How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Embrace Your Expertise 😎
🎶
“Am I good enough?”
🎶
From the song, “Enough. Worthy. Deserving.” by Suzan Alakas
Do you ever feel like you're not enough? That even though you've had some experience and results in your business, that there’s this nagging feeling that you're not as knowledgeable or experienced as you should be? You’re not alone! 💕
✨ Read on to discover how you can overcome Imposter Syndrome and be more confident with your offers! ✨
• Originally written: 10 October 2024
• Last updated: 23 October 2024
• Written by: Suzan Alakas
Suzan is Growtharmony’s Founder and Editor-In-Chief. She is passionate about spreading the amazing work and inspiring stories of heart-centered women entrepreneurs working to make the world a better place. When Suzan’s not writing, finding leverage points or learning something new - you can find her in the garden, playing in the snow with her family, or in the kitchen cooking up a nourishing meal!
Do you ever find yourself thinking: 🤔
“What if my clients find out I don’t know everything?”
“Am I really qualified to help others?”
“What if I’m not good enough and I disappoint them?”
Many women entrepreneurs feel the weight of “Imposter Syndrome”, especially those in service-based roles like coaching, teaching, and healing. This can lead to feelings and thoughts of self-doubt, making you hesitate when marketing your services or standing behind your worth.
This inner dialogue can be crippling, especially when you’re about to make a sale, post content, or step into a leadership role.
This often happens subconsciously, so you’re not even aware of it, but I’ve got great news for you! There’s a powerful tool you can use to silence these doubts - the Alter Ego Method.
The Power of the Alter Ego Effect ⭐️
In his book The Alter Ego Effect, Todd Herman explains how creating an alter ego can help you step into a more confident and empowered version of yourself.
This method is used by athletes, performers, and high achievers to overcome self-doubt and step into roles that demand a different kind of energy. ✨
Take Beyoncé, for example. She created her alter ego, Sasha Fierce, to help her tap into bold confidence on stage - an energy very different from her naturally introverted personality. By stepping into Sasha Fierce, she was able to leave behind her insecurities and perform with fearless power. 🎤💪
The Neuroscience of Why the Alter Ego Works 🧠
So why does this method work so well?
Neuroscience shows us that the brain is incredibly adaptable, and it responds to mental cues and rituals. When you consciously step into an alter ego mindset, you’re psychologically distancing yourself from your existing perspective. This gives you mental space to choose a different decision than you might have automatically made. Cool right? 😊
Additionally, by creating a physical or mental “trigger” (like putting on a specific piece of clothing, touching a piece of jewelry, or repeating a mantra), you send a signal your brain to shift into a new mindset. This allows you to bypass the self-doubt and act from a place of confidence.
It might feel funny and unnatural at first, but the more you practice this, the more your brain creates new neural pathways. You are reinforcing this empowered behavior over time until it feels more natural! 🤩
3 Steps to Create and Activate Your Alter Ego
Here’s how you can start using the Alter Ego Method to overcome imposter syndrome and show up confidently!
1. Define Your Alter Ego’s Qualities
Write down the specific qualities your alter ego embodies. Here are a few questions you can consider:
Who do you need to be to show up fully in your business?
What qualities do you wish you had? (Courage, attention to detail, confidence on camera, etc.)
Do you have any role models or people in your life who have the qualities you wish you had?
You can create your own character from scratch, choose a fictional character, choose a person who embodies the qualities that you’re striving to have, or create an Alter Ego that’s a combination of several personas. 😊
Then, visualize this character clearly - her posture, expression, energy, etc.
2. Choose a Trigger
Give yourself a physical way to activate your alter ego. The physical act signals your brain that it’s time to shift into a new role.
You could wear a special piece of clothing, like a jacket that makes you feel powerful, or touch a piece of jewelry that holds personal significance.
Some people rub a ring or bracelet to step into their new persona.
3. Call on Your Alter Ego in Key Moments
When you’re in a situation that you want to handle differently than how you usually handle it - like before a client call or launching a new product - call on your alter ego.
Take a deep breath, activate your physical trigger (whether that’s putting on the special item or touching it), and step into your alter ego.
Imagine her standing tall, owning the room, and confidently sharing her gifts with the world! 🤗
Then make decisions and take actions in the ways that you think your Alter Ego would.
A Final Note
The Alter Ego Method is a powerful way to step out of Imposter Syndrome, and try-on a new identity that you want to step into.
Remember, you already have all the qualities you need to succeed inside of you! The Alter Ego Method is just one way to unlock them and step into your fullest potential! 🤩
Cheering for you! ✨✨✨
Here are even more ways to leverage nature’s power to reduce stress and increase productivity!
✨ Take our 30 minute ‘Nourishing Meals at HALF the Cost” training to save BIG on your grocery bills and food preparation costs!
✨ Subscribe to the Growtharmony YouTube Channel for more uplifting, actionable tips and videos!