<aside> <img src="/icons/stopwatch_purple.svg" alt="/icons/stopwatch_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Estimated Read Time: 6-7 Minutes
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When taking on new challenging projects and clients, freelancers often find themselves questioning their abilities, despite their track record of accomplishments. You might feel that your self-worth is tied to your professional success. This feeling, known as imposter syndrome, is common but it doesn't have to be a constant companion on your professional journey.
Being your own boss, the stakes feel higher, and it can be easy to judge yourself too harshly, leading to a critical view of yourself, especially when comparing yourself with 'more successful' peers. If you ever feel this way, it’s important to remember that your journey is different from everyone else’s. Each journey is unique, and (while we’re not big fans of cliches here) reaching that bright future is a marathon, not a sprint.
Here are a few mindset changes for you to deal with imposter syndrome as a freelancer:
The first step in dealing with Imposter Syndrome is to recognize it for what it is: an emotional and psychological pattern that falsely fuels self-doubt. Pinpoint the moments when these feelings surface. Is it when you're pitching to a new client, or perhaps when you're about to hit the 'send' button on a completed project? Identifying the triggers helps you become more aware of the syndrome's grip on you.
Here's a comforting revelation:
You're not alone. These feelings aren't unique to you; they're nearly universal. Icons in business, science, art, and various other fields have openly admitted to experiencing Imposter Syndrome at different stages in their careers. Understanding that you're part of a broader human experience can be reassuring. It helps to turn down the volume on those internal critics.
It might sound like a cliché, straight out of a self-help book or a motivational seminar, but the power of positive thinking is far from mythical. Changing your inner dialogue from one of self-doubt to self-empowerment has ripple effects that can transform not just your freelance career but your entire life.
<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" width="40px" /> The process starts with a simple cognitive switch. Instead of letting thoughts like "I'm not good enough" take root, replace them with affirmations like "I have the skills and experience for this." It's not about deluding yourself into thinking you're infallible; it's about focusing on your strengths and abilities rather than your perceived shortcomings.
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Positive thinking isn't a one-off act; it's a transformative mindset. The more you practice it, the more natural it becomes, until you're no longer 'faking it till you make it'—you're living it. And when you live in a state of self-empowerment, you're not just bettering your freelance career; you're enhancing every aspect of your life.
Picture this: You're sailing through the turbulent seas of freelancing, and self-doubt is like a fog obscuring your view. What you need are guiding stars—clear, realistic goals—to navigate your way to the calmer waters of self-confidence. The concept of goal-setting may seem elementary, but it's a fundamental practice that can dramatically impact your freelance journey and overall well-being.
<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" width="40px" /> When it comes to setting goals, the SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—is your best friend. Rather than vague aspirations like "I want to be successful," focus on specific objectives like "I want to acquire three new long-term clients within the next three months." This gives you a concrete target to aim for and makes it easier to track your progress.
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If the idea of setting goals seems overwhelming, remember that it's okay to start small. There's power in taking baby steps. Aim for easily attainable goals initially, like "I will update my portfolio this week" or "I will reach out to five potential clients today." As you achieve these smaller objectives, not only do you build momentum, but you also gradually chip away at the self-doubt that might be holding you back.
Your goals should not only serve your immediate needs but should also align with your broader vision for your freelance career. Whether it's becoming a thought leader in your industry or achieving financial independence, each goal you set and achieve is a stepping stone toward that grander vision. The key is to set achievable goals, and it's completely fine to start small and take it one step at a time.
We often think of freelancing as a solo endeavour, a lone wolf navigating the complexities of the gig economy. While it's true that you're the captain of your freelance ship, even the most seasoned captains benefit from a dependable crew. Your personal cheer squad—comprising family, friends, and mentors—serves as this emotional and motivational backbone, especially when you hit those inevitable lows.
Having a network of people who believe in you is more than just a feel-good factor; it's a crucial emotional resource. These are the people who remind you of your worth when you're drowning in self-doubt, offer constructive criticism to help you grow, and provide a listening ear when you need to vent. They provide the support that cushions the lows and amplifies the highs.
Discussing your struggles and doubts with your cheer squad brings you much-needed perspective. Sometimes, when you're too close to a problem, it can seem larger and more insurmountable than it actually is. By sharing your worries, you allow others to provide different viewpoints, problem-solving strategies, or even solutions you hadn't thought of.
For freelancers, this cheer squad extends beyond friends and family to online communities, professional networks, and mentor-mentee relationships. Digital or not, these interactions can be just as powerful in giving you the encouragement and advice you need.
In the fast-paced world of freelancing, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to pause and appreciate your accomplishments. Whether you've just secured a high-paying contract, received rave reviews from a client, or simply managed to meet all your deadlines for the week, every victory—no matter how small or significant—deserves to be celebrated.
<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" width="40px" /> You might wonder why it's so important to celebrate these wins. The answer is multi-faceted: celebration not only serves as positive reinforcement, encouraging you to continue striving for success, but it also provides an emotional boost, helping to ward off burnout and increase job satisfaction.
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In the grand scheme of things, these celebrations and the resulting positive emotions can serve as your fuel, propelling you forward in your freelance career. So go ahead, take a moment to give yourself that well-deserved pat on the back. Each victory you celebrate is another star in your personal galaxy of achievements, shining bright against the dark void of self-doubt.
Imposter syndrome may feel like an unwanted house guest, but remember, it's a visitor, not a resident. With conscious effort, self-awareness, and a sprinkle of positivity, you can bid it farewell.
Though common, imposter syndrome can certainly be overcome. By acknowledging these feelings, reframing your thoughts, setting achievable goals, leaning on your support system, and celebrating your victories, you can cultivate the confidence needed to thrive in your career. Remember, you've earned your skills, knowledge, and experience. Take pride in your journey, believe in yourself, and don't let negativity dampen your progress.
Time to turn the tables on the imposter syndrome - you be the judge of your talents, not it!
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Dealing with imposter syndrome
<aside> <img src="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" alt="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" width="40px" /> CHAPTER 6
You know what they say - in freelancing, you're not just selling your skills, you're selling yourself. That's why we've dedicated an entire section of our Masterclass to helping you build a brand that's uniquely you. In this section, we'll show you how to build a personal brand that stands out from the crowd, master the art of phone marketing, and craft the perfect elevator pitch. We know that putting yourself out there can be nerve-wracking, but with our easy-to-follow articles, you'll be well on your way to personal branding success.
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