Imposter syndrome is a silent predator for business owners… a confidence killer that surreptitiously sneaks into the minds of even the most accomplished professionals. If you’ve ever felt like a fraud, doubted your abilities, or feared someone would “find you out,” you are definitely not alone.
It's actually quite staggering to learn that imposter syndrome is a phenomenon that affects roughly 80% of people at some point, and it doesn’t discriminate—it targets high achievers, perfectionists, and anyone pushing boundaries.
In the world of virtual business – especially when you’re working home-based and solo – these feelings can hit particularly hard. After all, you’re a hard working self-made small business owner and you’ve spent sometimes years honing your skills, building your reputation, and achieving incredible milestones. But, the instant that some hard earned and welcome recognition starts rolling in, your inner critic whispers, “You’re not good enough. It’s only a matter of time before they realise you don’t belong here.”
But rather than succumb to it, let’s shine a light on imposter syndrome so we can begin to strip it of its power, and come up with some super practical ways to overcome it.
First up, it’s important to recognise imposter syndrome for what it is: a distortion of the truth, not reality.
The thing to bear in mind here is that while self-doubt might make you feel like your success is all down to good luck, the evidence actually says otherwise.
Here’s the reality though; your achievements are a product of your skills, hard work, and dedication. Remind yourself of this often.
When it comes to defeating imposter syndrome, self-reflection is a game-changer. At the first sigh of feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy, take a moment to pause and ask yourself why.... Are these feelings rooted in truth, or are they simply your brain’s reaction to fear? The key is to acknowledge the emotions, but don’t let them take the wheel.
Remember, feelings are not facts.
Sharing your experience is another powerful antidote. Imposter syndrome thrives in secrecy, feeding on isolation and silence – and industries where solo operators are working remotely mean that we are particularly at risk of experiencing imposter syndrome. That’s why virtual communities are so important… they are built on the premise of support - lean into them, and use them as an opportunity to connect and build great like-minded business connections, and definitely don’t hold back when it comes to discussing imposter syndrome with your peers, mentors, or community. You’ll find that most people have felt the same way as you do, and just hearing that you’re not alone can be a massive relief.
Another strategy is to take time to focus on what you’ve achieved, not what you’re lacking. It’s so easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you’re falling short, especially in a social media-driven world where everyone seems to be winning (they’re not, by the way… you’re seeing a sanitised version that looks almost utopic and it’s definitely NOT real!).
Instead of measuring yourself against someone else’s highlight reel, look back at your own progress. You’ve come further than you give yourself credit for.
It’s also worth taking some time to reframe the whole concept of self-doubt as a sign of growth. Imposter syndrome often appears when you’re stepping into something new and challenging. That fear you feel… It’s proof you’re pushing your limits, walking bravely into uncharted territory. Growth lives at the edge of your comfort zone!
And here’s a fun tip: give your imposter syndrome a silly name. Humanising that voice of doubt can take away its sting. When it shows up, acknowledge it, but don’t let it dictate your actions.
Lastly, come up with a mantra you can easily embrace, like, “I deserve to be here.” Repeat it until it feels true, because it is. You’ve earned your success, and you’re exactly where you need to be.
Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about eliminating self-doubt entirely—it’s about managing it and recognising it as part of the journey. As an established business owner, you’ve already proven you have what it takes. So now it’s up to you to back yourself, celebrate your wins, and remember that the only opinion that truly matters is your own.
You’ve got this.
------------------------------------------------------
If you need help with overcoming Imposter Syndrome in your VA business, get in touch with us at VA Institute. We're here to support you!
Comments