Imposter Syndrome - Overcoming self-doubt and owning your success

Hey Reader,

Imposter syndrome can be a silent struggle with even the most accomplished individuals who constantly push their boundaries. Learning to handle this can help turn feelings of inadequacy and fear into passion and opportunities for growth. Many people grapple with this syndrome because they haven’t addressed the emotional turmoil that fuels these feeling.

Today, we'll uncover strategies to conquer self-doubt and own your success.

🗯️ Everyone's Winging It

When I was in the process of buying my first business, I was terrified.
It was the first time I would become an entrepreneur, first time stepping into the role of a CFO, and we were borrowing a lot of money, backed by investors.
The responsibility was immense, and I felt like an imposter. I kept thinking, and I said to myself “I'm going to fail, go bankrupt, and end up living under a bridge”.
The turning point for me was realizing that everyone is winging it.
Every CEO, every president, everyone who takes on a new challenge is doing it for the first time.
No one really knows what they're doing most of the time, but then they're doing it anyway, and figuring things out as they go.
This realization helped me push through my fears and embrace my new role. It’s a reminder that feeling like an imposter is part of growth and stepping into new challenges.

Fear Is Only Fatal If You Fail to Follow Through

It's common to feel like a novice each time you level up, despite mastering previous levels.
Going from being a master at one level to being a beginner again at a new level.
Striving for perfectionism, negatively comparing oneself to others, and attributing success to external factors can trigger imposter syndrome.
The fear is natural, but it's only fatal if it prevents you from acting.
Remember, it's okay to be scared.
Just do it scared.
You’ll find out that the pieces often come together with time as you go.

Tuning Into Appreciation

Imposter syndrome often stirs up a storm of emotions, leaving one feeling inadequate and anxious.
You may feel stress, and a pervasive sense of not belonging.
This emotional weight can be overwhelming.
Instead of succumbing to self-doubt, tune into appreciation.
Embrace the discomfort.
Realize you’re facing new challenges because you’ve grown and still growing.
This way, you can find solace in your progress and embrace the challenges ahead as stepping stones to greater success.

Embrace and Act

When next you feel like you don’t deserve that new level, try practicing these steps:

• Reflect on your journey
  Take a step back and remind yourself who you are. Reflect on your strengths, values, and the unique qualities that have brought you to this point.

• Appreciate your achievements
  Look at all the accomplishments, experiences, and the amazing sequence of life that has led you to this moment where you feel like an imposter. Understand that feeling like an imposter is a natural part of stepping into new roles and responsibilities.

• Take the Leap
  Everyone is winging it, and you have just as much right as anyone else to take on new challenges. Think about all the right decisions you’ve made, accept that it’s okay to be scared, and take action anyway.

• Celebrate Small Wins
  Focus on one day at a time, win the day, and celebrate your daily successes.

Own Your Success

How will you embrace your next challenge?
Take a step today to conquer your self-doubt and step into your greatness.
Your success story is still being written – own it with confidence and determination.
And when next time you feel like an imposter, remember these words of Nelson Mandela:
"The brave man is not he who feels no fear, but he who conquers that fear."

​

With appreciation, Huw

PS. If you’re ready to dive deeper into the practice of vulnerability, reply to this email. I have a guide ready to help you take the first steps.