Why Imposter Syndrome is Holding You Back (And How to Let Go of It)

If you’re self-employed or a small business owner, I’m sure you’ve had those moments when it feels like everyone else is cruising through life with everything in perfect order, while you’re just trying to survive—stumbling along, hoping no one catches on. Sound familiar? There’s a term for this feeling: imposter syndrome.

And let me tell you, it’s rampant in the world of self-employment and small business. We’re often surrounded by the highlight reels of others, which can make us feel like we’re the only ones who don’t have everything perfectly in place.

Your Unique Skills Are Your Superpowers

That’s exactly why I created Strings To Your Bow back in September 2024. The idea behind the podcast was simple: you are not alone in feeling like you don’t have it all figured out.

The conversations on the podcast are designed to support people like you in recognising that you have superpowers—a unique skill set that has been shaped by your own experiences. And because no two people can ever have the same experiences, the skills you’ve developed are completely one-of-a-kind.

So, let’s put this into perspective: comparison is futile. There’s no point in measuring yourself against someone else, especially when their journey is different from yours. In fact, it’s kind of like trying to compare apples to oranges—it just doesn’t work. So, why waste precious time worrying about what others are doing with apparent ease?

The Importance of Self-Recognition

Instead of comparing yourself to others, it’s time to be kind to yourself and recognise just how amazing you are. Acknowledging your own value is an essential step in building confidence, and the best part? It doesn’t require comparing yourself to anyone else. It just requires you recognising what you’ve built, how far you’ve come, and the unique perspective you bring to the table.

As business owners, we’re all time-poor. Every minute counts. So why waste it on things that don’t serve us, like comparing ourselves to others? Instead, invest that time in nurturing your strengths and building the confidence you deserve.

You’ve got this. Don’t let imposter syndrome convince you otherwise.