As business owners, there will be times when we’ll doubt ourselves or feel like a fraud. This common phenomenon is called imposter syndrome. This can happen anytime in business from the startup phase. Studies have shown that imposter syndrome affects high achievers which most business owners are.
Perfectionists tend to experience imposter syndrome because of the extremely high standards that they set. They are very critical of their work if it isn’t just right. There is a fear that others will find out that they’re fake.
Solopreneurs may feel like an imposter when they don’t believe in their abilities and accomplishments because they actually had help in getting to where they are. They fear the success they had was by luck.
When we’re called the ‘expert’ at what we do, imposter syndrome can easily show up. We know there’s always more to learn so how can we be the expert? It’s easy to feel like a fraud.
Imposter syndrome can cause intensified anxiety and fear of failure because of second guessing decisions. As believers, we can overcome this phenomenon by acknowledging that we are not perfect. We are only human and can just do the best we can.
As high achievers, we should focus on what we did right instead of what we did wrong. By analyzing how we were successful, we become aware of the things we’re actually doing to be successful and our confidence soars.
Comparing is not something we should do. We are unique so our businesses are unique. When we compare, it is easy to feel inadequate and anxious because we should be doing something to be like that other business. We should do our business in our own unique way that God made us.
Prayer
Dear God in heaven,
Thank You for making me so wonderfully unique. You are awesome and amazing! Help me to focus on the plans You called me to do and not compare myself to Your other masterpieces.
In Your Son’s name, Amen
Verses
James 1:6 for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind
James 3:2 we all make many mistakes
Romans 3:23 we all fall short of God’s standard
John 5:30 Even Jesus said, “I can do nothing on my own.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11 The wise sometimes go hungry, the skillful are not wealthy. Those educated don’t always have successful lives. It’s all by chance, being in the right place at the right time.
Colossians 3:23 whatever you do, work at it with all your heart
Ephesians 2:10 we are God’s handiwork created to do good works
Song
“Echo“ by Elevation Worship is a reminder that when we don’t feel good enough, God is enough for us.
Call to Action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then read the passages about Moses, who was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, when he was asked by God to free His people (Exodus 3 and 4), Esther when she was asked to go before the king to save her people (Esther 4), Gideon (Judges 6), and Paul (2 Corinthians 10 -12).