Fake It Till You Make It

My coaching practice is loaded with professional, successful entrepreneurs and corporate clients. I coach successful people – yes I do. And since this blog is based on honest, open communication, I will be totally upfront here – sometimes I wonder why I am able to attract, and successfully coach, such an incredible clientele. Now, let me tell you, I’ve come a long way. When I first began coaching a number of years ago, I would often think – “Who in the world am I to help people with their life problems? What do I know?” I would ignore my many successes, chalk them up to “luck,” and worry about someone finding out (in spite of my studies, certifications, and experience) that I was faking my way through each session.

Whew! It’s good to get that off my chest. Now-a-days these doubts are minor blips on the radar that probably fall into the “normal range.” However, many of my clients seem to show very similar “symptoms” and could probably be diagnosed as having a chronic case of what we call - The Imposter Syndrome. Some of the people I meet outside of my practice, say, in the coffee house and at networking events, often show the signs as well. It would make total sense that I draw these people to myself for three reasons: 1) Having gone through it myself I am acutely aware of the signs and symptoms, 2) when we are meant to do something specific in life, like help others with specific issues, that subject will haunt us until we listen to the Universe and succumb to the pressure, and (3) the fact that this little known, little understood thing called The Imposter Syndrome runs rampant in the minds of successful and intelligent people.

So, what do you do if you have these limiting thoughts more often than you’d like? How in the world do you start believing in yourself when this has been your thought pattern for as long as you can remember? How much more successful will you become if you can tame this beast?

Start by knowing that you are not alone. Seriously, I address this problem at least once a day in my coaching sessions. At one time or another, I believe that everyone goes through a period in life (at the very least) when thoughts of being a “fake” or “imposter” are limiting to their productivity and self-worth.

Consider coaching as a strong resource for growth and further understanding of yourself and your limiting thought patterns. A safe and nurturing coaching relationship is certainly the quickest way to overcome these self-defeating thought patterns. Begin to keep a log of your limiting beliefs. Ask yourself which are not reality based and which are truly areas to target for self-growth. Give yourself mini rewards for your successes – celebrate them! Talk to others about The Imposter Syndrome – you’ll be surprised to learn that once you open up others will do the same. This is a freeing experience and helps to kick the legs out from under this otherwise sturdy foundation of limiting beliefs.
Please share your experiences, successes, and feedback about The Imposter Syndrome. Let’s support one another here in this wonderful community of friends.