Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: From Burnout to Balance
Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Authentic Success with Body Awareness, Aligned Values & Authentic Connections
In this episode, we’re diving deep into overcoming imposter syndrome—a topic that affects so many of us in the business world. We’ll explore how to know if you’re truly being yourself in your business or slipping into a role that doesn’t feel like you.
Imposter syndrome often creeps up when we question if we’re really showing up as ourselves in our work. It’s that strange feeling when something feels “off,” but we can’t quite pinpoint why. Maybe we sense that we aren’t fully being “us,” but we don’t know what to do about it.
I love this topic because it’s something we’re only just beginning to understand. So many discussions only scratch the surface. But today, we’re going deeper. We’ll look at three simple ways to tell if you’re being yourself in your business—and what you can do if you’re not.
When we show up as our true selves, everything becomes easier. Creativity flows, communication feels more natural, and our business becomes more sustainable. So, let’s explore how being yourself can lead to a more fulfilling, authentic path in business.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Listen to Your Body to Avoid Burnout
One of the most important ways to overcoming imposter syndrome and be yourself in business is by paying attention to your body. Our bodies give us early signs when something isn’t right, but we often ignore them. By tuning into these signals, we can prevent burnout before it happens, creating a healthier and more sustainable business from the start.
Burnout doesn’t always happen suddenly. It can build up slowly over time and show up in many ways—poor sleep, low energy, feeling “wired but tired,” or struggling with a lack of motivation. If you’re feeling restless at night, exhausted but your mind keeps racing, that’s a classic “wired but tired” sign. You might find yourself on the couch, too tired to move, yet still scrolling on your phone, unable to unwind. These are early indicators that your body is out of sync.
You might also notice signs like low energy, poor sleep quality, or waking up already tired. Your body isn’t getting the rest it needs to recharge. If your sex drive drops or you don’t feel excited about your work anymore, these could be signs that you’re on the road to burnout.
But why does this matter when discussing overcoming imposture syndrome?
When you’re true to who you are in your business—creating and engaging in work that genuinely reflects your values and passions—these signs are less likely to appear. Yes, there will always be moments that push you out of your comfort zone, like presenting in front of a crowd for the first time. It’s normal for your heart rate to go up or for nerves to kick in. But this kind of discomfort helps you grow, allowing your nervous system to adapt. It can even motivate you to push through and improve.
However, if you’re standing in front of that same crowd and feel frozen in terror, as if you’re not safe, that’s a clear sign something isn’t right. It could mean that particular situation or approach isn’t aligned with who you are. Or, when meeting a client, if you feel stiff and unnatural, like you’re putting on a “business face” instead of being yourself, it’s a cue to check in with your body. You might feel tense or find yourself in awkward postures, unable to relax or engage naturally.
The goal is to find a way of showing up that feels natural to you. Imagine standing confidently, speaking from what you know, without forcing anything. Everyone has their own “sweet spot” where they feel most comfortable and effective. The key is to notice when you’re not in it and adjust accordingly.
Your body is your guide. Listen to it, and let it help you find the most authentic, sustainable way to build your business. Recognizing these early signs can save you from heading down a path of burnout and keep you on track with being your true self, creating a business that feels both fulfilling and sustainable.
How Listening to My Body Helped Me Reset
During my first big speaking engagement, I talked to a group of healthcare leaders about self-care, specifically how to take care of yourself while caring for others. I had never spoken to an audience of 80 people before, let alone in a corporate setting. I was feeling all kinds of nervous. The familiar body signs of stress were there—my heart was racing, and my hands were a bit shaky—but I didn’t feel frozen with fear.
As I started speaking, I noticed something interesting. I felt the urge to put on a “business persona,” to act in a way I thought was expected in a corporate environment. I started to force my words, added a bit too much bounce to my step, and felt like I was putting on a show. Suddenly, my body began to respond. I started to sweat more, my butterflies intensified, my posture tightened, and I found myself talking faster.
What started as healthy, manageable stress quickly shifted to an unhealthy state because I wasn’t being true to myself. Thankfully, I’ve learned to stay tuned into my body, which is a key part of how I work with myself and others. I realized this wasn’t sustainable—there was no way I could keep this up for another hour and a half. So, I made a choice to reset.
I paused, grabbed a sip of water, and took a deep breath to calm my body. This simple reset changed the energy of the entire conference. I relaxed into being myself, and my playful nature came through. The audience responded positively, and I felt my message landed more deeply.
This experience taught me the power of listening to my body.
It’s a reminder that when nerves or stress build, it’s time to check in and ask, “Am I being true to myself, or am I putting on a performance?” Pay attention to how your body reacts. Are you feeling tight, speaking too fast, or trying too hard to fit into a certain mold?
When you notice these signs, use simple tools like pausing for a breath, taking a sip of water, or leaning back in your chair to reset your nervous system. These small actions can help you stay grounded and present, allowing you to show up as your true self.
Align Your Values with Your Business to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Another key to overcoming imposter syndrome and avoiding burnout is aligning your values with your business. Think about it this way: if you were on the receiving end of what you’re delivering, how would you feel? Would you feel inspired, motivated, and relaxed? Or would you feel disconnected and uneasy?
Imagine standing in front of an audience, delivering a keynote speech. If you were sitting in that audience, would you feel genuinely moved by your own words? This exercise helps you check if what you’re putting out there is truly aligned with who you are and what you stand for. The same goes for any product or service you offer. If you were receiving a one-on-one session from yourself, would you feel satisfied with the experience?
