In today's episode, Anna looks at what imposter syndrome looks like, why it happens, and how to deal with it.
The term 'imposter syndrome' was coined by clinical psychologists Langford and Clance in 1978*, to represent "an experience of feeling incompetent and of having deceived others about one's abilities". It is "associated with such characteristics as introversion, trait anxiety, a need to look smart to others, a propensity to shame". The 'syndrome' can often arise from pressures in the family environment to please your parents, for example, and to prove to others that you are intelligent in order to gain the approval that you so desperately crave.
When you first start your own business, you'll likely begin with a huge amount of enthusiasm and confidence that it's going to work out amazingly well. Soon, however, the reality of the day-to-day work sets in: you'll be on your own (this is your dream, and fundamentally it'll all come down to you); it'll be hard work; and you almost certainly won't see immediate results. And, as time goes by, you'll begin to question if this is actually going to work.
Unfortunately, imposter syndrome often rears its head when you want to be at your most confident, as you get ready to level up in your business...
*Resources mentioned during the episode*
The One Step Outside Facebook group– Join us over in the Facebook group to meet like-minded people who are working on reimagining success in their life and business and to get access to direct support and free training sessions from Anna. www.facebook.com/groups/onestepoutside
If you're ready to start to reimagine what success could look like for you, here are some of the ways in which Anna can support you:
Get private mentoring for your business – Partnering with a business coach can help you see those blind spots and get both external accountability and expert guidance to take your business to where you want it to be. www.onestepoutside.com/freeconsultation
Get private career coaching – Individual coaching is fully tailored to your specific goals and desires so we can create the programme that works best for you, with the support that you need to move forwards. www.onestepoutside.com/claritycall
Grab a copy of Leaving the Corporate 9 to 5 – After interviewing 50 people who have left the corporate 9 to 5 to forge their own path, Anna has collected their stories in a book that will inspire you with the possibilities that are out there and reassure you that you're not alone in looking for an alternative. www.leavingthecorporate9to5.com
Join the One Step Outside the 9 to 5 Business Incubator – This is your roadmap to transitioning from a corporate job into setting up a meaningful business that will bring you more freedom, flexibility and fulfilment outside of the corporate 9 to 5. www.onestepoutside.com/9to5
