Escape Imposter Syndrome with Creative Business Coaching

Today, I want to talk about a seldom talked about but an all-too-common issue that plagues even the savviest businessmen and women. I’m talking about imposter syndrome—that feeling of unworthiness that can sap creativity and confidence and leave you feeling paralyzed.

But I don’t like to focus on doom and gloom…it’s just not my style. So we’ll also be talking about how a creative business coach could be exactly what you need to boost your confidence and what you can expect when working with a creative business coach. (And if you’re asking yourself what is a creative business coach? Don’t worry…we’ll cover that, too.)

Let’s break it down.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Have you ever walked into a boardroom filled with your peers or prepared to present in front of your boss and asked yourself…

What am I doing here?

Will anyone buy this…coming from me?

Often what you’re experiencing is imposter syndrome—that nagging internal voice telling you that you’re inadequate, or worse, an outright fraud, and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world realizes that you’re just not as good… or capable… or gifted… as everyone else.

If you’ve suffered from imposter syndrome, I hope it helps you to know you’re not alone. In fact, recent research conducted on the subject found that more than 80% of people experience some form of imposter syndrome during their lives.

Even the great Paul McCartney was quoted by Inc. magazine as experiencing imposter syndrome…yes, that Paul McCartney, Beatles icon, writer of a slew of number one hits, and winner of dozens of musical awards:

“You never think you're good. I really ought to think I'm fantastic because I have this pile of achievements ... but I'm still going, "Oh, can I do it?"

For female executives, wrestling with imposter syndrome is quite common. In a study released by audit, tax, and advisory firm KPMG, roughly 75% of female executives report having feelings of imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.

At the heart of imposter syndrome is the fallacy that you are less likely to succeed than others because you are somehow lacking…and shifting that mindset is where a skilled creative business coach can help.

What is a Creative Business Coach?

Don’t get me wrong—I think hiring a business coach is a great idea. I love them…heck, I am one! But a creative business coach adds a level of specificity that can benefit both you and your business.

So, what is a creative business coach? It’s someone who takes their coaching expertise a bit farther by offering a more holistic approach. A creative business coach factors your human nature and unique creativity as they help you grow your business.

What can you Expect from a Creative Business Coach?

Are you wondering just what you can expect from a creative business coach? For some reason, that one little word—creative—tends to throw some professionals for a loop…as if they’ll be forced to take up oil painting or music composition to tap into their creative side.

The truth is, creative coaching is much more practical. Your creative business coach will help you unpack what it is that you think others possess and you lack. They will set measurable and actionable steps to help you attack challenges and achieve your goals. And, step by step, they’ll begin to chip away at the imposter syndrome fallacy, revealing the driven, focused, and creative professional lying within.

You’ll find your confidence in your own abilities growing and you’ll create healthy coping strategies to use when imposter syndrome tries to rear its’ ugly head again. That’s the thing about imposter syndrome…overcoming it is not a one-and-done event, but the strategies you learn from your creative business coach will help you keep those feelings of doubt at bay.

Make no mistake—imposter syndrome is real. But it is not the truth and it does not serve you. You’ve been carrying that heavy falsehood for far too long. Let a creative business coach help you lay it down so you can step into the lightweight freedom of who you truly are.