FINDING COURAGE

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Finding Courage

When You Feel Like an Imposter

by Amy Zellmer

Imposter syndrome affects almost every single one of us at some point in our life/ career. I have seen it rear its ugly head in every industry I have worked in, and the yoga community most definitely is not exempt from its grips.

WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME?

It often shows up as feelings of self-doubt and personal incompetence that continually haunt you despite your education, experience and accomplishments. You feel like an imposter and worry that others will see right through you, that you’re not qualified to teach/work in your field — even though you are more than qualified and experienced. It tends to disproportionately affect high-achieving individuals, which by and large describes most entrepreneurs.

DO YOU FIND YOURSELF SAYING THINGS LIKE:

• “I’m not good enough to teach this.” • “They’re going to see right through me.” • “There are better teachers out there than me.” • “Why would anyone want to work with me when they can work with ____?” • "I don’t know enough about XYZ to teach it.” • “Nobody will like me.”

SO, WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME, REALLY?

While it may show up differently in each of us, there is always some element or combination of limiting beliefs, lack of confidence, negative self-talk and trauma. It’s easy to see others succeeding and think that you are not worthy of the same level of success. Social media has no doubt had an effect on the way we view others, as well as ourselves. We continually compare ourselves to what we see others posting; even though, at some level, we know that they are only posting the highlight reels and not showing the low moments or their own imposter syndrome.

WAYS IT CAN SHOW UP:

• Procrastination • Perfectionism • Self-Sabotage • Worthlessness (I’m not worthy) • Fear of failure (or, more likely, fear of success) • Resistance to change

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

Now that you can identify it, rest assured that it is possible to overcome it by finding your bravery. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there as a teacher, but know this: there is someone out there who needs to hear exactly what you have to say. Sometimes, it may feel as though our industry is saturated with yoga teachers or educators, but know that YOU have a unique message that ONLY YOU can deliver. Your combination of education, lived experience and unique teaching style makes you YOU.

Turn to svadhyaya, or self-study. As hard as it may be sometimes, we are truly infinitely flexible beings. We were divinely designed to adapt to change, even though we often resist it. Remember that ahimsa (do no harm) applies not only to others but to ourselves as well. When we limit beliefs or think negatively about ourselves, we are causing ourselves harm — as well as to others by not sharing our knowledge with them.

It takes courage to step into our best version of ourselves … the version you were meant to be even though you may be self-sabotaging yourself because of the fear that is holding you back.

Take some time to turn inward and connect with your higher self. It is important to explore ‘I AM’ statements in an introspective way — asking ourselves “who do I want to become?” instead of