Battling imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur

Imposter syndrome is prevalent among entrepreneurs and high-achievers. Maya Angelou, a well-known poet and activist, is an example of a famous person who suffers from imposter syndrome. A person with imposter syndrome always has a thought pattern that they will be exposed to as a “fraud” to justify their achievements. As an entrepreneur, battling imposter syndrome is crucial, and here are several tips from entrepreneurs that have overcome it.

The CEO of Reverb listed five steps in overcoming imposter syndrome: admitting your thoughts, choose a powerful mantra such as “I am good enough,” present your accomplishment to yourself, create an imposter box when you experience self-doubt, and find a friend to confide in.

Next, turn off your “inner bully.” The inner bully is the inner voice that tells you that you are not good enough or qualified enough to be successful. Your inner bully will prey on your thoughts and consequently will reflect on your behaviour. Therefore, do not listen to these negative thoughts and believe in yourself.

The founder of Sseko Designs proposed owning the fact that we are all average. We were not born awesome, and we all have to work extremely hard to be successful. We also have to realize that failure is not a sign of being below average; instead, it is a road to an above-average life.

Besides that, to battle imposter syndrome, you have to master your own emotions. Your fear and self-doubt are fleeting emotions that can only be made powerful by you. It would help if you don't let negative emotions distort your reality and belief.

Finally, celebrate your small wins in your everyday life. By doing so, you can acknowledge your achievements and be grateful for these small wins. Small victories will also drive your momentum towards bigger achievements along the way and, hopefully, reshift your thoughts that you are worthy of the accomplishments.