When the IMPOSTER SYNDROME is real, what can you do?

If you’re just starting out with your business, then you will most definitely come face to face with the “imposter syndrome”. 

This is the thought pattern that questions your ability to start out in the first place, your capacity to finish what you’ve started, and your confidence to show people what you’re really good at. 

And when the imposter syndrome hits you, it hits hard. It slaps you in the face to the ground. So what do you do then?

That’s why I’m very excited to have this lovely conversation on this very relatable topic with my guest Julie Deen in this podcast episode. As entrepreneurs who both started our businesses in 2019, and then suffered through the pandemic restrictions a year later, we each had our share of this imposter syndrome.

Here’s her take on what you can do when you’re feeling inadequate about opening, starting, and pushing on for your business.

1. Admit that it feels lonely to start a business.

It really does. Nobody will understand you especially if you’re mostly surrounded by people who are thriving in corporate jobs. But for some amazing reason, just admitting that it gets lonely could sharpen your focus on the value of what you’re actually doing, and how it is truly helpful to others.

2. Get comfortable with changing relationships. 

When you’re an entrepreneur, people would assume that you can meet with them anytime just with a drop of a hat. But that’s not true. You would not always have the same schedule as the regular 9-5 people. When you’re working for yourself, you got to learn to get comfortable with the thought of missing out on some scheduled gatherings. 

3. Deal with the fear. 

Yes, it is scary to start a business. The future can be really scary when it is uncertain. But when you just hang in there, and that means you might even need to suck it up and deal with it right now until more people catch on, you would surprise yourself with how you have passed that fear over. 

4. Just continue to go. 

It’s easy to say trust yourself because you would need so much mental strength in there, but really, you can do that more than you know. Persevere, and you’ll be glad you did. 

5. Know that you’re not alone. 

There are so many other entrepreneurs who can relate to this feeling of inadequacy, and what we can vouch for is this: the secret is consistency. Just keep on showing up. You might not be finding the right people for you right now, but the right people are there. They will be able to catch up on you in time. 

I do hope these realizations would empower you to just keep pushing on for your business. Focus on the value that you can give to your niche because you know how valuable your service is. Julie and I truly had a fruitful and inspiring talk in this podcast episode and you’d be glad you listened until the end. 

I’d be happy to hear about your realizations, too!