Battling Imposter Syndrome

Hollie Wilson

February 29, 2024

The absence of colleagues or mentors to bounce ideas off or seek advice from can make us feel like we're navigating uncharted territory.

I want to talk about something that many of us have likely experienced at some point in our self-employed journey: Imposter Syndrome. Yes, that nagging feeling that we’re just faking it and that someday, someone will call us out on it. Trust me, you’re not alone in this struggle.

Imposter Syndrome can be particularly challenging for self-employed women because we’re often forging our own path in male-dominated industries or trying to balance multiple roles in our personal and professional lives. We constantly face external and internal pressures, making it even harder to shake off those self-doubts.

One of the primary triggers of Imposter Syndrome is comparison. As women, we tend to compare ourselves to others, especially those who seem to be more successful or have achieved more in a similar field (social media is often our enemy here!) We question our abilities, qualifications, and knowledge, even though we have undoubtedly worked hard to reach where we are.

Another factor that can contribute to Imposter Syndrome is the lack of validation and recognition. Unlike traditional employment, where we receive feedback, promotions, or praise from leadership or management, being self-employed often means we don’t have someone patting us on the back or acknowledging our achievements. This absence of external validation can make us doubt our competence and question whether we truly deserve our success.

Self-employment can also be isolating, especially when we’re working from home or running a small business without a team. The absence of colleagues or mentors to bounce ideas off or seek advice from can make us feel like we’re navigating uncharted territory. We may feel that we lack the necessary expertise, amplifying our feelings of being an imposter.

So, how can we overcome Imposter Syndrome and reclaim our confidence? Here are a few strategies that may help:

1. Recognise and acknowledge your achievements

Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come and the milestones you’ve achieved. Celebrate even the small wins and remind yourself that you are deserving of your success.

2. Surround yourself with a supportive network

Seek out other self-employed women who can relate to your experiences. Engage in communities, networking events, or online groups where you can share your challenges and receive support from those who understand what you’re going through.

4. Embrace continuous learning

Remember that nobody knows everything, and it’s okay to ask questions and seek knowledge. Invest in your personal and professional development by attending workshops, conferences, or online courses. Expanding your skills and knowledge will give you more confidence in your abilities.

5. Practice self-compassion

Be kind to yourself. Recognise that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Instead of beating yourself up for not being perfect, treat yourself with compassion and learn from your experiences.

6. Keep a record of positive feedback

Whenever a client or customer expresses satisfaction with your work, save those testimonials or kind words in a dedicated folder or document. When Imposter Syndrome creeps in, refer back to these testimonials as a reminder of the value you bring to others.

Thanks for reading my blog on overcoing imposter syndrome. If you’d like to give yourself a bit of a break and seek my support with all things business, get in touch at [email protected].

Hollie x