This blog is going to get a little personal, but I feel my story has a place in the greater context of discussing imposter syndrome.
If you ask any of my friends or family they will tell you that I am really hard on myself, and nothing I do ever feels good enough. It's some deep seeded shit.
And this feeling of never being enough, has definitely spilled into my business, and sometimes it has a crippling effect.
I often wonder if my distribution business just happened by chance, or if the success of my skincare studio is based on me fooling everyone into thinking I'm a good esthetician. The irrational questioning goes on and on, believe me.
So if you're currently suffering from imposter syndrome, you are not alone.
Imposter syndrome seems to be a common challenge that many estheticians face. Especially when they are new to the field or trying to establish their own businesses. It's that nagging feeling that you're not good enough, despite evidence to the contrary.
I wanted to share a few tips/techniques I've started implementing, which I've learned from my business coach.
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Recognize It: The first step in managing imposter syndrome is recognizing that you are experiencing it. That what you're feeling, is exactly that, a feeling, and isn't necessarily based on reality. Also, understand that many successful people, including experienced estheticians, have felt this way at some point in their careers.
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Challenge it: Challenge your negative self-talk. Say to yourself: Of course I would feel this way, however, here is what's true. Remind yourself of your accomplishments and skills. Write down your achievements and revisit them regularly.
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Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that nobody knows everything, and it's okay to ask questions or seek guidance when needed. Set realistic expectations for yourself, acknowledging that you're on a learning journey; we all are!
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Continuous Learning: Invest in ongoing education and professional development. The more knowledgeable and skilled you become, the more confident you'll feel in your abilities.
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Mentorship: Seek out a mentor or experienced esthetician who can provide guidance and support. Having someone to turn to for advice and reassurance can be immensely helpful.
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Share Your Feelings: Talk about your imposter syndrome with trusted friends, family members, or colleagues. Sharing your feelings can allow you to gain perspective.
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Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Each step forward is a testament to your abilities.
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Focus on Growth, Not Perfection: Shift your focus from being perfect to being a better version of yourself. Embrace mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
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Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers and mentors who understand your challenges and can provide encouragement.
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Professional Organizations: Join professional esthetician organizations and attend industry events. These platforms can help you realize that imposter syndrome is common and that you belong in the field.
Remember, you are not alone. We all experience imposter syndrome at some point in life. Try implementing these strategies and give yourself some grace. You got this!
