Overcoming fear and imposter syndrome to start my jewelry business and blog
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Dictionary.com defines imposter syndrome as: “anxiety or self-doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one’s competence and active role in achieving success, while falsely attributing one’s accomplishments to luck or other external forces.” In other words: letting fear stop you from doing the thing or things you want in life because you don’t feel qualified to do so. Imposter syndrome is real and will stop you in your tracks if you let it. It paralyzes you and stops you from making progress and being able to grow into the person or start the idea or thing that you wanted to start. So, how do we overcome this fear?
Overcoming fear, in my opinion, means moving past the fear of being judged and showing the world your true authentic self in your own capacity without worrying about how other people will react. And that is scary….super scary. But it is possible. Life is way too short to not do the thing that gives you life. Do the things that inspire you. Inspire others around you. Share your gifts with the world. Expand your horizons. Push yourself to grow.
You’re worth it. I’m worth it.
I have always designed and made jewelry throughout my life. It’s a part of my identity. I’ve also always wanted to start a business. Naturally, I wanted to combine the two because being able to make money doing something that I loved was always a beautiful idea to me. But that doesn’t mean that fear and imposter syndrome don’t creep in and make me feel like I can’t do it. For a long time, I let fear and uncertainty stop me from trying to really go for what I wanted when it came to starting Love Tranece. Fear almost even stopped me from writing this blog post and starting my blog, Tranece by Design. Until it didn’t…
In May 2021, I launched my blog tranecebydesign.com. On October 31, 2021, I launched lovetranece.com. I even created an Instagram and Pinterest account and boom. I was ready to launch. After years and years of doing a little here and doing a little there. I finally did it. I did the thing. I started. It’s definitely not smooth sailing and I’m still figuring out a lot of things. But fear no longer holds or moves me.
I thought starting an online business was going to be like riding a bike. Just keep pedaling until the momentum starts and then it gets easy. And that’s kind of how it was. But they only slightly tell you about the little bumps in the road and they definitely don’t tell you about the big ones. Besides I had researched and researched, started, and stopped. While it’s a challenge, I’ve learned a lot in a short few months of actually putting myself out there online and one thing that I have learned is that putting yourself out there is the key to growth. It’s definitely not easy as an introvert but I want to give myself the opportunity to succeed and share who I am.
Ways to Overcome imposter syndrome
Research is everything and knowledge is power
Learning more about the things you want to do gives you the confidence to go after them with confidence. Take the time to take the class, read the book, or try the thing. Just be sure not to over-research. This is often used as a form of procrastination and can stop you from taking action.
Fake it until you make it.
Even though it can be hard when you don’t know what you’re “faking” because you don’t have experience in what you are trying to do, however sometimes faking confidence can actually give you confidence.
Find mentors – physical or virtual
Find people that you can look up to whether you know them in real life or virtually through social media. Being able to see someone else do the thing you are trying to do
What is the one thing you have been putting off and what is going to bring you one step closer to doing the thing?
Tools You can use to beat imposter syndrome:
The Sunday Jumpstart Podcast by Jessica Lauren
This podcast is amazing in general, but a good episode to tune in to would be Episode 50: Start The Thing. I tune in weekly to hear Jessica’s Sunday uploads and if you want to be inspired, this is the podcast for you, so take the time to listen to all of her episodes. You won’t be disappointed. Jessica is amazing and you can feel her living in her purpose with each episode.
Show Your Work by Austin Kleon**
This book is amazing at giving you the courage to jump in. It’s nice to have on your desk when you feel yourself
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert**
This book is literally amazing and changes my outlook on life every single time I’ve read it. It is such an amazing book that not only gives you permission to proceed as you want but gives you the courage to do what is in your heart without fear. Amazing book, definitely give it a read. I go back to it every time I need a boost and a reminder of who I want to be.
YouTube University
YouTube literally has everything you could ever need. Use it to your advantage and watch videos on things you are trying to do and learn. Best part is…it’s free 99.
**These are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through this link it would be greatly appreciated but it is not required. I strongly recommend the things I have linked. I appreciate any support.
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