OVERCOMING IMPOSTER SYNDROME

Imposter syndrome is a really fascinating phenomenon and while most research I’ve read points it to be an individual issue, from my experience, it stems from being in environments where my accolades and abilities are questioned because of other people’s pre-existing biases. I did not always experience imposter syndrome but after spending 90% of my time in industries and arenas steeped in misogyny and patriarchal systems I find it very hard to accept my accolades and expertise for what they are: Absolutely great and relevant.

Tonight, I asked Christina to read every one of the blog posts I wrote to make sure it’s “good” and “not too ranty”. She assured me it was all perfect, but I didn’t believe her. I love to write. I love to present, I love to teach and coach, I am a leader who’s spent the better part of her young life learning all that I can about being a great leader, and mentor to those in my industries. Rarely was I given the opportunity to do these things and I was often told I wasn’t ready for such things at a higher level.

While other people’s opinions of us are not everything, it can be difficult when industry leaders tell you you aren’t ready, or worthy. Convincing yourself that you are worthy can be a full-time job; I'm serious. I changed industries and have more opportunities than I’ve ever had before. I have people who encourage me to explore my strengths and try things out and it’s such a relief to feel supported to reach for that next rung on the ladder. Little by little my confidence is building but I still have these moments of doubt as we all do. Here are my top 4 tips on reducing imposter syndrome:

1. Find a mentor who will see your value add, and help you grow. I was very fortunate that during the period I was feeling stifled, I had a couple mentors who helped me get creative in reaching for those next rungs before I changed industries. In network marketing, make sure your sponsor is committed fully to helping you grow. We can not entrust them with our full development but we can choose a sponsor who will assist us along the way. Find mentors within your team at large. The joy of GGN is we all help each other out, I have mentors way up in my upline, and some sideline.
   
   
2. In moments of doubt, in your head, list 5 things you have achieved that are non-negotiable. Things you did where completing them made you feel on top of the world. No one can take these things away from you! They happened and you rocked them!
   
   
3. FEEL THE DOUBT, DO IT ANYWAY. Every single thing you’ve achieved in your life, you achieved because of a decision to try. Moments of imposter syndrome are no different, you know that you may fail, but you also know that you will learn from this.
   
   
4. Do your personal development! Flex that mindset! Imposter Syndrome creeps in less if you’re growing and developing your mindset! GGN members commit to 10 minutes of PD per day and while that seems like a really small amount, it builds up over time!

While everyone experiences imposter syndrome it’s how we move forward that is really important

​-Jade