Have you ever found yourself sitting in front of a potential client, about to pitch your service offering, and a wave of panic washes over you as you begin to doubt your abilities? This is Imposter Syndrome, the moment when you feel like people will think you are a fraud.
Imposter Syndrome is becoming more and more common. This is particularly true for Female Founders, as we feel as though we have something to prove in the male-dominated business world. This is why we’ve pulled together 5 useful tips to help you overcome it and be the female entrepreneur (or fempreneur) you were born to be:
1. Rewrite the script
This strange phenomenon may seem daunting, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Everyone has experienced at least one moment of Imposter Syndrome in their careers. Especially when starting out as a Business Owner, this is something that brings a whole new level of doubt and anxiety. Use these doubts as fuel to change the narrative in your head and re-write the way in which you want your story to play out. Instead of saying things to yourself that trigger imposter syndrome, tell yourself: “I deserve this seat at the table and I am going to do a lot of great things in the world.”
2. Break the Silence
You are a female entrepreneur. You’ve overcome the odds to create the business of your dreams. You’ve hustled, you’ve grown and you’ve moved forward to become the greatest version of yourself you can be. You can overcome Imposter Syndrome too. But you can’t do it alone. Women need to empower other female founders and entrepreneurs along the way. Be open about your experiences and share them with your female community and network. Have open and honest conversations about your past wins and losses. This can not only help you find your next partner, mentor or soul sister, but it will free you from the shame you might feel and help you be the boss you were born to be.
3. Make mistake-making okay
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome requires community and unity. Xena has created a place where women, no matter their background or industry, can feel like it is okay to ask questions and make mistakes. We are all human. Your fellow founders on Xena will never judge you when you do. Instead, they will be the support system you need to overcome the heart-racing symptoms of Imposter Syndrome.
4. Fake it until you make it
The sky really is the limit for your success if you believe in your abilities and back yourself. You can’t wait until you feel 100% confident in everything you do before you put yourself out there. You just need to start building the business you’ve always believed in. Be brave, take risks, and your courage will transform into confidence before you know it.
5. Find your cheerleaders
Trade your inner-saboteur for some cheerleaders. Surround yourself with like-minded founders who believe in you and your abilities. Xena can help you do just that by introducing you to some powerhouse Fempreneurs that can help unlock your potential.
Xena is a community of South African Female Founders, Female-Led Businesses, Mentors and Leaders. We’re on a mission to leave a legacy by unlocking the collective potential of the female economy. As a member of Xena, we are in it with you to grow your business, the economy, our country and inspire the women of tomorrow.
Join us today to start this empowering journey, overcoming Imposter Syndrome along the way to becoming your best self.
