Struggling with Imposter Syndrome as a Coach? Here are 3 Proven Steps to Overcome it Fast

Does this sound familiar to you? You’re an aspiring coach (or perhaps you already have some experience); your ambitions are clear and definite. The excitement of a promising and satisfying career helping others—personally and professionally—fills you with joy. Yet despite your admirable ambitions, a continual sense of inadequacy gnaws at you.?

You question yourself: Do I have what it takes? Is this even possible for me? Can I actually make a difference in people’s lives??

This is the sly and subtle effect of imposter syndrome. Many coaches experience imposter syndrome when first getting started in their businesses. So rest assured, you’re not alone. However, I understand that consolation on its own is not enough to overcome this mental roadblock.?

For this reason, I have 3 simple tips in this article that can help. But first, it helps if we fully understand…

WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological experience that impacts your inner state in a certain part (or parts) of your life, making you feel like a fraud or a phony. Even people who have seen success can experience imposter syndrome. As a result, it’s important to realize that it’s very prevalent and you shouldn’t be ashamed of it.?

Some symptoms of imposter syndrome may include:

• Negative self-talk
• Perfectionism
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Restlessness or depression
• Fearing either/both success and failure
• Feeling like a fraud

HOW TO OVERCOME IMPOSTER SYNDROME AS A COACH

Now that we’re clear on exactly what imposter syndrome is as well as its various symptoms, you’re probably wondering how you can actually overcome it. There’s good news here. Even though imposter syndrome can feel like a very crippling condition, you can overcome it with a few simple steps.

1. RECOGNIZE THE TRUTH

Imposter syndrome has a way of making us forget who we are and what we’ve already done. You may have doubts about your abilities as a coach. But if you look at your life with objective eyes, I think you’ll see that you’re far more capable and qualified than you think. Revisit your memories of past accomplishments and ask yourself…

Have you ever overcome an obstacle you struggled with for a long time? Have you ever achieved a particular goal or outcome that you worked really hard for? Have you ever surprised yourself with an unexpected success?

Here’s the deal: Everything success—regardless of how big or small it may be—is proof that you are capable of more success. And if you’ve ever done something worthwhile in your life, it means you are qualified to help someone who may not be as far along the path as you.

And that is the truth!

2. SHIFT YOUR MINDSET

You’re probably not going to be coaching CEOs and pro athletes right out of the gate. So try starting small and working your way up as you build your confidence as a coach. Can you coach a family member or a friend? Can you coach a colleague at work or an acquaintance? All too often, new coaches think they need to be an expert with years of experience and credentials to help others.?

And while yes, those things are helpful (and you’ll eventually get there), they are not hindrances in regard to your success. Why? Because to truly help others as a coach, you just need to be a little further ahead of the people you’re coaching.?

This requires a shift in mindset.

Don’t look at it as you need to have done it all and see it all. Instead, see it from the perspective of “I’ve come a long way, and although I still have a long way to go in my own development, my current experience is more than enough to help bring others up who haven’t come as far as I have.”?

This is the simple mindset shift that will help you to recognize your own value as a coach.

3. FIND MENTORSHIP

One of the best ways to overcome imposter syndrome as a coach is to find mentorship. A mentor can guide you through this process. Moreover, they can also help you overcome limiting beliefs and false thinking patterns. As a result, you can beat imposter syndrome and skyrocket your success much faster than you could on your own.?

They say there are no shortcuts to success. And for the most part, that’s true. However, if there was any way to “time-collapse” the time it takes to overcome imposter syndrome, it would be through mentorship.?

So, find a mentor who can guide you through this process. It will be invaluable to not only overcoming imposter syndrome once and for all, but it will be a catalyst to your own development as a coach.?

FINAL THOUGHTS

You don’t have to let imposter syndrome hinder your potential as a coach. You can beat it (for good) by following the simple steps laid out in this article. Moreover, you will see your business and success skyrocket as a direct result. And if you need assistance in this area, we at Certified Flourishing Coach can help!?

We are a tribe of expert coaches and facilitators that use an evidence-based framework proven to help coaches flourish both personally and professionally. So if you’re ready to flourish in your business and in your life, contact us today to learn more!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Abe Brown, MBA, CMCT, CPHSA is the Coach’s Coach, and is an Entrepreneur, Professional Speaker, International Best-Selling Author, and High-Performance Leadership Coach. He is the founder of Certified Flourishing Coaching?, the Flourishing Life Coaching Program?, and Flourishing Workplace. Abe is also the author of the Certified Flourishing Coaching? Programs.

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