5 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Founder

A Guide to Embracing Your Strengths and Silencing Self-Doubt

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Feeling like an imposter is one of the biggest, and most common, struggles for founders.

The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming, and we start to doubt ourselves when we don't meet our expectations. But the truth is, feeling like an imposter is normal, and it's okay. You'll never completely remove imposter syndrome, but there are strategies to help reduce it.

Founders and creators are always trying new things, and doing anything new will make you feel out of your depth.

Research shows that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives [1]. However, by implementing the following strategies, you can minimize its impact and build a more resilient mindset

Here's what we'll cover:

1. Change the Metrics of Success

2. Create a Spoke of Competence

3. Find More Founders

4. Stop Chasing Impossible Perfection

5. Recalibrate Your Fear Centre

6. BONUS 🤫

Let's dive in:

1) Change the Metrics of Success

Focusing on external measures of success can contribute to feelings of inadequacy.

Pursuing external validation can breed self-doubt. Instead, redefine success and concentrate on inherent measures of accomplishment.

How:

• Measure small steps of progression (look for the 1% improvements)

• Accept that external measurements (likes, followers, subscribers) are out of your control

• Focus on internal measurements (posts, newsletters, content) that are your responsibility

Research suggests that intrinsic motivation, driven by personal growth and mastery, is more sustainable and leads to greater well-being compared to extrinsic motivation based on external rewards [5].

2) Create a Spoke of Competence