The origins of the term Imposter Syndrome hails back to 1978 and the report, “The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention.” In recent years, it has become a common theme in coaching. Often, coaches have struggled with this themselves, which leads them into coaching others into overcoming strategies.
If you feel inadequate in your coaching business, it could be that you are dealing with your own imposter. This feeling of self-doubt is very common, especially for coaches who are just beginning. Here are a few ways to conquer Imposter Syndrome for yourself:
First Steps
Because it is so common, the first thing to do is acknowledge those feelings of inadequacy and recognize them for what they are – feelings. They could be false feelings rising up from your early life. Examining your life experiences can be a powerful act of self-understanding and can bring insight into your clientele.
Acknowledging the imposter is one of the first steps to overcoming!
Internal Chatter
Tune in to your internal chatter. Reframe for yourself, just as you encourage others to do through your coaching. Remind yourself of your strengths and your talents and the gifts you bring to the world. You know you are called to coach! Shut down that negative internal voice that in the bright light of day you know is lying to you.
Be kind to YOU.
Get Coaching
Coaches need coaching, too! Finding a coach of your own for growth and development is essential whether you struggle or not. Getting feedback from another professional can challenge your internal imposter. Learning new strategies for yourself can benefit your clients, too.
Mentors and peer coaches can help, too — and you may find that they, too, struggle. Sharing your experiences with other industry professionals can help you feel less isolated and provide new ways to overcome that negative, inner voice.
Learn More
Rather than focusing on your sense of lack, zero in on learning. Improve your skills. Gain more knowledge about the industry. Staying open to your own growth opportunities will help you and those you are called to serve in the future.
Set Expectations
Take a look at your expectations. Setting them based on another coach’s skills and experience can set you up for failure in your own mind. Take care as you set goals. Realistically assess what you can produce given your own life’s calendar. Rejoice in the success of other coaches and use that energy to grow yourself according to where you are now and where you want to be.
Take time to celebrate your accomplishments!
Celebrate
Take time to look at your past accomplishments – as a coach or otherwise. You’ve been here before, feeling uncertain, perhaps in a previous job or in school. You have overcome challenges before! Being reminded of your own successes can help you see that this is a temporary situation and your feelings will change as you accomplish your goals and dreams.
In closing, there is an imposter living inside of each of us who rises up and can keep us locked down. Practicing support strategies for yourself can go a long way in managing your own internal imposter can help you thrive as a coach!
To learn more, check out The Coach Business Guide: The Path to Launch and Grow your Coaching Practice, Chapter 1 – Getting Started.
