That niggling self-doubt that is a constant behind every decision. The struggle with introducing yourself with a confident ‘I am me and I am the DIRECTOR of this business’ rather than ‘I am me and I am an OT / PT / Speechie etc’. The challenge of raising your fees because ‘am I worth it?’. These are all consistent with the signs and symptoms of Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter Syndrome is the pervasive feeling of self-doubt, insecurity, and incompetence despite evidence that indicates the opposite is true. It is characterized by a chronic sense of intellectual doubt that overrides any feelings of success or external proof of competence. For Allied Health Business Owners, this can manifest as hesitancy to expand services, reluctance to make bold business decisions, or a pervasive fear of being ‘exposed’ as inexperienced or underqualified.
Our experience here at Nacre Consulting is that this is rarely, if ever the case. Allied Health Business Owners are, without exception, whip smart, curious and driven individuals who have at their heart a desire to support their clients to live their best lives. They are able learn at rapid speeds, manage a high load of competing priorities and remain abreast of both the laws that govern their business and clinical best practice that governs their service delivery.
What we have learned through our experience (and yes some generalisations here, please forgive me) is that as natural high achievers, Allied Health Professionals in general like to make decisions based on evidence, the harder and more established the facts, the better. They REALLY dislike getting things wrong which generally makes them more risk averse and escalates their anxiety when they venture into untested waters or don’t have a clear line of sight to the horizon, which is where we are finding ourselves right now with the NDIS about to undertake significant reform.
So as Business Owners, where there has been little training regarding how to run a business even though it’s often true that clinical skills are strong, the self-doubt tends to creep in. Cue the voice reminding you that you are, in fact, an Imposter.
To this we say – you are more than good enough.
It’s true, there is always something to learn. Running a business is not a straightforward endeavour and is so much more complicated than what we think it’s going to be when we started and we are almost all learning on the run.
If your values are in the right place, you are true to your mission, abide by your code of conduct and ethics and you connect with the right supports then you are well and truly on the right track. Remember, feeling like an imposter occasionally is a part of owning and growing your business—it shows you’re stepping out of your comfort zones and pushing boundaries.
Regularly revisiting and reassessing your business goals can help align your personal expectations with your professional reality, mitigating feelings of inadequacy. You can also try to:
- Acknowledge the Feelings: Recognize when imposter feelings are occurring and challenge them. Reflect on your achievements and keep a file of positive feedback and successes to review when doubts creep in. Your team and supporters can weigh in on this too.
- Talk About It: Sharing your thoughts with trusted peers or mentors can demystify these feelings. Often, you’ll find others have felt the same way and can offer perspective and coping strategies.
- Set Realistic Expectations: In the health sector, perfection is often seen as the norm. However, setting achievable, realistic goals can prevent feelings of failure that fuel Imposter Syndrome.
- Develop a Growth Mindset: Adopting a growth mindset can significantly alter how you perceive your abilities and challenges. It goes without saying that you have this with regards to your clinical skills, it’s important to apply this to your business skills as well. Understand that skills and knowledge can always be improved through dedication and hard work. When you view setbacks as learning opportunities (we call them FLEARNINGS!) rather than reflections of your abilities, the grip of Imposter Syndrome can lessen.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Recognize that being overly critical can fuel feelings of inadequacy. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend in your situation. This approach can help reduce the pressure and negativity that feeds Imposter Syndrome.
- Establish Clear Boundaries: Often, feeling like an imposter is exacerbated by taking on too much in an attempt to prove one’s worth. By setting clear boundaries around your work and personal life, you can manage workload expectations and reduce the stress that contributes to feelings of fraudulence. This practice also helps in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, essential for mental well-being and long-term business success.
So while Imposter Syndrome is a common challenge among Allied Health Business Owners, it can be managed. By acknowledging the feelings, sharing experiences, and setting realistic expectations, you can begin to see yourself as rightfully skilled and successful. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back from achieving your full potential.
If Imposter Syndrome is impacting your professional life, why not take a powerful step towards change? Contact us for a complimentary Power Call. Boost your confidence, enhance your capabilities, and conquer Imposter Syndrome. Together, let’s unlock your true potential as an Allied Health Business Owner.
