What do you do to feel confident and powerful? 💪🏾 Tips to deal with imposter syndrome

Dear Busy Woman,

What do you do to feel confident and powerful?

Perhaps you’ve been looking for that sign to start a side hustle, step into your leadership prowess at the table, make that career transition or courage to prioritise time for things that truly matter to you.

From Lawyer in Financial Services to Sustainability Leader, juggling two side hustles as a spin and reformer pilates instructor. We revisit our conversation with our inspiring Community Ambassador Meaghan. While she exudes confidence, Meaghan openly shares her struggles with imposter syndrome. Her mantra, "fake it till you make it," paired with hard work and time has been her armour against self-doubt 💪🏾.

💡 Impostor Syndrome…

is a phenomenon in which people feel inadequate despite their qualifications and successes - think perfectionists, high achievers, underrepresented groups. This can look like a need to keep proving, playing small, avoid speaking up, over-preparing, procrastinating on asking for that job promotion.

“Am I good enough? What am I doing on this table? I shouldn’t be here. They’re going to discover I’m a mistake and fire me from the company!” Does this inner monologue sound familiar?

Why it matters: The constant worry, insecurity can lead to chronic anxiety and burnout.

⭐️ Framework: Transforming Your Inner Critic

What you can do: Here’s one strategy to build a healthier relationship with yourself - to deal with imposter syndrome and build on your confidence.

Step 1: Identify: Recognise and name your inner critic. Take a saboteurs quiz here.

Step 2: Acknowledge. What is the voice saying? Write it all down.

Step 3: Challenge. Is it true? Can you absolutely know that it's true? What are some other perspectives around this?
Note: Perhaps, you may spot a gap in your skillset and that’s okay too. Go gentle on yourself. Now you know where to focus your efforts on.

Step 4: Transform. Call in your wise one. What else does your wise one have to say to your inner critic?

Step 5: Practice. Practice. Practice.
Build internal validation. Celebrate your achievements. You’re needed at those tables.

🦸🏻‍♀️ #teambusywoman Motivation: Meaghan See

“My rich life is one made with meaningful relationships - through friends, family, even colleagues, where time spent with them is quality and treasured. A rich life to me also means being agile, physically and purpose-wise, being able to tackle any challenges that life throws your way, to be able to live life to the fullest.”

Q: We met in 2016. What’s been a constant in your life?

“Movement has always been key for my mental and physical health. Teaching fitness classes continues to inspire me daily. Know the one thing you need to do everyday to keep yourself focused, grounded and sane - keep doing that thing.”

Q: You seem like you’re doing it all. Any struggles?

“It’s tough living in this day and age where we subconsciously compare ourselves to others. Social media heightens the struggle, with glimpses into other women’s lives who seem to have it all, do it all and be all, and then somehow seeping into our mindsets that we can and should aspire to be like them.

To cope, I focus on what people expect of me vs. what I truly want. When it comes to the point where I feel like I almost can’t properly meet my responsibilities, I know I’m taking on too much and that’s when I consciously pull back, take things off my plate for a week or so, to take a breather.”

Q: What is your biggest learning over the last few years?

Opportunities present themselves to you pretty often but the really good ones only come by every once in awhile. Sadly, inertia is the downfall of us as human beings, preferring the status quo because it is just easier that way. It takes so much to get out of the inertia state, but it'll be worth so much when you do.

Q: What is next for you?

Taking things one at a time, instead of bulldozing through to see big, fast, visible wins - this applies for my personal life and career.

☀️ Our Rituals

• 👩🏻‍🏫 Read: In our 30s…18 Life Lessons we are (still) learning: IG | LI

• 👩‍💻 Watch: Michelle Obama’s take on imposter syndrome

• 🎧 Listen: Sarah Blondin’s “Practicing gentle kindness toward ourself” on Insight Timer

• 📝 Journal prompt: What is the title of your chapter in 2023, and what is your vision of 2024’s title?

• Quote:

Remember, imposter syndrome doesn't define your worth. You’re beautiful just as you are 🩷.

Wishing everyone an amazing Festive Season! In January, we explore the Psychology of Money. What did you think of this edition? What work/life topics intrigue you? Hit reply. We’d love to hear from you.

Love,
#teambusywoman

P.S. Still trying to deal with imposter syndrome and show up more confidently in work/life? Book a trial coaching session for a transformative journey. What you’ll receive:

• Core values alignment: We’ll speak about your past, present to derive a personalised list of your top core values

• Techniques: Embody your inner wise one to deal with imposter syndrome

• Action: Use these insights to anchor your 2024 work/life goals confidently

Read client reviews here. (Spots are filling up. Only 3 dates are still available in December). 🔥