Tackle The Lies Imposter Syndrome Tells You
Why don’t you write more value-added content for your audience?
It’s not because you don’t know how to write in a specific format.
And it’s definitely not because you don’t have the knowledge. After all, there are plenty of resources out there for you to use and learn from – including a bunch from FocusCopy!
The reason why many people – maybe you – tend to get stuck when writing content is because they are battling a little thing called… Imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is when a person doubts their accomplishments and skills, and as a result, becomes afraid that they aren’t good enough.
This is one of the most common roadblocks that prevents entrepreneurs from being consistent (especially in their content production). They fall into thinking they are not smart enough to be an expert in their story and become frozen with fear of being inadequate or being called out as a fake.
I’m a young copywriter, have only been in the business for just over a year, and are working with 30+ year old businesses. By all means, it would be easy for me to see myself as an imposter – except that I know my skills and what results my skills they can provide my clients.
We all experience imposter syndrome at one point or another in our careers. But if you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, face it head on and defeat it before it defeats you!
Practical Methods to Defeat Imposter Syndrome
Here are some practical methods to defeat imposter syndrome, so you can start regaining your confidence to write more content consistently.
1. Identify What the Lie is
The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is to identify what the lie is. What is the lie circling your thoughts that is holding you back and making you feel like an imposter?
These can be thoughts like…
- “I’m not the best [insert your profession].”
- “Who am I to say I’m an expert? I’m not an expert.”
Figure out what you’re telling yourself, and write it down.
2. Figure Out If That’s Truth
Once you’ve identified those imposter thoughts, interrogate them! Figure out if there is any truth in them.
For example, my lie could be… “I am not really a copywriting expert.”
Yes, there are thousands of copywriters around the world. However, I’ve been studying copywriting for 5 years, digital marketing for 6 years, business for 7 years, and have loved writing since I was in elementary school. I also know that my clients are pleased with my work and my team’s work. In client meetings, I’m able to give advice without struggling to find words to say.
There will always be people in your field that are “better” than you; however, your experience is yours. No other person can buy your experience and use it as theirs – it’s yours and yours alone. That’s what makes you an expert.
Ask yourself:
- Do you have clients that are paying you right now?
- Are you working hard to improve your skills?
- What does your client expect from you, and are you meeting those expectations?
The truth is, most of the time, your clients don’t need you to know everything. They just need someone to listen and give them a solution.
Look for examples of how you have done that in the past and how you continue to put in the work to improve those skills for the future. Then you’ll have the evidence you need to know that you’re not an imposter.
3. Preach To Yourself The Truth
Now that you’ve unveiled the truth behind those pesky imposter syndrome lies, you’ll have to make sure that you don’t forget it.
Write it down on a post-in note, and stick it to your computer monitor.
Recite it to yourself every morning and every time those lies sneak into your mind.
Ask your colleagues, friends, or family to remind you of the truth.
Over time, you won’t need that post-it note; your success will reinforce that you are not an imposter. You are the real deal.
Tackle The Lies Imposter Syndrome Tells You
So now that you practically know how to defeat imposter syndrome, it’s time to tackle the lies imposter syndrome tells you.
Other People Have Had More Success.
Yes, other people may have had more success than you. But you don’t know the number of failures they worked through to get their success. You cannot compare your story to another person’s story.
Instead of comparing successes, compare your personal and professional growth. Where were you a year, 5 years, 10 years ago? Have you grown?
Truth: Our success comes from our ability to overcome our failures.
Think about Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb… Few people consider Thomas Edison to be a failure. But when asked how he felt about his lightbulb tests failing 1000 times, he simply retorted “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The lightbulb was simply an invention with 1,000 steps”. He didn’t consider test failures as a reflection on him and his work, simply as steps to the final solution that worked.
Do People Really Want To Hear What I’m Saying?
One of our clients built an incredible digital course in the health and wellness arena this year. There are many other courses in her specific arena, yes. But I kept reminding her that her background is so unique and she has a message she needs to share with the world.
Truth: Someone wants and needs to hear your story; no one else can copy your stories.
There are 7 billion people in this world!! Not everyone is gonna click, but SOMEONE will. YOUR approach to it and the knowledge you bring is completely different and unique!
What If Something Bad Happens?
Something bad will happen. Already in 2020, we’ve experienced (and are still experiencing) a pandemic, a social revolution, and a hurricane season that’s ravaged many communities.
In all these “bad things”, you may also respond wrongly. You’re going to respond poorly at something. No one is perfect. And as long as you release those perfectionist tendencies, you’re going to break free of your imposter syndrome.
When those moments happen, are you willing to own up to your mistakes and right your path forward?
Truth: Bad things are gonna happen, but it’s how you respond that’s going to make an impact.
People don’t necessarily want to see people who have it all put together. They are tired of the put-togetherness social media paints for them. They want to see the carpal tunnel from writing too much, bags under eyes, owning to up mistakes, and messy buns. That stuff is inevitable and REAL. For even more tips, check out my blog post on how to ease anxiety during content production.
