Episode 67: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Tips for Conquering Doubt in Your Business Journey

mindset

May 29

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Conquering Workflows & Systems for Bookkeepers & Accountants podcast with Alyssa Lang, founder of Workflow Queen and Magnetic Bookkeeping & Consulting. Episode topic: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Tips for Conquering Doubt in Your Business Journey

In this solo episode, Alyssa Lang covers what it is like to deal with imposter syndrome when it comes to your business and how to navigate it as your business grows and changes.

In this episode you’ll hear:

What imposter syndrome is and how it sneaks up on you
How to remind yourself that you are not an imposter
How to lean on support to get through the moments you doubt yourself

Resources mentioned in this episode:

💻 Breakthrough for Bookkeepers & Accountants

💻 Kickoff with Asana for Bookkeepers & Accountants

Listen to the Full Episode here 👇🏼

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If you ever have those days where you're just feeling like you're really, truly doubting yourself, you're doubting what you do, you're thinking that you're not enough for the people that you're supporting, and how dare I do this because how am I worthy of it…then this is truly going to be for you today.

I felt so called to talk about imposter syndrome. And if you have no idea what that is, we're going to deep dive into it in. The shortest definition possible that I can give you for imposter syndrome is really just doubting yourself and thinking you're not enough.

Thinking that you are such an imposter and that you're ‘acting’ versus actually ‘doing’. This is something that I recently experienced and I wanted to share it with you.

We’re going to cover three main points.

I'm going to share a story with you about a very recent hire that I made that brought up a lot of imposter syndrome for me and made me feel like I wasn't worthy of hiring this person.
How imposter syndrome really never goes away and how to progress through it at different levels in your business.
How community will really help you through your imposter syndrome.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is that annoying voice in your head that makes you feel like you're not good enough and that you're just pretending to know what you're doing. It can sneak up on you at any stage in your career, whether you're just starting out or have been in the game for years. It never really goes away, but it does change as you grow.

How Imposter Syndrome Sneaks Up on You

Imposter syndrome often hits during big moments—like when you take on a new role, start a new project, or get recognized for your work. Suddenly, you might think, "I'm not good enough for this," or "They're going to find out I'm a fraud." It can be paralyzing and make you question every move you make.

High achievers are especially prone to this because they set high standards for themselves. The more you achieve, the more you might feel like you don't belong. But remember, these feelings are a normal part of growth and don't reflect your actual abilities.

How to Remind Yourself That You Are Not an Imposter

Acknowledge Your Successes: Make a list of your achievements and reflect on how you got there. This could be awards, completed projects, or positive feedback from clients and colleagues. Reviewing these can remind you of your hard work and capabilities.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. When self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself that it's okay to feel this way and that it doesn't diminish your worth. Everyone has moments of doubt.
Visualize Your Success: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing your success. Imagine yourself confidently handling challenges and achieving your goals. This can help shift your mindset and reduce feelings of inadequacy.
Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback from trusted peers can give you a more accurate perspective of your abilities. They often see your strengths more clearly than you can. Use their insights to boost your confidence and validate your skills.

A Personal Experience: Hiring a Personal Assistant

Let me share a recent experience. I decided to hire a personal assistant because, despite my thriving business, I was overwhelmed with personal and professional tasks. Even with a fantastic team and systematized processes, I struggled with everyday things like paying bills and maintaining my health.

During a retreat in Scottsdale with some amazing women entrepreneurs, the idea of hiring a personal assistant came up. Imposter syndrome hit me hard—who was I to have someone help me manage my life? Would people think I was being pretentious? These doubts almost stopped me from hiring.

But with support from my coach and friends, I overcame these doubts. I realized that freeing up my mental space would allow me to better serve my clients and students and focus on my well-being.

Imposter Syndrome Never Goes Away

The first key point to understand is that imposter syndrome never completely disappears. It evolves as you grow. When I started my podcast, I was nervous and doubted my ability to engage an audience. Over time, I became comfortable with it, but new challenges brought back the imposter syndrome. For instance, interviewing high-profile guests can still trigger those feelings of inadequacy.

Celebrate Your Wins

A great way to combat imposter syndrome is by celebrating your wins. I have a "win wall" in my office, where I post sticky notes of every achievement, big or small. This visual reminder helps me see my progress and boosts my confidence during tough times. Whether it's your first big client or a successful project, acknowledging these milestones can reinforce your self-worth.

Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community

Having a supportive network is everything when it comes to overcoming imposter syndrome. Here's how to leverage your support system effectively:

Build a Circle of Trust: Surround yourself with people who understand your journey and can provide encouragement. This could be friends, family, mentors, or colleagues who can offer a listening ear and constructive advice.
Join Supportive Communities: Engage with groups or forums where others share similar experiences. Mastermind groups or professional associations can be great places to find support and colleagues. Sharing your struggles and hearing others' stories can be incredibly validating.
Professional Help: Sometimes, talking to a therapist or coach can provide deeper insights into your imposter syndrome. They can help you develop strategies to manage your thoughts and build resilience.
Share Your Feelings: Don't bottle up your doubts. Discussing your feelings with someone you trust can provide relief and often brings new perspectives that you might not have considered. Opening up can also strengthen your relationships and build deeper connections.

Imposter syndrome is a persistent part of the entrepreneurial journey. By recognizing its presence, celebrating your achievements, and leaning on a supportive community, you can manage its impact and continue to grow. Remember, it's a sign of your growth and progress, not a reflection of your abilities.

If this resonated with you, I'd love to hear your stories. How do you handle imposter syndrome? Feel free to share in the comments or reach out directly.

And if you ever need support, I definitely pride myself in the way that I build my communities and build my student groups. If you ever want to talk through what you're experiencing, please feel free to reach out to me.

Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @workflowqueen For more information about the Conquering Workflows & Systems for Bookkeepers & Accountants Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:

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