the Modern Woman's Toolkit

Last week’s newsletter caused quite a stir as I received emails from women who have, and do, struggle with the question of: Who Do You Think You Are?

The question can have multiple roots for each of us. One common root is the whole concept of The Imposter Syndrome. Feeling like an imposter is the feeling of being secretly afraid that if we step into the light and show our gifts and talents, that others are going to find out that we have no idea what we’re doing and that we’re really not that competent.

We fear that people are going to be thinking - “How Dare She”, if we do take the big, bold, step into the light. This fear of being “found out” or ridiculed makes us recoil in horror and back away from pursuing anything out of our comfort zones.

I remember when I first started my coaching practice - I was terrified of being “found out” and that other coaches were better and more competent than me. How did I deal with it? In all honesty, I simply put my blinders on and did it anyway. Was I afraid? Of course. Do I still deal with the imposter syndrome now as I go to new levels? Absolutely. Will this be something I’ll always have to deal with? God, I hope so!

I say that I hope so because I’ve learned to change my perspective on how I view the imposter syndrome. I choose to look at it as a tremendous gift. A gift that allows me to continue to unmask and let others see the real me - the me that is whole - that has lots of flaws and weaknesses as well as tremendous gifts and talents.

By allowing our realness to show we - 1) take the pressure off having to be “perfect” and 2) it allows others to see that our realness is what makes us so relatable and others can learn that we were afraid and still did it anyway - in-turn, allowing them to do the same.

Here’s something to consider this week:

What area of your life are you getting in your own way or holding yourself back because you feel like an imposter? For example, have you always wanted to launch your own business and aren’t taking the steps necessary because you don’t feel good enough or ready yet? Or are you not taking action that will take you to the next level in your current business because you are afraid of what others in your industry may think?

Let me know what you come up with this week and if the imposter feeling resonates!