If you could create your own fantasy board of directors, who would be on it? CO— connects you with thought leaders from across the business spectrum and asks them to help solve your biggest business challenges. In this edition, we ask an expert about ways to tame your imposter and leverage your self worth to take your business to new heights.
Imposter syndrome is a common thought pattern among entrepreneurs and small business owners. It occurs when you doubt your own abilities. With imposter syndrome, you may feel insecure about your professional accomplishments and find it difficult to accept your own success. So, how can you overcome it and use your self worth to grow your business?
Tiffany Houser, Founder and CEO of EvolveEQ, which specializes in coaching business leaders to amplify their leadership capabilities, confidence, and trust, answers with these tips…
Pay attention to your language
The way you speak, write, and present yourself can play a vital role in how you perceive yourself. Avoid words like “busy” and “hard,” as they put you in your imposter and weigh you down. Instead of “hard,” use a word like “challenging.” With a word like “challenging,” you’ll realize that the task at hand is not easy but it’s not hard either. It’s something you can navigate through, especially if you have the support and resources you need.
Forgo perfectionism
Many entrepreneurs and small business owners are perfectionists by nature. If you can relate to this, recognize that perfectionism doesn’t exist. Rather than focusing on perfectionism, ask yourself what excellence means to you. Set a goal and then break it down into milestones so you can stay motivated and determine whether you’re on track.
The way you speak, write, and present yourself can play a vital role in how you perceive yourself.
Utilize support
Even if you’re a startup or newer business, you don’t have to do it all. By overworking yourself, you’re likely to experience exhaustion and burnout, which can prevent you from growing your business. If you know you don’t have the skills, time, or desire to perform a task, outsource it. Think of support as an investment in your business, which gives you back the time you need and allows you to stay in your lane.
Debrief yourself
When you’re in the midst of a task or initiative, take a moment to pause. Ask yourself “what’s working, what’s not working, what might be missing, and what’s possible.” Then, use this information to figure out next steps and request the support you may need. Debriefing can give you the chance to get away from the nitty gritty, which the imposter loves, so you can connect into the big picture.
Make time for self-care
Self-care is essential when you're launching or managing a business. It supports both your physical and mental state, which are vital if you’d like to thrive personally and professionally. Self-care may mean reading a book, going for a walk, getting a haircut, or having lunch with a friend. Add self-care to your calendar and honor it.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
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