How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome so You Can Grow Your Online Health & Wellness Business!
Jan 10, 2023Your mindset plays a crucial role in your success. It can be so easy to fall into the trap of letting limiting beliefs and negative thinking become a barrier to creating the business and life that you want, and yet with the right mindset, anything is possible.
To help you make this year your ‘breakthrough year’ (where everything shifts and magic happens!) we have written a series of articles on some of the most common mindset concerns and limiting beliefs that we see health & wellness pracs & coaches struggling with. And most importantly, we’ll give you some insight into how you can begin to shift these so that they stop holding you back from the success you deserve.
We also have something Ah-Mazing dropping soon that will help you even more with these mindset hurdles... so stay tuned for that ;-)
The first limiting belief or mindset challenge we will focus on is “Imposter Syndrome”.
What is Imposter Syndrome & Why do Health & Wellness Experts Experience It?
Imposter syndrome is a common challenge that many health & wellness business owners face. It's that feeling of being inadequate or unworthy, despite evidence to the contrary. You might have all the right qualifications, degrees and training, and yet you still might feel like you don’t know enough. It’s often accompanied by a fear of being discovered as a "fraud" or not being good enough.
Imposter syndrome can be especially prevalent in the online business world, where it’s so easy to see the outwardly successful side of other people’s businesses and lives and start comparing yourself to others and feeling like you don't measure up.
Have you ever scrolled through instagram or Facebook and thought that all the other Nutritionists/Yoga Teachers/Chiropractors etc have way more success than you and so you feel like giving up? Social Media doesn’t often show the struggles, mindset work and resilience that these successful people have had to go through to achieve what they have.
Did you know that there is research to suggest that intelligent women & men may be more prone to experiencing imposter syndrome? So take it as a sign that you’re super smart ;-) Why is this the case? Well, one theory is that intelligent people may have higher standards for themselves and are more likely to doubt their abilities when they don't meet these standards.
Another theory is that intelligent peeps may be more aware of their limitations and may compare themselves to others who they perceive to be more knowledgeable or skilled. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the belief that they are not truly competent.
Additionally, those with a higher level of intelligence may be more likely to internalise negative messages that they have received throughout their lives, such as that they are not capable or that they have to work harder to prove themselves. These internalised beliefs can contribute to imposter syndrome.
What the Experts Say About Imposter Syndrome
According to Dr. Valerie Young, an expert on imposter syndrome, there are five types of imposter syndrome: the Perfectionist, the Expert, the Soloist, the Natural Genius, and the Superwoman/Superman/Super Student.
The Perfectionist type sets unrealistic standards for how things should turn out and feels like they don't belong if they can't meet these standards. In a group of peers, they might see everyone else as more successful and resist launching programs or marketing materials.
The Expert type expects to know everything about their field and feels like a failure if they are not an expert in every aspect. I see this in health practitioners all-the-time!
The Soloist type needs to have done everything by themselves in order to feel worthy of an accomplishment. They resist hiring help or coaches to make things easier for themselves, as they feel like if they don't do it all on their own, they have failed and they aren't worthy of any success.
The Natural Genius type feels like a failure if they can't master a skill or deliver an outcome on the first try. They are super hard on themselves and when learning new things they get frustrated and discouraged if they aren't immediate masters!
The Superwoman/Superman/Super Student type feels like a fraud if they can't excel at every role in their life at the same time. They too resist hiring help or outsourcing, when it's the one thing that will help them succeed!
I'm curious to know which one you think you might be? I have had interesting conversations with all of these types! I personally can relate to having played them all in the past!
So now that you know what imposter syndrome is, do you ever feel this way? I know I sure did when I was starting out as a Nutritionist & Naturopath - and it can still pop up even now! The difference now is that I am aware of what it is when it happens, and I have tools to quickly move through the feelings and get on with the work I am here to do!
It's important to recognise that imposter syndrome is a common experience and that everyone experiences self-doubt at some point, even those who you might look up to, who have years of experience and the success that you want for yourself. The difference is that these people don’t let imposter syndrome hold them back!
How Health & Wellness Experts can Overcome Imposter Syndrome
To overcome imposter syndrome, it's helpful to reframe your thoughts and focus on your achievements and successes. It's also important to surround yourself with supportive people who can help to boost your confidence and provide encouragement. Seeking out mentors or joining a community of like-minded individuals can also be helpful in combating imposter syndrome.
Here are some ways to reframe imposter syndrome and boost your confidence:
- Journal evidence of past successes: Take some time to write down all of your achievements, big and small. This can help to remind you of your capabilities and give you a sense of accomplishment.
- Reframe negative thoughts: When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, try to reframe them in a more positive light. Instead of "I'm not good at tech," try saying "I am still learning and improving, and that's okay."
- Seek support: Surround yourself with supportive people who can provide encouragement and validation. This can include friends, family, mentors, or a community of like-minded individuals (have you joined our free online community? There's a link at the end of this blog for you to join!)
- Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and remember that everyone makes mistakes and has room for improvement.
- Set some baby-sized goals: By setting some smaller, easily achievable goals, you can build your confidence and show yourself that you are capable of achieving success. For example, if you feel like a rookie when it comes to promoting your business, set a small goal of posting one Carousel-style post per week on instagram for the next month. Then, once you’ve posted for 4 weeks, reward yourself to celebrate your success!
- Celebrate your small victories: Don't discount the small wins. Celebrating your progress, no matter how small, can help to boost your confidence and show you that you are on the right track.
By implementing these strategies, you can reframe imposter syndrome and build the confidence you need to succeed in your health & wellness business .
Remember, imposter syndrome is a normal and common experience, and it's possible to overcome it with the right mindset and strategies. By focusing on your strengths, seeking support, and celebrating your successes, you can build the confidence you need to succeed as an online business owner.
To help you, come hang out with us in our free online community “Prosperous Practitioner” - a Facebook group where everyone “gets you” and you can share your own strategies for overcoming Imposter Syndrome!
JOIN FOR FREE NOW: Facebook Group - Prosperous Practitioner
Hayley xx
