Rasmussen MA CEC PCC If you are like most small business owners, you are continually growing, and this is often where imposter syndrome shows up. New skills. New decisions. New risks. Growth is exciting, and it can also feel confusing. That confusion can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward in your business.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling that your success is undeserved and that you will eventually be “found out” as not as capable, qualified, or competent as others believe you are, despite clear evidence of your skills and accomplishments.
Sometimes it is the big, obvious things that set off imposter syndrome. Writing your first book. Speaking at a networking event. Asking for a big contract, raising your prices, or entering a new market.
Other times it is the small, everyday leadership moments. Posting on LinkedIn or TikTok. Sharing your opinion in a room of experts. Asking your staff to clean the bathroom or follow a policy that feels awkward to enforce.
Anytime you have to put yourself out there as the leader, it can feel uncomfortable. You are the one who must decide, ask, direct, and at times be fearless. That is when imposter syndrome often slips in, that feeling that you are not good enough or do not belong.
That voice usually did not start in your business.
For many of us it began in childhood. Maybe you heard messages like “you are not old enough”, “not big enough”, “not good enough.” Maybe you had an angry parent and when you were too loud, too excited or simply being yourself, you got more than words.
Over time you learned that who you are is somehow wrong. Not quite enough. Too much.
Those old messages do not disappear. They often show up years later when you raise your prices, send a proposal, hire staff or step into a bigger role.
In your head it can sound like:
- Why can’t I figure this out?
- Why is this still not working when I am working so hard?
- Am I the only one not making enough money at this stage?
- What if my business becomes one of the 50 percent that fail?
- Does this struggle mean I am not a good business owner?
- Other owners seem to be doing better. What is wrong with me?
- How many more mistakes can I afford to make before it all falls apart?
- If I was really cut out for this, would it feel this hard?
Nothing is wrong with you if you recognize this spiral. It is a very human response to stretching yourself while old stories are still running in the background. In the rest of this blog, we will look at how to name what is happening and choose kinder, more accurate thoughts that help you move forward.
Let’s repeat that: confusion is a signal to learn.
You have what it takes to learn new things. You haven’t made it this far in your business because you aren’t curious and smart. Entrepreneurs are naturally good at learning. Lean into that.
If you are confused and feeling stuck in your business, you can follow these steps to help you get into a learning state.
1. Look at the positives
When faced with a challenge, begin by identifying everything that is good and positive related to what you are exploring. What we focus on grows.
2. Pick the best outcome
Ask: What is an ideal outcome? What would I (we) love to see happen? There are no limitations in this moment. You have to solve this problem anyway, so why not work toward a solution that aligns perfectly with your desired vision?
3. Write systems
Make decisions on the direction you are going to go. From your list of ideal, list actions for moving forward. Design any new systems to support your ideal future.
4. Take action
Now is the time to “just do it”. Trust your vision, your curiosity and your intuition. Remember if this solution doesn’t work out, you can always make another decision. And another one. And ANOTHER one. You are limitless.
You are continuously growing. Your confusion is just signalling that you’ve grown too big for your pot and you’re ready for fresh soil!
Until next time, enjoy your Entrepreneurial Journey!
Still feeling stuck?
If you want a strong reliable team, start with your training systems! It can help to talk to someone. Business coaches are trained to listen and ask questions that address the root of your business problems.
Book a free coaching session with a Certified Systems Business Coach today!
