Dr Nicolya Williams

View Original

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Coach

As a new coach you can sometimes feel like a fraud. Maybe you think things like:

I fear people will find out that I am not a “real coach”.

I believe anyone can do what I do.

And then in the background you're thinking: “Who am I to be coaching other people?”

You’re not alone. Research says that upwards of 70% of people struggle with impostor syndrome at one point or another. In fact I believe with each new level you step that opens you to being vulnerable to it yet again. It doesn’t matter how many certifications, happy clients and years of experience a coach has, they most likely still experience self-doubt, lack of confidence and feelings of unworthiness.

These feelings can cause you to procrastinate, under sell your services or not show up the way you should and truly impact your coaching business. Not feeling good enough as a coach and letting imposter syndrome taking over is not only hurting your mental, emotional and physical health but can also severely impact your ability to expand your income and impact in business!

The good news is imposter syndrome doesn’t have to take over your life any longer. Today I will share 4 simple strategies to overcome imposter syndrome as a coach.

  1. Do the inner work

    Mindset is going to be the most important aspect to having a successful coaching business. You have to have your mindset in the right place to be an effective coach. Working through limiting beliefs and negative self talk will help you to show up more intentionally and effectively. This is why inner work is so important. Consider how you can take care of your mind and increase your self care

  2. Remember why you’re the expert

    Understand expert does not mean you have to have some fancy degree or certification . You can be the expert through your experience. You can be the expert because of your own personal studying or some special certifications/ degree. Reframing what expert is and means will help you shift the permission you give yourself to step into that. I challenge you to list all of the reasons you’re the expert and keep this list handy.

  3. Keep track of your feedback and kind words

    I like to keep a folder on my google drive of kind words, testimonials and feedback clients and even family give me. When I have moments where I am questioning my ability I will open the folder to encourage myself. You can also do a victory log meaning every time you have a win create a folder you can reference then too!

  4. Remember you don’t have to have it all figured out

    As coaches, we often have the misconception that we need to have it all figured out. I always say if you’re one step ahead of your ideal client that’s great. I also say how important it is to be resourceful because even if you don’t know the answer you will know how to find it.

If you’re ready to start increasing your income and impact and getting your first paying client check out my free bundle which will help you increase your magnetism and your success www.nicolyawilliams.com/next-client