Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome: One Surprising Key to Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial Confidence
For any new business owner, it’s easy (and more common than you think) to find ourselves caught in a spiral of (crippling) self-doubt and imposter syndrome. I like to call this, the little gremlin on your shoulder whispering in your ear, some not-so-nice things — and if I’m real honest, it sounds more like yelling and teasing than a whisper… I’m sure you know what I mean.
"Are you actually good enough to do this?”
”Who are you to do this?”
”One day, everyone will realize you're a fraud."
Let’s be real… this flat-out sucks!
Raise your hand if you’re a victim of this gremlin of imposter syndrome… let’s call her, Regina George.
(And if you get that reference, comment immediately because we need to be friends!)
These are the exact things that keep us from doing what we’re passionate about, what we’re meant to do, and what other people are literally waiting for! But, instead of leaping in head-first (hell, even dipping a damn toe in), we allow it to paralyze us.
But what if I told you that the key to overcoming your self doubts and imposter syndrome is simpler than it seems, and the one thing most people will tell you you don’t need?
Let’s dive in…
One Surprising Key to Unlocking Your Entrepreneurial Confidence
Here’s what usually happens…
We get inspired by a great idea to start a business, a project, start freelancing, start a side hustle, design a product, etc. Maybe this is something you’ve been doing for awhile and you’re inspired to monetize it or maybe it’s a brand new path you’re rabbit-holing down. Feeling so inspired and lit-up opens your mind and heart up to visualizing and dreaming about all of the possibilities and amazing things that you could do! It’s exciting, and you’re so ready to dive in and create this dream, like tomorrow! Am I right?
But then Regina George shows up and rains on our parade…
Whether it’s consciously or more unconsciously, that inspiration and energy pumps the breaks — we slow down, we second-guess and overthink, and many times, we stop taking action altogether.
Not to mention, there are some very sneaky ways self-doubt and imposter syndrome shows up that might actually feel productive:
You sign up for another course or certification — because then maybe you’ll feel more qualified to do this.
You spend a LOT of time endlessly tweaking your website or creating the perfect Canva graphics for your social profiles — because then maybe you’ll look (and feel) legit.
You rethink (and overthink) your messaging and offer — which eventually leads you to redoing everything, pivoting your idea, and spiraling into considering if you can actually do this “business-thing.”
I’ve been there too… and I’m not proud of it, but, I totally get it.
So, how do you skip all this and overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and do it in the quickest way possible?
Incoming unconventional advice — the truth is, the most effective way to overcome your self-doubt and imposter syndrome is something we’re told we shouldn’t need: seeking validation from others.
In case you’re new here – #WATCHME® – unconventional is what we’re all about!
The Validation Paradox
As my therapist would say, “How can you give yourself the validation you seek from others?” So believe me when I say, I totally agree and understand that, as emotional human beings, understanding our tendencies, patterns, things we didn’t receive in childhood, experiences and trauma, and so on, helps us break unhealthy patterns, improve our mental health, and lead healthier, happier lives. I encourage everyone to do their own work, work with professionals, and reach out when you need help and support.
That being said, why should we actually seek validation?
Using other people’s validation as a tool actually helps us feel more confident. Research in social psychology has shown that our self-perception is heavily influenced by how others perceive us. This phenomenon, known as the "looking-glass self," suggests that we form our self-image based on how we believe others see us (Lesley University).
So, when other people give us validation — telling us what we’re doing is great, showing that they’re interested in what we’re doing or have to say, agreeing with our points, telling us how helpful we were to them, etc. — it shifts our self-image and boosts our confidence.
The Power of Social Proof
From validation, the power of social proof is two-fold.
When we receive positive feedback or validation from others, it actually provides the evidence or proof that we were looking for all along and contradicts our self-doubts and imposter syndrome. In regards to our business, the best form of this proof is when potential clients, satisfied clients (free or paid), as well as other professionals in our industry give us this positive feedback or validation, which is much more powerful than any affirmation, journaling prompt, or mirror-work we can do alone.
