Imposter Syndrome - "I'm not good enough", "Why Would They Hire Me?" and more!

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where we begin to doubt our abilities and feel like frauds despite evidence to the contrary. While imposter syndrome can affect anyone, research suggests that women are more likely to experience it due to various societal and cultural factors.

Some of the reasons why women may experience imposter syndrome include:

1. Perfectionism: Women may feel pressure to be perfect and excel in all areas of their lives, which can lead to self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.

2. Comparison: That other woman always looks great, has a higher education, more money,, more followers ... the list goes on.  Comparison only steals us of joy.  We need to realize that our uniqueness is what is going to attract our ideal clients.

3. Limiting beliefs formed around something someone said to us or the way we were made to feel as a child.  Perhaps someone told us or made us feel as though we were "not good enough", that we were "not smart enough" or that we would "never amount to anything".  Often, we do not even realize what it is but there is an unconscious belief that must be cleared/reframed.

To remedy imposter syndrome in women, it's important to address these underlying factors. Here are some steps women can take:

1. Identify and acknowledge imposter feelings: Recognizing imposter syndrome can help women understand that their feelings of inadequacy are not necessarily based on reality.

2. Seek support: Talking to friends, family, and other women in your field will help you see that - you are not alone.  In addition, reach out to someone who is an expert in working with women and their limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome and more.  

3. Reframe thoughts: Challenge your negative thoughts and reframe them in a more positive light. For example, instead of thinking "I'm not good enough," say "I'm still learning, but I've accomplished a lot already."  Do this as soon as the negative, self-sabotaging thought enters your mind.  This is why I have my clients utilize a reset your mindset journaling exercise.  Our mind is a muscle and we must train it.

4. Celebrate successes: Acknowledge accomplishments and give credit where it's due. Celebrating successes can help women realize their abilities and feel more confident.  Again, I have my clients write down 3 wins that they have every single day.  As women, we are often everyone else's cheerleader.  We need to learn to be our own cheerleader.  A great visual is to write your 3 wins on 3 small pieces of paper or on post it notes and place in a glass jar or vase on your desk.  Watch how they grow!!!!!

5. Focus on growth: Focus on learning and growth rather than comparing yourself to others or aiming for perfection.  There is no such thing as perfect.  It simply does not exist.  Focusing on being a better version of ourselves - is a better use of our energy.

6. Circle of Empowerment: Surround yourself with women who will support and empower you.  Hire a coach, find accountability partners who will remind you of your accomplishments and your abilities.

You were created whole and complete.  You were created for a purpose and there is only one you.  I believe in you.  If you need further support, reach out - I'm here!

Writing my 3 wins for the day after I finish writing this,

Rose Colarossi xx