Conquering Imposter Syndrome in Small Business
Introduction:
Welcome, fellow small business owner! In the world of business, navigating the ups and downs of your professional journey can sometimes bring unexpected challenges. One such challenge that most of us business owners face is imposter syndrome. But not to worry! This blog will guide you through the ins and outs of imposter syndrome in small business. So buckle up and let’s go on a little journey as we explore seven key points to conquer imposter syndrome.
Point 1: Acknowledge the Intruder in the Room
Imposter syndrome is sneaky. It creeps into our minds like an uninvited guest, whispering doubts into our ears and posing questions that bring out our insecurities. The very first step to overcoming it is to acknowledge its presence. Typical examples include things like “You don’t know what your are doing, you are out of your depth and everybody can see it” or “It will only be a matter of time before they discover you are a fraud”. Sound familiar? If you can simply recognise that you are not alone in feeling this way and acknowledge that imposter syndrome is a common experience you will diminish a lot of its power. Simple but very effective.
In small business the stakes can feel high so it's natural to question your abilities. Understand that acknowledging imposter syndrome doesn't make you weak; it makes you human. By embracing how it makes you feel, you start to pave the way to growth, both personally and professionally. When I am experiencing those kinds of feelings, I will often remind myself that everyone experiences imposter syndrome and that I have not been specially singled out, I am not alone in feeling that way.
Point 2: Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small
Learn to celebrate every win in small business however insignificant it may seem to you. This can play a crucial role in building your confidence and combating imposter syndrome. It can be something as small as treating yourself to something like a chocolate bar or sharing your success on social media so others can congratulate you. You celebrate the way that works best for you. Whether it's landing a new client, completing a task, reaching a target or overcoming procrastination or a challenging obstacle, each success builds your confidence and contributes to your growth.
Why not create a "success journal" to record your achievements? That way when imposter syndrome tries to creep in, you can look through your journal to remind yourself of the progress you've made. This will not only boost your confidence but it’s also a reminder of what you can and have achieved in a moment when you really need to be reminded. Those milestones will be a great encouragement to you.
Point 3: Commit to Continuous Learning
One of the values that always seems to be present with successful people is their commitment to continuous learning. In small business, staying informed and adapting to new ways of doing business is a necessity. Think of the challenges that intimidate you as an opportunity to learn and grow which will only ultimately help you improve. Improving your knowledge and skills is a great way to also improve your confidence and combat imposter syndrome.
Make it a priority to invest in yourself. Invest some of your time in acquiring new skills, attending workshops, and networking with other small business owners (if you like networking which I don’t). The more you educate yourself, the better equipped you will be to face those challenges when they come along. Remember, you don’t have to know everything! The most important thing is your willingness to learn and grow.
Point 4: Build a Support Network
Your journey in business doesn’t have to be made alone! I will admit that I’m not very good at this being a typical bloke and an introvert too. Having said that, it is a good idea to surround yourself with a supportive network of other business owners that understand the highs and lows of running a small business. This way, you get to share how you are feeling and when imposter syndrome comes knocking you can lean on those friendships for advice and encouragement.
Connect with fellow small business owners, join networking groups, and participate in industry events. Maybe join the local Chamber of Commerce or an online business business forum. These connections will not only provide valuable insights but they can also serve as a reminder that imposter syndrome is something everyone experiences. Your support system can offer encouragement, share their own struggles, and help you walk through your own small business journey with confidence and a spring in your step.
Point 5: Stop Comparing
We all do it, we can’t help comparing ourselves to others, especially in the world of small business. Don’t do it! Every business story is unique and success can be very subjective. Why not take some time out to define what success means to you? Is it financial stability? Work-life balance? Maybe it’s making a positive impact on your community?
By setting your own measurements for success, you can set yourself free from the unrealistic expectations that fuel imposter syndrome. What does success look like to you and how do you measure it? Once you know you can celebrate based on the parameters you have put in place. You will know when you have been successful because you will have determined the measurements. Celebrate your achievements based on your values and goals, not on what other people determine success to be. Success is a personal journey and you create your own path.
Point 6: Fail Forward
It may seem a cliché but in small business failure is not the end; it’s just a chance to learn and grow. John Maxwell speaks about this in his helpful book “Failing Forward”, the concept being that every perceived failure is in fact an opportunity to move forward. It’s just a case of changing your paradigm. Failure is not a full stop, it’s a comma in a sentence which is yet to be completed. Don’t let failure fuel imposter syndrome, use it as a stepping stone to success. Setbacks and disappointments are just part of the small business journey, and they can often lead to valuable lessons and insights. You may have experienced a set back but at least you are still in the game right?
When something doesn’t quite work it can often be an opportunity to pivot, adapt, and grow. I’m sure I’ve read somewhere that it took Thomas Edison 1000 unsuccessful attempts before he finally created the light bulb, a product we are all still using today. Maybe we would all still be using candles if he had let failure define him and hadn’t used each unsuccessful attempt as a learning experience and a chance to move forward. So you need to reflect on the lessons learned, adjust your strategies, and move forward with newfound wisdom. By accepting failure as a necessary part of the process, you'll build grit and expel the power of imposter syndrome over your mind.
Point 7: Love Yourself
Last but certainly not least, be kind to yourself! Small business owners wear so many hats and juggle so many different roles, it can be easy to fall into self criticism. Learn to love yourself instead of pointing out all of your shortcomings. Give yourself a break! Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend facing similar challenges.
Create a self-care routine that aligns with your needs and priorities. It could be things like taking short breaks during the workday, going to the gym, engaging in activities that bring you joy, (I often take 10 minutes out to play the piano or guitar). If you want to combat imposter syndrome you need to prioritise your mental and physical health. There is no point in becoming successful if you are burnt out or physically ill. Put first things first. Remember, you are not an imposter; you are a resilient small business owner on a unique and rewarding journey.
Conclusion:
Imposter syndrome is always going to be part of small business life, but armed with a new mindset and the strategies outlined above, you can conquer it. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your successes, and build a mindset of continuous learning and self-compassion. Your journey as a small business owner is a testament to your courage and tenacity—never forget that. So many people dream of starting a business but it remains just that - a dream. You are different, you got up and did something about it. So, fellow small business owner, go onwards with confidence, knowing that you are not alone in your struggles, and your path is uniquely yours to navigate and conquer.
