#31 How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

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[00:00:26] Natalie: Before we get into the episode, it is time for the take action segment where we celebrate friends, clients, and listeners who are able to take action and move the needle forward. This time we're celebrating One of my friends, I don't wanna say her name yet, because I think she'd rather me wait until her news is solidified, but all I can say, she sent me logo samples for her product and I am so proud of her.

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[00:01:18] Natalie: I. To making it a reality. So if you're in that situation, send me a message and let me see how I can support you. And if you've taken action, then please send me an email or a DMM so I can celebrate you. Okay, so last week's interview was about authenticity In leadership. Today we're talking about syndrome.

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[00:02:09] Natalie: Her mission is to help women and others who have been historically marginalized and excluded to become millionaires. And so anyways, in this challenge, you know, a part of it is being in a Facebook group and we're all talking and everyone's being really open and vulnerable, and. Between the Facebook group and then also on her daily webinars were sharing that they had imposter syndrome, and I mean a lot, and this imposter syndrome was holding them back from either starting their business or gaining customers or talking about their business or working on their offers.

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[00:03:23] Natalie: And their competency might be based on credentials or experience, education, talent, skills, et cetera. So they are more than qualified to do the thing, but they think that they're not or they feel like they're not. And it's important to recognize that imposter syndrome is a false mindset because it distorts our self perception and it makes us feel like we don't deserve success even though we do, because in reality, our achievements are a result of our hard work skills and dedication.

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[00:04:29] Natalie: Therefore can and should be doing all of those things, right? So you see how it doesn't actually make sense because the evidence does not support the mindset. So now when we think about imposter syndrome, I want to talk about how does it impact our wellness? I. While imposter syndrome can lead to chronic stress, it can lead to anxiety and even to burnout.

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[00:05:17] Natalie: We don't feel like we are living out our purpose. And that also messes with us mentally too. And so it's really important that we address imposter syndrome so that we can maintain our mental and emotional wellbeing and imposter syndrome. You know, this is the thing. It's real and it's not real. It's kind of like ghosts.

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[00:06:01] Natalie: So they're not gonna accept me saying that they're fake because they believe in ghosts and see them every day. You know, maybe they talk to them. I don't know. So this is kind of the tricky part about imposter syndrome. 'cause some people will say, don't even say the word imposter syndrome. It's not real.

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[00:06:46] Natalie: And so when we think about imposter syndrome, honestly, it's like a chameleon. It shows up in different ways. It can be self-doubt or fear of exposure or visibility, perfectionism, and comparison to those ahead of you. It shows up in a lot of different ways. So let's dig deeper into the mindset and tackle some of the subconscious beliefs that people have around imposter syndrome.

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[00:07:31] Natalie: Let me tell you, you need to reframe your thinking. You can be humble. Without downplaying things to the point where you discredit yourself, there can be a balance. And the second thought is, I don't belong here. And sis, let me tell you, you belong where you think you belong, and I want you to tap into the best version of yourself that you haven't reached yet.

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[00:08:19] Natalie: And may I ask you, how do you think people get experience? It's by starting with the first step. How do you work your way up from there? I promise you that no one has become an expert without taking action. So even if you don't have all the clients yet, or you don't have all the money yet, or the revenue or the case studies, or the accolades or the awards, you have to start somewhere.

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[00:08:54] Natalie: Now if you are facing imposter syndrome, I just want you to know you're not alone in your journey. The feelings of self-doubt and, and adequacy that you experience are shared by a lot of other people and a lot of other women, including those who have achieved remarkable things. So just remember that your accomplishments aren't by accident.

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[00:09:33] Natalie: So embrace your accomplishments and stand tall. I actually just recorded or just uploaded a video about that on Instagram about occupying spaces and making yourself known. So, you know, follow me on Instagram. I try to. Follow more of this kind of IMM impairment mindset talk. 'cause we now, if you currently feel like you're experiencing imposter syndrome and you feel like an imposter, I want you to ask yourself why?

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[00:10:33] Natalie: So I wanna give you four practical strategies to help you overcome imposter syndrome. The first one is to cheer for yourself. You have got to get comfortable celebrating your wins, celebrating your accomplishments, celebrating your talents and skills. I want you to write these things down. Write all of your wins, all of your accomplishments down.

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[00:11:14] Natalie: Post about it online. Just tell people, okay. Channel your inner peacock and strutt your stuff while holding your head high, spreading your feathers, and just occupying your space without apology. The second thing I want you to do is I want you to work on accepting praise. And a lot of women in particular struggle to accept compliments or recognition for their own achievements and they tend to dismiss them and or we negate the situations and I am right there with you and this is something I am working on because I notice, like if somebody said to me, Oh, I like your hair.

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[00:12:18] Natalie: So that's what I've been working on is, you know, when someone gives me a compliment. I've been working really hard to say thank you and bite my tongue, or if I really feel the need to say more. Thank you, and I really appreciate that. Not to negate the praise. And so that is something else that you can try practicing and just even be mindful of it.

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[00:13:06] Natalie: Be in your corner cheering you on. It might be certain family members or certain friends, like, you know, there's always those people and God bless these people because they just, that I think is their gift to the world is just them being able to celebrate others. I. But like, you know, sometimes you might post something on social media and there's that one friend who's always gonna press like on your stuff, or they're always gonna send you a message and congratulate you.

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[00:14:00] Natalie: And like people notice these things, so get people in your corner. And try to be that for someone else too, if you can. If it's authentic to you, maybe you're just not that person who showers out praise all the time. Or maybe your praise looks a little bit different, like maybe it's in in person. Or maybe occasionally you send an email or whatever, like you have to do what works for you.

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[00:14:54] Natalie: But you just need somebody, somebody, and preferably multiple people. That's why I said a cheerleading squad, because when you hear multiple people celebrating you and multiple people cheering you on, their voices become louder than the voice in your head. And this is what we are trying to conquer. We're trying to conquer that little voice in your head.

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[00:15:50] Natalie: That are gonna reinforce for you, you, that you are capable and that you are worthy. And the last strategy is to reflect on your journey. So I want you to write down all the experiences you've had today, including your education, your training, your credentials, your life experiences, whatever, whatever it may be.

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[00:16:38] Natalie: I don't know if you need to tattoo it on yourself. Do what you've gotta do so that you can believe the truth We are seeking truth. And so for today's call to action, I want you to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. If you find that you're struggling with imposter syndrome, it is okay, that's where you're at right now.

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[00:17:24] Natalie: I'd be happy to support you, and I want you to know that you possess a powerful light within you. A light that shines when you celebrate your achievements, when you dare to believe in your capabilities and when you silence that inner critic. So your journey to overcoming imposter syndrome is a testament to your strength, a journey of growth, and it's an act of self love.

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[00:17:58] Natalie: Every accomplishment is a testament to my skills, talents, and hard work.

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[00:18:34] Natalie: And if you're on your own wellness journey or you wanna get started, you can download a free wellness assessment, P D F. It's in the show notes or it's also on my Instagram. If you click the link in bio to show you what area for you needs the most attention that you can toward the. That you can work towards being the highest version of yourself.

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