RSD

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: