Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: My Personal Journey and Tips from "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

"I'm a fraud..."

"I don't belong here..."

"I'm not worthy..."

Those were some of the millions of thoughts that ran through my head the first time I sat in a room filled with top-performing CEOs and business leaders. I was star-struck and intimidated.

That was the first time I dealt with Imposter Syndrome.

Sitting in a room with 55 other leaders, I quietly went down my own rabbit hole of doubt. There were Fortune 500 CEOs and founders, and leaders who advise on global geopolitical issues. There were leaders from businesses that dominate and control entire industries and even a 6 time Unicorn founder.

I felt completely out of place and without a doubt like I did not belong.

"What could they possibly gain from me?"

I've jumped out of airplanes for fun and have laughed in the face of death, and in this room, with these people, I was freaking out.

As a business advisor and entrepreneur, I've faced my fair share of challenges. But one of the most daunting, the one that lingers like a shadow, is imposter syndrome. You know, that nagging feeling of not being good enough, of being a fraud? Yeah, that one.

I remember the first time I picked up Stephen R. Covey's timeless classic, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." I was at a crossroads in my career, and I desperately needed guidance. This book shook me to the core, unveiling a new perspective on personal growth and mindset.

But it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies. As I delved into the habits, I struggled to juggle them alongside the demands of running a business. Can you relate?

Covey's Habit 1, "Be Proactive," speaks volumes about our ability to take charge and make things happen. But as business owners, we're often stretched thin, grappling with a thousand tasks. How can we truly "Be Proactive" when we're drowning in to-dos?

Here's where I learned to swim against the tide. I developed my own Growth Acceleration System, a tailored approach to help entrepreneurs like you and me find our footing amidst chaos. ??

So, how can we overcome imposter syndrome and embrace our inner leader?

Try this simple 3-step framework, inspired by Covey's wisdom:

1. Reflect: Look inwards and identify your strengths. Ask yourself, "What am I truly good at? What unique talents do I bring to the table?"
2. Realign: Make a conscious effort to focus on your strengths. How can you leverage them to create value and make a difference?
3. Reaffirm: Remind yourself of your accomplishments. Celebrate your victories, however small, and let them fuel your confidence.

And here's a template to guide you:

My unique strengths are:

a. ____________

b. ____________

c. ____________

I will leverage these strengths by:

a. ____________

b. ____________

c. ____________

My recent accomplishments include:

a. ____________

b. ____________

c. ____________

The journey to overcoming imposter syndrome isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to invest in yourself.

Make the commitment.

Remember, you are the architect of your destiny. So, let's conquer self-doubt together and build businesses that thrive! ??

What tips and tricks have helped you overcome imposter syndrome? Share your insights in the comments below! ??