When your values align with your work, you naturally feel more comfortable and confident. You don’t have to force anything or pretend to be someone you’re not. This alignment creates a sense of ease and authenticity, making your work more enjoyable and sustainable. On the other hand, when there’s a gap between your values and your business activities, it often leads to stress, burnout, and feelings of imposter syndrome.
To build a business that feels true to you, reflect: Is what you’re creating aligned with what you believe in? Would you feel good receiving what you’re offering? If not, it might be time to make adjustments to ensure your business reflects who you truly are.
A Client’s Story: Staying True to her Values and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
I worked with a client who was turning her book into a major motion picture. As a first-time film producer, she faced many challenges and had to adapt her vision multiple times to fit studio requirements. At first, she was excited about the journey, but as time went on, I noticed her energy shift.
Her original creation, which had aligned perfectly with her vision, began to get chipped away. She was focused on getting into a particular studio and hiring a specific actress. Over time, the project stopped feeling authentic to her values and vision. She started showing signs of burnout, and her body was giving her clear messages that something was off.
My client felt torn between pushing through to achieve her outward goal of getting the movie made or staying true to her values. She realized that if she was going to put something out into the world, it had to reflect who she was. She wasn’t willing to sacrifice her integrity for success.
Eventually, she went back to the negotiating table with a new perspective. She asked herself, “If I were receiving this film, would I feel happy and proud of it? Would it reflect the values of the people who created it?” This clarity helped her set boundaries, allowing her to negotiate in a way that kept her project aligned with her values. She had to compromise in some areas, but she knew where her definite “no” was.
This story illustrates how important it is to check if what you’re putting out aligns with who you are. If you’re looking for deeper meaning and sustainability in your creative pursuits, make sure your business reflects your values.
Building Authentic Connections: A Key to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
The third key to avoiding burnout and finding your ideal clients is building authentic connections. For many of us, especially solopreneurs, our work involves deep, personal connections with clients, whether through one-on-one sessions, retreats, or small group projects. Even if you’re not directly selling to customers, you likely interact with coworkers, co-founders, investors, or other collaborators. Building meaningful relationships with these people is crucial for your business’s long-term success and personal well-being.
A simple trick to find out if someone is the right fit for you is to ask yourself, “Would I enjoy having a cup of coffee with this person?” If the idea of sitting down and having a relaxed, honest conversation feels comfortable, then you’re likely in good company. This question helps you gauge whether you can show up as your authentic self without putting on a façade.
When you can be yourself, you’re more open to exchanging ideas, receiving feedback, and adjusting your approach as needed. You don’t have to worry about pretending or putting on a performance. Instead, you can focus on genuine connections that make you feel seen and understood.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to make a sale or secure a deal. It’s to build relationships that align with your values and energy, allowing you to operate from a place of ease and confidence. This authentic connection makes your business more sustainable and fulfilling in the long run.
A Personal Example: Choosing the Right Collaborators to Prevent Imposter Syndrome
In my business, I’ve often faced situations where I needed to decide whether to work with someone, be it a client, a collaborator, or someone joining my team. I always ask myself, “Would I enjoy having a cup of coffee with this person?”
There was a time when I was looking to hire a PR team for a new campaign. I met with a team that seemed perfect on paper—they had an impressive track record, great connections, and a solid plan for promoting my work. However, during our conversation, I felt uneasy. I realized that if I were to have a cup of coffee with them, I wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing my thoughts freely.
I knew that if I couldn’t relax and be myself with them, it would impact our working relationship.
How could I express my creative voice or share my vision if I felt constrained or misunderstood? I realized that even if they could help me gain exposure, it wasn’t worth compromising my values or creative freedom.
On another occasion, I met a potential client who seemed interested in working with me. But as we talked, it became clear they weren’t genuinely open to my approach or philosophy. I could have pushed for the sale, but I asked myself, “How would this relationship feel down the road?” The answer wasn’t positive. It made me realize the importance of aligning with clients who truly value what I bring to the table.
These experiences taught me that choosing the right people is vital for maintaining a healthy, sustainable business. It’s not just about getting the deal; it’s about ensuring that the relationships you build feel right for you, both in terms of energy and values. If you desire deeper connections with clients and collaborators, always trust your gut and ask, “Would I enjoy spending time with this person?”
Embrace Your True Self: A Step Toward Overcoming Imposter Syndrome”: Join the Challenge!
If you’ve been drawn to this conversation, I believe you’re looking for something deeper—something more authentic and aligned with who you truly are. Maybe you’ve already experienced success, but now your body is signaling that something isn’t quite right. To avoid burnout and that hollow feeling of “success” without fulfillment, it’s essential to explore how to stay true to yourself in every aspect of your business.
This journey isn’t just about avoiding imposter syndrome or putting on a false front. It’s about closing the gap between how the world sees you and who you genuinely are. These are deep conversations, and today, we’ve only scratched the surface. Imposter syndrome, for example, is just one piece of the puzzle, and it’s an entire focus for Day 2 of my upcoming challenge.
If this topic has sparked your interest and you feel a pull toward exploring it further, I invite you to join my 5-Day Solopreneur Success Challenge. This challenge is designed to help you connect more deeply with your true self while building a sustainable and meaningful business. You’ll have the opportunity to join a supportive community, participate in live calls with me, and dig deeper into conversations like this.
Even if you don’t join the challenge, I encourage you to play with these three strategies we’ve discussed today: paying attention to your body signs, aligning your values, and finding your people. Start noticing where you feel disconnected and where you can make small adjustments to show up more authentically.
But if this challenge speaks to you and you feel ready for a transformative journey, don’t hesitate. Sign up today, and let’s explore these deeper truths together. I’d love to have you along for the ride!
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