How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Start A Digital Product Business
Have you ever felt unusually nervous about starting a project like a digital product business? Maybe you feel uneasy in the pit of your stomach, or you feel shaky and sweaty?
Regardless of how it manifests for you, imposter syndrome is, unfortunately, common, with a significant 84% of entrepreneurs and small business owners reporting that they felt anything from ‘moderate’ to ‘frequent’ to ‘intense’ levels of imposter syndrome.
So, what exactly is imposter syndrome, and how can you overcome it and start a thriving digital product business?
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What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a nagging feeling that you don’t belong here, you’re not good enough, no one will take you seriously, or you don’t deserve the job. It’s especially common among high achievers, entrepreneurs, creative people, and students.
Some people struggling with imposter syndrome may feel like a fraud and avoid applying for that new, exciting job or undertaking something new, like starting a business. Others may underplay their success and experience or devalue their worth by not charging what their product or service is worth.
Unfortunately, imposter syndrome is not something that can be ‘cured,’ but with a few steps and mindset shifts, you can fight back and overcome imposter syndrome. After all, you don’t want to miss out on incredible opportunities, like starting your digital product business and bettering your life.
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
- Allow Yourself to Have a Moment of Self-Doubt
Everybody has a moment of self-doubt at times, even the most successful people. When you feel imposter syndrome coming on, give yourself a moment to sit down and be honest with yourself about what you are feeling right now.
Ask yourself questions like, “What is the worst that could happen? Would that really be so bad? Why am I feeling insecure about starting this project or launching a new digital product?”
The answers to these questions alone may make you feel better about the situation. For example, if the worst that could happen is your first digital product flops, remind yourself that every successful business owner has had at least one product flop. Nobody is without failure. The greater failure would never be starting and reaching your goals and success!
2. Face the Facts
Remind yourself of past successes, especially ones relevant to your current insecurity. For example, if you’ve had a successful business in the past, this is a great indicator that you can start another successful business. Other great successes to remind yourself of include examples of your attention to detail, your great eye for color, positive feedback from past clients, coworkers, bosses, or family members, and much more.
In addition, slow down and celebrate your successes going forward. Too often, people with imposter syndrome hit a milestone and brush off their success. Celebrate yourself and your accomplishments! Don’t brush off compliments from others or positive feedback from your clients. These are huge wins, and you will continue to add to them.
3. Remember Your Why
What is the big reason that you want to start a digital products business?
Are you a stay-at-home mom interested in earning an income while having the flexibility to spend time with your children? Are you looking to leave a job you hate? Or, are you interested in a change of pace and want to generate income while you travel?
Whatever your reason is, remember that your values and WHY are important to you and worth the temporary discomfort of overcoming imposter syndrome.
Write your WHY down on post-it notes and stick them to your computer screen, vanity mirror, or anywhere else you’ll see regularly. Repeat your WHY to yourself daily and remind yourself of your bigger goals to make it worthwhile to push through the temporary discomfort.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Don’t overlook this tip. Be kind to yourself, even when you feel frustrated with yourself and your feelings. Your feelings are valid.
Take a moment to pull out anything that makes you smile. For example, if you keep a folder of emails from friends, family, or happy customers, take a look at this to remind yourself of all the good things you have done. Alternatively, flip through old greeting cards or a family scrapbook to boost your mood. You can also set a timer for a 30-minute break and do something relaxing, like take a bubble bath, walk your dog, or read an uplifting book.
5. Push Forward to Dispel Uneasiness
Choose to move past how you’re feeling. Taking action is the best way to get rid of stress and uneasiness. When you let imposter syndrome stop you, you’re affirming the decision not to move forward with your goal of starting a digital products business.
It’s okay to feel uncomfortable or unsure about what you’re doing. No matter how prepared you are, your store and products will never be absolutely perfect, and that’s okay.
Fear and doubt make it challenging to act. However, you can overcome this by pushing forward.
Choose to make a small step today, whether that is creating your first digital product or making your Etsy shop banner. Small steps create momentum. Before you know it, you’ll be zooming through the rest of your digital product business’ launch.
Interested in a step-by-step guide to help you take small, effective actions to launch your digital products business? Digitally Purposed is a fantastic resource breaking down how to launch a successful digital products business step-by-step. It may be just what you need to get yourself past your nervousness!
