Even the most experienced freelancers and small business owners occasionally have self-doubt; it’s not unusual to experience a temporary lack of confidence, especially when starting out, taking on a new project, or charting new waters.
However, Impostor Syndrome – where you lack confidence in your ability and feel like an impostor or fraud, hence the name – can negatively impact your business and mindset if not dealt with properly.
So, if you are suffering from a difficult dose of Impostor Syndrome, here are 7 ways to help combat it.
Handle client feedback
Effectively handling client feedback is an underrated but highly useful skill, especially if the feedback is construed as negative.
Any kind of feedback or constructive criticism can have a detrimental impact, especially if you’re also suffering from Impostor Syndrome.
So, take the time to view feedback objectively and learn from it. View it as a great addition to your professional development – this will go a long way toward building the first line of defense against Impostor Syndrome.
Also, remember, nobody expects you to know everything, and, at the end of the day, as the saying goes, ‘You’re either learning or winning’.
Read our article here about dealing with client feedback.
Banish comparisonitis
Constantly comparing yourself to others is a surefire way to never feel like you are good enough.
There is a saying that comparison is the thief of joy. And it’s as true in the world of freelancing as it is anywhere else.
Other freelancers may be at a different stage in their journey than you are, have different offers, charge more (or less), and have different systems in place that are relevant to their business.
So don’t compare yourself to others. Do what you do and do it well—focus on delivering great results for your clients and enjoy the work you do. You’ll soon reap the rewards and keep Impostor Syndrome at bay.
Talk to a business buddy
Other freelancers and business owners in your network have likely experienced Impostor Syndrome at some point in their careers, too, so make a point to reach out and ask for their help.
Having someone listen to how you feel can be a huge help. It can help you realize that you are not alone and that these feelings will soon pass.
Learning from others’ experiences and hearing their tips is also useful.
Act confident and take action
You’ll be surprised how acting confident and competent can, in fact, increase your self-esteem and optimism and thereby actually create the right mindset to actualize the very qualities you are imitating.
However, if you genuinely cannot perform a task or have zero ability, then you shouldn’t try to fake it – especially if doing so might negatively impact your client.
But if you just have Impostor Syndrome and have a proven track record, you can likely do it.
Likewise, there’s no point in avoiding a task or not taking an opportunity because of Impostor Syndrome. The very act of moving forward and taking action can help dissipate the doubt in your mind. Learn and grow as you go.
Listen to your inner voice, but also learn how to accept that you have Impostor Syndrome and that it will soon pass. A big part of getting over it is how you react to it. With time, you’ll rarely see it rear its ugly head again. Use it as a tool for motivation—you care about getting great results for your clients—this is a sign that you do.
Avoid business task overwhelm
A factor that could be contributing to your Impostor Syndrome is having too many business admin tasks to do, so you are not adequately focused on client work or procrastinate, which can lead to doubt and a lack of confidence.
Take invoicing, for example. While everyone loves getting paid – sending out invoices and chasing clients can be tedious and time-consuming.
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Everyone had to start somewhere
Think back to a time when you started something you weren’t sure about, but it all turned out just fine.
I’m sure there have been plenty of incidents in your life you can think back on and recall. Doing and experiencing new things is all part of life’s journey, and the more we learn along the way, the more we can grow. It’s natural to feel a little nervous (reframe that as excitement) before starting anything new—just look at whatever you are commencing as a brilliant learning opportunity.
Keep track of your achievements
A good way to look back on past wins is to keep a record of them. This could be part of your portfolio or a file with all your client testimonials included.
But you don’t have to stop there and limit it to work achievements but all your wins across all areas of your life.
You’ll soon be able to see all the incredible things you have achieved, from graduating from school to passing your driving test to getting your first job – all major wins. Keep track of the simple things, too. These can also be great motivators and moments in time to smile about.
You’ve done this before. You’ve got this!
