63 // Smash imposter syndrome in your graphic design business
December 9, 2022
Feeling like a fraud running a graphic design business? You are not alone.
Imposter syndrome…it’s not just you. Everyone has it.
Is the voice in your head saying:
“Are you crazy? Who are you to be running a design business! You’re not creative enough, you’re not clever enough, you don’t have enough experience, you’re so ordinary. Clients are going to see right through you. They’ll see you for the fraud you are. Why would anybody trust me? You are going to be humiliated and fail and you’re business will end up in the toilet.”
It’s human nature to doubt ourselves and it takes real commitment to shift any limiting beliefs that are holding you back.
SO WHAT’S YOUR LIMITING BELIEF?
A feeling of not enoughness
Comparison with others
Not feeling like you are where you want to be in your business (it’s taking too long!)
That your ideas are boring
That you’re not smart enough
IMPOSTER SYNDROME CAN SHOW UP IN YOUR BUSINESS LOOKING LIKE THIS:
You might be charging too low
You might not be communicating your value
At the beck and call of client’s every request.
Clients may not respecting you or appreciate your value
Clients not trusting your advice
Clients making lots of changes
WHAT WOULD IT ACTUALLY TAKE FOR YOU TO FINALLY FEEL LIKE A GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS PRO?
Academic qualifications?
Larger clients?
A bigger team?
More years in business?
Better connections?
Upgraded design skills?
Design awards?
A fancy studio space?
A wider range of services?
Nope, nope, nopeity nope. None of these things will make much of a difference to feelings of imposter syndrome.
THIS IS WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO DO:
Show up anyway!
Marie Forleo talked about this on a recent podcast episode—she is an uber successful, multi 7 figure business person that inspires so many people, us included. And SHE still has imposter syndrome.
She was saying that after talking to other high-level achievers, she’s realised it’s so common, that it was time to accept it was not going to go away.
SO IF IT’S NOT GOING TO GO AWAY, WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
You need an unshakeable belief that you’ve got this… acknowledge that everyone feels this way.
Understand that a feeling of resistance is really normal, especially when you are in a growth phase of your life or business. Stephen Pressfield inspired (not a direct quote, just Kris’s memory of what he said) So when you hear that voice in your head, know that it’s not actually you. We think it’s our voice, but it’s the voice of resistance. So when you hear “I’m a shit designer”, it’s not you, it’s the voice of resistance. So identify it, say “I see you, resistance”.
The truth is everyone experiences imposter syndrome. Even people you consider to be uber successful.
There’s an old saying ‘new level, new devil’ which describes the feeling of discomfort when we level up.
Because no matter how much you grow or how much success you achieve, it’s the same old voice tapping us on the shoulder. The mean imposter syndrome boogie-monster saying you’re not good enough. That other people are so much better. That everyone will find out you’ve been faking it all this time.
WE CAN HELP YOU—HERE’S HOW:
Whether via 1 to 1 coaching or as a member of The Academy, we will be your support system. Having a support system can transform your confidence. We can shine the light on the limiting beliefs that are holding you back and arm you with the tools and strategies that will help you kick imposter syndrome to the kerb.
Implementing powerful business systems in your business is the best was to elevate confidence. When we are showing up like a pro our expertise is undeniable. We will help you put in place all the important practices like a VIP customer experience system, a comprehensive briefing process, a proven sales system, a marketing strategy that you can easily implement on repeat, powerful messaging etc.
We could go on and on with this list.. but if you feel like you have some missing pieces…breathe…we can help you fill in the gaps!
If you would like to work with us you can reach out here.
Everyone experiences imposter syndrome. It’s what we do with these thoughts that determines whether we show up or stay small.
Choose to show up!
Listen in to hear all our thoughts on how to pull imposter syndrome into line.