In addition, this is also similar to why using testimonials and reviews from other people to promote your business and offer, provides potential clients external proof and validation that hiring you or buying your offer will help them too. This social proof and validation for the offer they’re considering is able to provide them more confidence that investing in that offer will help them.
As you can see, external validation acts as a catalyst to help boost your confidence to help you overcome your initial self-doubts and imposter syndrome, moving you back into feeling inspired to take the next step!
How Exactly to Harness the Power of Validation for Your New Business or Idea
Not only do I want you to understand this unconventional concept, but I want you to be able to directly apply this to your new business or idea to TAKE ACTION!
So, how exactly can you harness this idea of seeking external validation to help you overcome your entrepreneurial self-doubt?
Post on Social Media: Write a short post (or short video/reel — whatever floats-your-boat) about your idea or business that you’re thinking about starting. I did this when I was considering starting my first business back-in-the-day, and that ONE post literally gave me the confidence I needed to actually start the business. (p.s. I recommend posting it with a selfie — people like connecting with people and their stories.)
Create a Test Offer: You actually don’t need a website, social media profiles, photos, branding and a logo, etc. to get started. All you need is one offer idea to test. This could be a mini-course, a 1-hour session, a prototype of your product, etc. Loosely outline your test offer.
Seek Out Beta Clients: Test out this offer on people you know, either at a price you feel comfortable with or free! My first free beta-test coaching client was the best thing I could have done to start my coaching business. I got so much valuable practice, feedback, ideas, and my confidence skyrocketed! Plus, she got free coaching — it was a win-win!
Ask for Validation: Here’s a fun exercise to boost your confidence and self-image! Send a short message to select people you know (and trust) and ask them if they would share a few words that they think best describe you. I was given this exercise to help me create my brand, and it was so helpful! Here’s an example for the message:
“Hey [name]! I’ve been given this exercise to reach out to people, like you, who know me and who I trust, to ask if you would give me just 3 words that you think best describe me? Would you have a minute to do this for me? I so appreciate you and your time!”
Ask for Testimonials: Of course, as you test your offer and start working with a client (free or paid), ask them to give you a review or testimonial. Believe me, while these will always help you promote your offers and business, they also are the best go-to tool for a rainy-day when you need a quick pick-me-up!
The whole point to these small, tangible exercises is to use small spurts of external validation as a tool (in a healthy way) to boost your confidence and tell Regina George to suck it.
But I also know that it may not feel that easy — imposter syndrome shows up a lot of different ways.
Which is exactly why I’ve created a mini-course to walk you step-by-step in landing your first client (and boosting your confidence) in just 5 days!
This no-fluff mini-course walks you through exactly how to test your offer, get your first client (free or paid — whatever feels best for you), build your confidence, and fast-track launching the business or idea you’ve been dreaming of! Stop wasting your time in those pseudo-productive tasks that keep you stuck, this helps you laser-focus on the only things you need to get started immediately, equipped with swipe-copy and templates and action steps you could do in just 15-minutes or less. Did I mention it’s only $27? So basically, it’s a no-brainer!
This is the exact system I used to land multiple clients, thousands of dollars, and launch and grow a handful of different businesses over the years!
Why Subscribe?
Danielle Uhl, MSOL is a Certified Coach & Business Mentor with over a decade of corporate experience and three successful entrepreneurial ventures under her belt. With a Bachelors & Masters in Business, she combines her academic knowledge with real-world expertise to help small business owners navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Danielle’s unique #WATCHME® brand encourages ambitious solo-business owners to pave their own path and create their own version of success and sustainable growth.
Unconventional Advice: 5-step-processes are never just 5-steps, which is why they leave you disappointed without results. Here, we’re sharing real, transparent Business + Life + Mindset advice, stories, and every-day tips to help you create real abundance, results, and joy for your live on your own terms.
Mindset + Strategy: It’s time to unlearn the lies you’ve been told and the strategies that feel unaligned that are holding you back. It’s time to #WATCHME® create your own path that actually feels good AND creates results.
Black-Sheep Community: You might be a rebel on your own path, but that doesn’t mean you're alone. Connect with your fellow rebels, rally together, and challenge each other to create your own version of success.
