How To Deal With Imposter Syndrome As A Veteran Business Owner | High Speed Low Drag Podcast

clown-crazy-emotionsYou know that feeling that you get when you’re trying to put your best work out there but you always feel like you’re not good enough or aren’t as good as other people? That is imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is more common than one may think. It is safe to say that most of us- veterans included have gone through it. Statistics show that over 70% of all people experience it at one point or another in their lives. It is normal to feel inadequately prepared for major events that happen at work or in business.

Many veterans ask how to get over Imposter Syndrome. They also want to know what skills do they possibly have that will set them apart and add benefit to their business, just so they can say goodbye to that feeling once and for all.

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So, how does one get over imposter syndrome? Here are few ways

1.  Recognize traits that you see as disadvantages and figure out a way to make them an advantage 

Sometimes it’s all a matter of perspective. If you change your perspective then a disadvantage can become an advantage.

Take the case of Antonio and his tailoring business. When he started out, he knew nothing about tailoring. He also knew that he would be competing with others who were third or fourth generation tailors. What did he do? He partnered up with a tailor.

crime-dark-gang2. Get over yourself

This second tip may seem like harsh advice but really, the truth is the world doesn’t really revolve around you. Everyone is not going to stop and look at your every move under a magnifying glass. Most people are not paying attention.

Instead of feeling elf conscious that you don’t know what you are doing and are just messing up, just try to forget about that and attempt to do the best job that you can. More often than not, you’ll end up succeeding!

To be more specific, there are actually 8 steps that veterans can take to get over imposter syndrome. Here are those 8 steps:

1. Recognize that the problem exists

 As previously mentioned, imposter syndrome is more common than you may think. It is normal to go through feelings of not being enough. There is really nothing to be ashamed of. Veterans should recognize and admit whenever they feel this syndrome so they can actively deal with it and look for a solution.

Man talking in Can2. Receive and embrace positive feedback

It can be all too easy to dismiss good things that people have to say about you if you are suffering from imposter syndrome. But what you have to realize is that most people are really sincere when they give out praise for the work that you do. They are not trying to sabotage you. So when someone compliments you, accept it, receive it and embrace it.

2. Don’t attribute your success to luck

If you’ve worked for it and really put in an effort, your success is not because you got lucky. It really is as simple as that.

4. Don’t talk about your abilities or successes with words like merely, only, simply, etc.

 Using words like these are attempts to push down and minimize your successes. That’s not being fair to you. Recognize them for what they are and even celebrate them a bit.

apple-coffee-cup5. Keep a journal, blog or video log

There are many ways to document one’s accomplishments or even setbacks. These are just a few examples. Keeping a journal, blog or video log is a great way to document how far you’ve come and the accomplishments that you’ve made. These avenues will help you get over yourself and your negative thoughts.

6. Recognize that the perfect performer does not exist

Step 6 is key in realizing that all people, not just you, have flaws. Even the most accomplished person is still human and has made mistakes. This is why you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. If the perfect performer does not exist then there is hope for all of us.

7. Be proud of being humble

 You may have come from humble beginnings or come from a family who prides itself on humility. There is nothing wrong with this and is actually a good trait.

8. Remember that its okay to seek help from others

 There is nothing wrong with bringing in other people that complement you. Together, you can even become a much stronger team. Collaboration can create great things. At the end of the day, it is better to own 33% of something successful rather than have 100% of something that never was.