Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

What this episode covers

Everyone has problems and struggles. No one is perfect. Yet, sometimes many people cannot overcome the imposter syndrome. They present this false confidence and bravado. They pretend to be someone they are not. We live in a world that is becoming so much more exposed due to social media and other outlets. You have an open window to people’s worlds and lives. Most people are putting their best foot forward on social media in order to keep up with a particular image. However, what’s online is not all rainbows and unicorns! You would never guess that someone who appears confident and self-assured is actually struggling. How can you and others use transparency to overcome imposter syndrome. You can use outlets like blogs and podcasts to call attention to and express brokenness. Rather than being an imposter, take the first step and do something. About April: April MacLean has dealt with many struggles. She experienced sexual and emotional abuse. Then she went into foster care and became pregnant when 15 years old. However, dance changed her life. She fell in love with it and got a degree in dance. She opened a studio just for adults to dance. It turns out that dance provided therapy that she and others were not able to get elsewhere. Also, April’s Messy Warrior brand was born out of interactions with people at the dance studio. They encouraged her to share and talk about her experiences and struggles. So she started blogging, writing a book, and so forth. Challenged Issue: In this podcast, we challenge the old issue of imposter syndrome. April’s Actionable Tips: * Start with the why: Why are you doing what you are doing? What are you offering to the world that makes you excited? Write down your answers. But don’t make it about you. Who are you trying to serve? Make it about them. * Focus: Read the book, The One Thing. You will discover what it means to really focus and manage your time. Dedicate yourself to only the work you can do, that matters the most, and has the most impact. * Educate yourself on personality styles. This will help you understand how different personalities work, how they communicate, how they need to be motivated, and how you can relate to them. Start having real conversations with people! Top Quotes: * “Yes, I did overcome some obstacles. But, let’s talk about the fact that I’m still not a super hero.” * “I’m still just as much of a mess as the next person.” * “That was the consistent message that I was receiving; is that people were struggling with self-worth.” * “How scary it is to say. ‘Who am I to do something like that?’” * “The one person that is negative, is the only person you listen to.” * “You will never please everybody. It’s absolutely impossible.” * “People put their best selves on social media.” * “No one can do this like me. No one can talk in my voice. No one can walk in my shoes.” Guest Links: * Messy Warrior (http://www.messywarrior.com) * Room to Dance Studio (http://www.roomtodancestudio.com/#!) Resources: * Marianne Williamson (http://www.marianne.com/) * Start With Why – Simon Sinek (https://www.startwithwhy.com) * The One Thing (http://the1thing.com/) * Wired That Way (http://www.amazon.com/Wired-that-Way-Comprehensive-Personality/dp/0830738401) * The Essential 14–Day Guide to Cutting Your Working Hours and Increasing Your...