The Reality Of
Imposter Syndrome By Tammie Pike
Everyone is going to feel like an imposter at times. The most important thing is that you don’t let these thoughts and feelings control you.
OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE HELPED WOMEN UNLEASH THEIR POTENTIAL, HONOUR THEIR WORTH AND GIFTS, AND MORE COMMONLY, THESE DAYS, I HELP WOMEN SHARE THEIR JOURNEY TO EITHER HEAL FROM, CONNECT WITH THEIR AUDIENCE AUTHENTICALLY OR TO AWAKEN, INSPIRE AND EMPOWER OTHERS.
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ne of the main blocks many of these women have come up against starts with who am I to _____________ ? (fill in the blank)
The hardest part of running a business, stepping out of your known zone, is being seen on a larger scale, sharing your services/products and charging for your knowledge and time. It’s also overcoming the lack of self-belief and self-worth. You aren’t alone; even famous and highly successful women struggle with this too! Being one of these women myself, I know it hasn’t been an easy path to be where you are today. I can only imagine how much you have learned and grown in your lifetime. The knowledge and wisdom you have gained by living your unique experiences are priceless — not only to you but to others. It’s your biggest gift to others to share that story. Do you know the saying, “don’t shine too bright; you might burn someone”. This is what our society believes, and so many women dim themselves and hide, so they don’t upset others. I’ll give you an example I see all the time. Have you ever wanted to write a book? Many women I work with
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have always dreamed of writing their book. However, they don’t believe: • • • • •
They have what it takes. Their story isn’t good enough. No one will want to read it. They don’t know enough. They don’t have enough certifications or degrees. • Aren’t well known. So they have shoved their dream of becoming an author into the deep recess of their mind. Yet, their dream is so intense that they end up reaching out to me for a chat. It usually only takes one conversation with me for a woman to see what myself and the world sees; an incredibly resilient, strong, and successful woman. It’s also building her belief that what she wants to share is needed in the world. It takes a safe space, a support system, and a network to help her feel supported in creating her book. The results of when these women finally take the step and do the work are astounding! As women, we tend to downplay or even outright ignore our natural abilities, achievements, experiences and successes. Why? Because most of the time, we feel as if we don’t deserve them. We tend to feel
guilty if we have natural talents and abilities that come easily or think we are outshining others. This is due to the negative beliefs we have been instilled in us through our society and those around us and can be summed up to an affliction millions of people feel every day, and many never overcome… the dreaded Imposter Syndrome. The phenomenon of imposter syndrome affects about 70% of people at some point in their lives.
How do you know if you have or are experiencing Imposter Syndrome? Have you ever: • Felt Like a stranger in your own body? • Felt Unworthy of success? • Downplay your achievements. • Don’t celebrate your wins, • Hide on social media. • Feel as if you are only successful due to a lucky streak • Ignored your success • Suffered from perfectionism and procrastination
