# Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: A Beginner’s Guide
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*By Natja Böttcher*
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**Introduction**
As an entrepreneur, it’s natural to doubt your abilities and question whether you’re truly capable of achieving success. This self-awareness combined with analytical understanding and high cognitive ability often leads to self-criticism, which can manifest as impostor syndrome. Impostor syndrome is experienced by 84% of entrepreneurs, especially those in leadership positions. It is a phenomenon that affects both men and women, and it often stems from childhood experiences and unrealistic self-expectations.
In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the causes of impostor syndrome, common symptoms, and strategies for overcoming self-doubt. By recognizing negative behaviors, separating feelings from facts, appreciating small successes, embracing failures as opportunities, accepting compliments, seeking support, and understanding that you don’t have to be special to succeed in business, you can overcome impostor syndrome and unlock your full potential as an entrepreneur.
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## Section 1: Causes of Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome, originally identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes, can be traced back to childhood experiences. Children who did not receive enough self-worth validation from their parents often develop the belief that they can only earn love and recognition through high performance. This puts immense pressure on them, leading to fear of failure and a constant need to prove themselves. Additionally, unrealistic expectations from parents can translate into excessive self-doubt and self-imposed high standards in adulthood.
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## Section 2: Recognizing and Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
**Step 1: Recognize negative behaviors**
Acknowledging and recognizing moments of self-doubt is the first step towards overcoming impostor syndrome. Be aware of how you compensate for self-doubt, such as focusing excessively on high performance or procrastinating out of fear of failure. Instead of ignoring doubts and fears, confront them head-on.
**Step 2: Separate feelings from facts**
Remember that your thoughts and feelings do not define your competence. Even if you feel like you’re not as capable as other entrepreneurs, the reality may be different. Focus on your abilities and what you have accomplished instead of fixating on perceived deficiencies.
**Step 3: Appreciate small successes**
Your self-worth is not solely determined by major accomplishments. Take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the small successes that often go unnoticed. These moments contribute to your overall growth and should not be overlooked.
**Step 4: Embrace failures as opportunities**
Failure does not define your worth as an entrepreneur. Instead of hiding failures and feeling like an impostor, view them as opportunities for growth. Learn from your mistakes and gather valuable insights that can inform your future endeavors. By allowing yourself to fail, you can overcome impostor syndrome and become a stronger entrepreneur.
**Step 5: Accept compliments**
If you struggle to accept compliments and downplay your achievements, it may be due to feelings of insecurity. Accepting compliments gracefully can contribute to building self-worth. Remember that people give compliments for a reason, and allow yourself to receive appreciation from others.
**Step 6: Seek support**
If self-doubt significantly affects your daily life and behavior, it’s crucial to seek support. Consider working with a coach or mentor who can help you change negative thought patterns and strengthen your self-esteem. Connecting with other entrepreneurs can also provide valuable support through shared experiences, reminding you that you are not alone.
**Step 7: Understand that you don’t have to be special to succeed in business**
Entrepreneurship is not exclusively reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities. The skills needed to build and lead a successful business can be learned and developed. By recognizing that you are just as capable as anyone else in business, you can overcome impostor syndrome and achieve your goals.
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## Section 3: Impostor Syndrome FAQs
**How do people with impostor syndrome think?**
People experiencing impostor syndrome often feel that their accomplishments and abilities are not truly deserved. They attribute their success to external factors or luck, downplaying their achievements and fearing that others will uncover their perceived incompetence.
**Can entrepreneurs have impostor syndrome?**
Yes, impostor syndrome can affect entrepreneurs, especially successful ones. The risks, responsibilities, and challenging environments that entrepreneurs face often contribute to feelings of self-doubt and the need to constantly prove themselves.
**How can entrepreneurs overcome impostor syndrome?**
Entrepreneurs can overcome impostor syndrome by acknowledging their own successes and developing a deep awareness of their strengths and abilities. Seeking connections with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, or coaches provides opportunities to exchange experiences and gain support, reinforcing feelings of self-worth.
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## Section 4: About the Author
**Natja Böttcher** is a certified coach and writer from Germany who specializes in helping ambitious job seekers find clarity in their career paths. She believes that by identifying their life vision, individuals can land their dream jobs and pursue their goals with confidence. Natja Böttcher offers coaching services through her company, Natja Böttcher Coaching.
For more information, visit her website at [www.natja-boettcher.com](https://natja-boettcher.com/) or connect with her on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/natja-b%C3%B6ttcher).
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In conclusion, impostor syndrome is a common experience for entrepreneurs, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. By recognizing negative behaviors, separating feelings from facts, appreciating small successes, embracing failures as opportunities, accepting compliments, seeking support, and understanding that success does not require inherent exceptionalism, you can overcome impostor syndrome and thrive in your business journey. Remember, you have what it takes to succeed, and self-doubt should never hold you back.