Who Do You Think You Are? How to Ditch Imposter Syndrome

Photo by Alysha Rosly on Unsplash

Today I want you to think about all that you are instead of all that you are not. -- Unknown

Most of us have had feelings of self-doubt especially when we try something new or difficult or both.

The fact is, you know more than you think you know. You can do more than you think you can do.

Last year I worked with a writer who had a great idea for a book. In fact, she had a contract to write this book. She knew her stuff. But the first time we talked, she was nervous and stressed.

Of course, I never asked her if she had imposter syndrome, but she certainly wasn’t feeling confident about what she was doing.

So, how did she get past that awful feeling that she didn’t know enough to do what she wanted to do?

Moving Past Self-Doubt

To ditch imposter syndrome you can:

• Ignore it as a false belief

• Tell your inner critic to get lost. Act like a defense attorney and present evidence to show yourself that this voice is WRONG.

• Embrace what you do know and step into it

• Move past your fear and just begin.

• Take a leap of faith anyway

But it’s not always that easy.

We all can use support and guidance especially when it comes to doing hard things. It’s often the difference between starting and finishing something big. For this client getting support and guidance meant hiring a book coach and editor.

Before we started working together, I explained that I would be her editorial guide and give her feedback on all aspects of her book-in-progress. I reassured her that any issues that she

was facing could and would be resolved. I also encouraged her and assured her that she could write and finish her book. I still remember how relieved she was. The stress and tension drained from her face. She looked calmer and happier. She knew I had her back.

The Positive Effect of a Virtuous Loop

I started working with her after she’d written only a few chapters. She continued writing and as she did, I edited them and returned them to her with my notes, suggestions and supportive feedback. Over time, it created a virtuous loop.

With support and feedback, she started to feel more confident and could begin to zero in on her strengths and the strengths of her program. With a structure -- a detailed Table of Contents -- it was easier for her to see what needed to be included and what she could leave out. This made her feel more confident too and this helped her to focus on what she wanted to say and say it clearly.

Over time, through her writing she was able to lead readers from Chapter 1 to Chapter 20. Over the course of that journey she helped her readers get something they really wanted. She helped them to begin to change their lives.

Better Writing. A LOT Better Writing

The process also changed her. Over time, as I gave her positive feedback and direction and guidance slowly, she morphed into a confident writer. This meant that her writing got BETTER. Not a little bit better, but A LOT Better.

The chapters at mid-point to the end were clear and motivated her readers to learn and adopt each step of her program. These pages were starkly different from the first content she submitted. So, not only did her readers change, she changed and got more confident about her ability to write her book. When it comes to book number 2, she’ll be starting (and writing) from a much stronger position.

So, if you have imposter syndrome, first give yourself a pep talk and tell yourself that you know more than your fear says you do. Next, if you need it, get help to move past your feelings of self-doubt and do what you really want to do.

Until Next Time!

How do you do hard things? Please leave a comment below!

Contact me when you’re ready if you need:

1. A book coach to be your editorial guide, support and project manager as you write or re-write your book and/or book proposal.

2. A manuscript evaluation for a big picture, smallest detail overview.

3. A developmental editor to structure your book, and make the text clear, concise, and reader friendly.

4. If you’d like a free copy of my PDF: Is it a Book? The Ten Step Roadmap to Writing Your Best Book sign up for my e-mail list at www.chrystlefiedlerbookcoaching.com.