B2B Writing Institute - Unpacking imposter syndrome

Who do you think you are, anyway?
Let’s unpack imposter syndrome

The day I almost quit everything

You probably think I’m brave and chill, but I need to risk damaging that reputation today. What if I told you I was almost about to quit everything I was doing because I felt terrible about how I did on a podcast?

It was The Copywriter Club podcast. I was nervous pitching them, and it just kept getting worse when I was actually on it, trying to remember all my stories with the mic in front of me. Then, my computer DIED at 75% through the interview, and I was cut off! We had to finish it, not knowing if we had lost the entire first part. I felt like an idiot for thinking I could hold my own in a conversation with them.

And do you know what happened? That podcast episode was in the top 5 downloads for The Copywriter Club that year.

But during that time, it felt terrible. I’d break into sobs in the middle of the day just thinking about it. I cried to my coaches. I had to face my inner perfectionism. In the process, I had a couple of revelations about my need to control interactions with others.

Imposter syndrome (or next-step paralysis)

There’s controversy around imposter syndrome, but what I want to discuss is that sense that “what you want can’t happen, you’re unworthy, there must be some mistake or someone more worthy, or some reason you’re fundamentally unable to execute the task” — a task central to your growth as a professional soloist. You could also call it the next-step paralysis.

Why address imposter syndrome, though?

That’s because this mindset work can reap HUGE benefits in your personal and professional life.

In your personal life, this work helps you to

Be more open to connection
Have an easier time resolving problems
Achieve greater intentionality with your time
Be more likely to make choices aligned with your values
Be more at peace with who you are

When it comes to your business, addressing/overcoming imposter syndrome can help you:

Charge more so you can earn more/work less
Feel less angst when you pitch someone or have a meeting with a new person
Be more intentional about who you work with
Feel more satisfied with your work and success

So, how can I tell if it’s imposter syndrome?

Here are five telltale signs:

Sign #1: Shutting down new ideas/avoidance

When you sense what you need or want to do but dismiss the idea to avoid potential failure or effort required.

Example: Talking yourself out of starting a freelance business due to perceived difficulties.

Sign #2: Freezing before action

When you know what you want to do but just… don’t. You distract, procrastinate, pull back, get cold feet, or sabotage yourself.

Example: Wanting to market your business but procrastinating by endlessly preparing instead of taking action.

Sign #3: Fearing others/intense insecurity

When you distrust others’ intentions or ability to help or hire you.

Example: Not expanding your network due to the belief that people won’t connect without relevant experience.

Sign #4: Assuming you can’t do it

When you’re so on alert for threats that you pre-eliminate opportunities.

Example: Thinking a niche is too technical without the “required” degree.

Sign #5: Going blank

When, in a surge of fear or adrenaline, you completely forget what you know or what you can do.

Example: Blanking out during an important client call.

So how do we fix this, Sarah?

Here are some things that helped me and many of my coaching students. Take what works for you, have fun, and experiment. Also, remember it takes time to form a practice. Be patient.

#1: Get into a reflection practice.

Whether it’s journaling, writing, talking to yourself, therapy, or meditation — every high performer has some way of staying present with themselves and their thoughts. It creates more space for original thoughts, opinions, and inner knowledge.

Reflection lets you get up close and personal with the barriers you’ve put around yourself. And as you start chipping away at those barriers, bit by bit, you’ll see more and more of your true self peeking through. All the wonderful, authentic parts of you that have been dying to come out and play — they finally get their chance to shine.

#2: Build your network of support.

Having other people point out your invisible limits? Dang, that’s powerful! I’m constantly voice messaging my friends from courses we’ve taken, venting about this very stuff.

You can find your people in the programs you’re taking right now. Surround yourself with folks who are also doing the hard work of staring down their own BS. You’ll be amazed at the perspective it brings.

#3: Trust your planning mind, not that pesky lizard brain.

Dream big with your planning mind — that part of you that really understands your goals, is ready to make sacrifices, and feels those growing pains. Then, when it’s time to actually do the thing? Don’t let your lizard brain’s adrenaline rush and nausea vibes stop you.

I start every single live session feeling that way — heart pounding, mind going blank. But I dive the heck in anyway. And you know what? I’m always so freakin’ glad I did.

#4: Start searching for your personal scaffolding.

It’s not just about achieving your goals either. This self-sabotage stuff applies to how you handle success, too! Can you actually sit with having what you wanted? Or does anxiety start surging up, trying to mess with you the second you get a taste? I’m exploring that right now with my own mind games around having more time and freedom. It’s eye-opening!

#5: Remember, it takes two to tango.

No bullying yourself into this mindset work. Let that stuff sink in slowly. Try little bits at a time. Those intensive “brain lifting” periods where you’re really going deep? They’ll find you when the time is right. Lean into it hard when you can. But otherwise, it’s all good to casually check in with these concepts now and then and see if you’re feeling ready to level up.

Some final words for you

I have a hunch that self-love is at the heart of all these mindset and imposter challenges. I’m not sure anyone truly loves themselves… or if they do, I haven’t met many of them. It’s more likely we’ve achieved some level of neutrality or satisfaction with ourselves (“I’m not perfect, but I guess I did a couple things right,” etc).

But real self-love? Actively rooting for ourselves, being delighted in what we think and do and how we try… the way we might for a child who’s giving it their all? I don’t see that very often. And I invite you to strive for that for yourself, friend.

Journal prompts

Think of the last time imposter syndrome reared up inside your head. What was the “script” your mind offered you? How would you counter those points with your rational mind?

Think of an action you need to do, and want to do, but won’t seem to make proper time for. What could be “really” at stake for you behind this action? What would it say about you if it didn’t go well? What new threats would arise if it DID go well?