Quick storytime: There was a stylist who, after doubling their income, reached out to us and said something that broke our hearts:
“I feel like a fraud. All these people are congratulating me on doubling my income, but it was only from $15K to $30K. That’s not good.”
Did you catch that last part? This person had DOUBLED their income…but they had convinced themselves that it wasn’t good enough because it wasn’t going from $200,000 to $400,000.
That is imposter syndrome, friends, and it’s running rampant in our industry right now.
Today, we want to dig into what exactly imposter syndrome is, how you can recognize it, and our top tips to heal it.
Just what is imposter syndrome?
Glad you asked. According to Harvard Business Review, imposter syndrome is defined as “doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud. It disproportionately affects high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments.”
For example, let’s say you scroll on Instagram and come across a post from somebody you look up to, whether it’s another stylist, salon leader, educator, somebody outside the industry, or whatever. Instead of feeling inspired by their success or accomplishment, you think, “Oh, that looks amazing…I’ll never be able to achieve that.”
Or maybe when you do achieve something incredible, like doubling your income (!), you play it down because it isn’t good enough.
When you have those reactions, it means imposter syndrome is in control.
How to recognize imposter syndrome
This step is both the easiest and the hardest because it sounds easy on the surface level but can be tricky to implement. Deep breath…here we go.
First, notice your thoughts when you scroll through social media, talk to other professionals, or attend workshops. Do you feel like you belong in that community? Or does it feel like you really shouldn’t be there and somebody might notice?
(Side note: You 100% BELONG. Don’t let that voice in your head scare you out of showing up in these spaces.)
Next, begin to categorize those thoughts, reactions, or feelings. Are you being kind and gentle with yourself? Or are you giving into the feeling of being an imposter and pushing aside all your incredible accomplishments? Do you feel confident in yourself and your business, or is self-doubt creeping in?
Don’t try to change these thought patterns yet. Just notice them. You can note them in your journal, your calendar, your notes app, whatever works best for you.
4 steps to heal imposter syndrome
Are you ready to heal from that voice in your head that tells you you don’t fit in? Let’s do this!
Eyes on your own paper
Listen, we know it’s not revolutionary, but instead of focusing on everybody else’s success, focus on YOURS. You are doing incredible things every single day, big and small, and when you start to pay attention to them, the comparisonitis falls away and your confidence grows.
So celebrate your coworkers, your industry friends, your leaders, but keep your eyes on your own paper.
Stay confident on social media
And we’re not talking about when you’re posting or going live, but even just scrolling. Know that you are in the right place and space on your success path and yours will look completely different from others’.
A great tip to stay confident on social media is to go online with a purpose, whether it be to connect with your followers, get inspired, or even see what your friends are up to. Don’t just mindlessly scroll and as soon as you start to, log off.
Build an uplifting community
There’s no room for a Mean Girls’ type of community on the road to success, especially when you’re healing from imposter syndrome. Cut out or reduce contact with toxic people and instead surround yourself with people who lift you up, hold you accountable, and are on their own journeys to success.
As the saying goes, “Surround yourself with people who feel like sunshine.”
Celebrate your achievements
Consider this your permission to celebrate your every accomplishment from the big to the small. Recognizing and acknowledging the incredible things you’re doing will help you move past imposter syndrome and into the ultimate confidence.
So crack that champagne and toast yourself. You’re doing amazing.
Recognizing and navigating imposter syndrome isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. (Again, for people in the back, it’s worth it!) You were put on this planet to do incredible things, so focus on you, recognize your thoughts, and do what lights you up.
If you need help building a strategy to boost your business and your confidence, check out Wealthiest Year Yet! It’s your one-stop shop for building the business and life YOU crave.