: Yes, let's do this. Sharing experiences with peers can demystify these feelings, fostering a supportive community that encourages growth and learning.
• Seek Mentorship: Engaging with mentors can provide a great perspective, validate decisions, and boost confidence through guidance and reassurance.
• Focus on Learning: Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to status can shift the mindset from one of fear to one of curiosity and resilience...you've got this ??.
• Celebrate Achievements: Regularly acknowledging and celebrating successes, both big and small (through cake ??), can help reinforce self-confidence and the legitimacy of one's position and accomplishments.

Or You Could Try Cognomovement!

Enter Cognomovement, your secret weapon in the battle against the self-doubting fears of impostor syndrome.

Cognomovement is a revolutionary approach that focuses on how we feel about ourselves, and combines low level physical movement whilst focusing your attention on reducing or removing the unwanted feelings.

Sounds strange, but when I found out about it and that it helps to reset your feelings, thus rewire the brain, leading to breaking the cycle of negative thought patterns that fuel imposter syndrome, you guessed it.. I had to try it.

As soon as I removed my own limiting beliefs, my financial situation turned around literally within weeks (I'll tell you about that another time as it ties in with Law of Attraction!) But this is what it does...

• Breaks the Cycle: By engaging in specific movements using all your active senses while focusing on particular thoughts or beliefs, Cognomovement helps disrupt the habitual neural pathways that reinforce self-doubt. ??
• Builds New Pathways: As the nervous system starts to calm, this allows the brain to seek new perspectives. More positive neural pathways appear, thus fostering a healthier self-image and a stronger belief in your abilities. ???
• Release Emotional Blocks: Cognomovement sessions can help release the emotional energy trapped in these negative patterns, allowing you to move forward with confidence. ??

I know, it's incredible, and incorporating a Cognomovement session into your routine on a monthly basis can be a game-changer, it offers a practical method to reduce those nagging doubts and fears that may be holding you back in your business, inadvertently or otherwise. How do I know, because I've worked with other business owners and their world has changed for the better??

However, it doesn't stop there, other reported benefits include:

• Increase in focus
• Increase in energy
• Relationships have improved (even at home!)
• Creativity increases
• Sleep improves

Conclusion (as if you hadn't already guessed) ??

If I hadn't have used Cognomovement on myself to remove my own impostor syndrome I wouldn't be writing this article.

So, if you’ve ever felt like an imposter in your own business, remember; you’re in good company.

The key is to confront these doubts is with a mix of humour, understanding, and innovative techniques like Cognomovement. By doing so, you will not only survive the entrepreneurial journey but thrive with confidence and resilience.

And just in case you were worried, the 'Entrepreneur Police' are definitely not a thing—so go ahead, lead your business with your head held high and perhaps a smirk for those inner critics who never knew you had it in you to dance your doubts away. ????

Call to Action ??

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with impostor syndrome.

And if you have tried alternative techniques like Cognomovement to overcome it, share your stories in the comments below and let’s support each other in turning our doubts into strengths. ????

Karen xx

Cognomovent Practitioner & Law of Attraction Coach

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