Overcoming imposter syndrome: Tips for building confidence As an Entrepreneur

Starting a new venture is an exciting and challenging experience. It's an opportunity to turn your vision into reality and create something that's uniquely yours but that doesn’t mean the feeling of inadequacy will not stare at you in the face.

A study carried out by KAJABI showed that 84% of the entrepreneurs and small business owners surveyed had scores indicating they feel like an imposter at moderate, frequent, or intense levels. So if you’re still doubting your competence, cheers you’re not alone.

Here at Spurt!, we are committed to assisting small and medium entrepreneurs scale by providing advisory services where needed. As part of our commitment to helping entrepreneurs, we have created a community for entrepreneurs to voice their concerns, ask questions and gain access to a consortium of consultants necessary for their growth. Click on the link at the end of this article to join our business community.

What then is this self sabotaging disease that wouldn’t let entrepreneurs be?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where entrepreneurs doubt the potential of success for their business and fear being exposed as frauds, despite evidence of their competence.

Here are some tips that can help you overcome imposter syndrome and build your confidence as an entrepreneur.

1. Recognize and acknowledge your accomplishments

One of the key characteristics of imposter syndrome is the tendency to discount one's achievements and attribute success to external factors such as luck or timing. To overcome this, it's important to recognize and acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small they may be, celebrate your successes and take pride in your achievements.

2. Seek out positive feedback

Entrepreneurs can be their own worst critics. Seeking out positive feedback from others can be a powerful antidote to imposter syndrome. Share your work with friends, mentors, and trusted colleagues, and ask for their feedback. Our community is a platform where entrepreneur express themselves and seek guidance where needed.

3. Learn from failures

Failure is an inevitable part of an entrepreneur’s journey. Instead of letting failures reinforce self doubt, use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong, identify the lessons learned, and use that knowledge to improve your start-up.

4. Build supportive network

Surround yourself with people who support and believe in you. Build a network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can offer guidance, advice, and support. A supportive network can help you navigate the ups and downs of the journey and provide encouragement when you need it most.

5. Practice Self-care

Starting a new business can be all-consuming, but it's important to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Take breaks, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Practicing self-care can help reduce stress and boost your confidence.

6. Join a business community

There’s this feeling of assurance that comes from knowing you’re not alone, knowing that someone somewhere believes in you and is rooting for you. It empowers you beyond anything you can ever imagine. That’s what a community does for you. If you are looking to join an online community that supports the growth of African Businesses, join the Spurt! Community today.

Imposter syndrome is a common experience for many entrepreneurs. However, it's important to recognize that it's a psychological phenomenon and not a reflection of your abilities or potential for success. By using the tips outlined above, you can overcome imposter syndrome and build the confidence you need to succeed as an entrepreneur