Navigating Imposter Syndrome whilst changing the world
Feeling humbled to have received a nomination for the Women Changing The World Awards presented by Sarah, Duchess of York and Dr. Tererai Trent. This global awards program recognises women change makers globally.
What do you think first happened when I received this news?
My old friend Madame Imposter jumped in and yelled at me, "Wow that's so wonderful, only there are far more women worthy, don’t bother entering. You have so much more to do before you are worthy of such a nomination, let alone an Award" ...
In this moment, I felt sad and really had to take a conscious moment to think how I would receive this news if it was my daughter receiving the nomination, or a friend or my client. Recognising that it would only be one of praise, encouragement and support, caused my inner coach to rocket out of me. As I started to pull on my inner tools of reflection, projection, breath to ground myself, I was able to thank Madame Imposter for enabling me to stay humble and dig deep, to look at the wonderful impact I have and do make on a local and global scale.
Impact and change can be measured on so many scales. When I reflect on the change and impact I have brought to the world, such as creating a company that for 8+ years educated thousands of people, majority being our most critical frontline workers, our School teachers and Nurses to prevent and overcome stress and burnout, to being a public speaker spreading the message of “being your possible,” to contributing hundreds of hours in kind to causes I believe in, to raising healthy, happy, kind and inspired children to simply following my audacious dreams, reaching many and inspiring thousands more to the same. This all said what I believe to be my greatest impact is lighting up who I meet on a day to day basis with my smile, energy and positive outlook, it is these everyday moments that really change the world.
There will always be people doing MORE, BETTER, LOUDER... this is never a reason to dull your light, to not accept recognition for your efforts. This imposter Syndrome will show up in all areas of life from a promotion or pay rise at work, the idea of achieving certain dreams and goals, relationships and so on.
If you can relate to this, my tips are to:
1. Feel the discomfort and acknowledge what rises in these moments.
2. Thank your Imposter Syndrome for keeping you humble and allowing you to see where you can continue to expand and better yourself and all you do. I coach my clients and teach my children that comparison can be the death of dreams, the road block to progress and happiness.
3. Receive the recognition by thanking the opportunity, and thanking those that enabled the opportunity. Thank you to who ever it was that nominated me ❤️.
4. Take action! Be your own inner cheerleader - I like to speak to my 8 and 10 year old self and cheer her on. Success really does happen when preparation meets opportunity. Embrace the opportunity.
5. Trust … lean into trusting each step you take is leading you closer to your next best opportunity.
I like to close all of my intentions and goal settings with the echo of my mother’s voice, a saying she would repeat hundreds of times to me as a child and young adult, My darling, “Shoot For The Moon. Even If You Miss, You'll Land Among The Stars." - Norman Vincent Peale
Thank you mum – this is a powerful belief.
Ready to overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your goals? Book an appointment with me to chat about how I can support you on your journey to success.
