Overcome Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur with These Tips
As a female entrepreneur, I know the constant battle of juggling self-doubt with the desire to succeed. Whether you’re just starting your first business or you’ve been navigating the entrepreneurial journey for years, that little voice in your head can sometimes be your biggest obstacle. Let’s overcome imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur one step at a time.
Imposter syndrome—the feeling that you’re not qualified, skilled, or deserving of success—creeps in when you least expect it, casting a shadow over even your greatest achievements.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re just pretending to know what you’re doing or like you’re only one bad mistake away from being found out, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into understanding imposter syndrome and how you can kick it to the curb!
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a pattern in which you doubt your skills, accomplishments, or abilities, feeling like a fraud despite clear evidence proving quite the opposite.
It’s a feeling of inadequacy that can strike any time—whether you’re a new entrepreneur with a first business or a business leader with years of experience. The fear of failure, the constant fear of being exposed, and the overwhelming negative self-talk all contribute to this internal crisis.
Sound familiar yet?
The thing is, this feeling is completely normal for many people, especially when they’re stepping into new projects, or new opportunities. Even successful people—think Maya Angelou and Forbes business council members—have shared how they, too, have battled these feelings of self-doubt. It’s a common phenomenon, but the good news is that plenty of strategies exist to overcome it.
“I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’”
– Maya Angelou, renowned poet and author.
The Impact of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome doesn’t just make you feel bad; it can actually hold you back from reaching your full potential. It can cloud your judgment when making business decisions, prevent you from taking risks that could lead to amazing things, and ultimately, stop you from pursuing new clients or new projects that might take your successful business to the next level. It can even stunt your growth by making you question your ability to lead, all while you’re working tirelessly, living up to high standards that aren’t realistic.
Small Business Owners and Imposter Syndrome
“Imposter syndrome is very common in entrepreneurs because they put so much pressure on themselves to succeed.”
– Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva.
When you’re a small business owner, especially if you’re handling everything from the ground up, imposter syndrome can hit you hard!
You’ve got so many things to juggle—email marketing, performance reviews, social media, and keeping clients happy—that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s no wonder that young entrepreneurs or those in their first business feel the weight of self-doubt. You’re doing everything by yourself, with little room for mistakes. The constant pressure to perform can bring up feelings of inadequacy and that you’re not good enough.
But guess what? This is part of the journey for so many of us.
Imposter Syndrome for Women and Minorities
“Women in business are often held to higher standards than men and are more likely to suffer from imposter syndrome because of these heightened expectations.”
– Dr. Valerie Young, author of The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women and an expert on imposter syndrome.
For female entrepreneurs and minority groups, imposter syndrome can sometimes be even more intense. The lack of confidence that can arise from the lack of competence that society sometimes unfairly associates with women or people of color can create a crippling cycle.
You may find yourself striving for high expectations, trying to prove your sense of self-worth, and feeling like you have to constantly over-perform to be seen as equal to your counterparts. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone, and your experiences are valid. Your unique perspectives and challenges can set you apart in the business world—embrace it!
Do I Have Imposter Syndrome?
Check-in time!
Have you ever found yourself thinking that you don’t really deserve the praise or success that’s come your way? Do you experience negative thoughts that cause you to question your own abilities?
If you’ve answered yes, you’re probably feeling the impact of imposter syndrome. But don’t worry—this isn’t a permanent state of mind!
Let’s talk about the signs of imposter syndrome and what you can do about them.
Common Signs of Imposter Syndrome:
You downplay your success: You dismiss praise or chalk it up to luck instead of acknowledging your hard work.
You compare yourself to others: You constantly measure your success against other business leaders or even social media highlights.
You’re paralyzed by fear: You hesitate to make business decisions or take new opportunities because you’re afraid of failure or making mistakes.
You avoid recognition: You shy away from positive feedback because you fear being “found out” as a fraud.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur
Ready to tackle imposter syndrome head-on? Here are some tips and tricks that have helped me—and so many fellow entrepreneurs—boost confidence and step into our power!
1 | Reframe Negative Self-Talk
The inner critic is powerful, but it doesn’t have to control your actions. Start challenging the negative self-talk by replacing those thoughts with positive affirmations. Whenever that little voice creeps in, counter it with a statement that affirms your own success.
For example: “I am capable,” or “I am learning and growing every day.”
These little shifts in mindset can make a huge difference in how you approach your entrepreneurial journey.
2 | Celebrate Your Wins—Big and Small
This next tip is a miracle worker… Stop waiting for the “big” moments to celebrate your achievements!
Every new client or positive feedback you get is a step forward. Write down your accomplishments—no matter how minor they seem—and reflect on them regularly. This helps build a positive light on your own skills and creates a foundation of confidence.
Don’t be afraid to celebrate in a more physical way, too! When I make a step forward in my small business, I try to treat myself and my team to something special, like a fancy dinner out or a simple glass of wine at the end of a successful day.
3 | Seek Constructive Feedback (and Ignore the Bad Signs)
It’s essential to receive feedback from others to grow as an entrepreneur. Instead of letting criticism affect your sense of self-worth, seek constructive feedback that can help you improve. If something feels like negative self-talk coming from someone else, don’t take it to heart. A good support system can help you separate useful feedback from unhelpful negativity.
4 | Surround Yourself with a Strong Support System
Find people who understand what you’re going through—whether that’s family members or fellow entrepreneurs.
Share your experiences, ask for advice, and get reassurance. You’d be surprised how often others experience similar struggles. Your support network can give you the strength to overcome feelings of inadequacy.
5 | Visualize Your Success and Focus on Realistic Goals
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you set high standards for yourself. Instead of aiming for perfection, break down your goals into smaller, realistic goals that you can achieve. Every milestone you hit is clear evidence of your abilities.
And when you visualize success instead of dwelling on the “what ifs,” you’ll start seeing yourself as capable of amazing things.
Keep Pushing Forward and Overcome Imposter Syndrome as an Entrepreneur
“I know I’m not the only one who has faced this fear of being exposed as a fraud, but it’s something that comes with pushing the limits of what you’re capable of.”
– Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx.
The feeling of imposter syndrome isn’t a sign that you’re not good enough. It’s a sign that you’re pushing yourself to grow and expand beyond your comfort zone. The biggest takeaway here is that imposter syndrome is not something you have to accept as permanent.
With the right strategies, mindset techniques, and positive light, you can start to overcome those feelings of self-doubt and truly embrace the successful business you’re building.
Remember, every business decision, every new project, and every feeling of inadequacy is part of your entrepreneurial journey. Keep striving for that best version of yourself, and the next time those negative thoughts come up, take a deep breath and tell yourself: I’ve got this!
