Dear Friends & Followers,

I’m back! Thanks for sticking around and opening this email! It's been a minute since I've reached out to all of you. I have been coaching full time and working on my goals! One big thing I’ve accomplished since I last wrote is I got certified as a  Health and Wellness Coach. I'm thrilled to finally be able to share it with an article I’ve been working on. Oh, and get ready to start seeing more of me in your inbox. Pass this along to a friend and have them get on my email list.

Being A Fraud, Not Good Enough, and a $7 Bottle of Water - Have you ever felt like a fraud, even though you've achieved great things? You are sitting at some luncheon with other people, and you think, “What if they ask about ____?  You fill in the blank.  If so, you're not alone. Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon where people doubt their abilities and feel like they're not good enough. Believe me, I have been there and still struggle with it daily.

Imposter syndrome is something that affects many of us - it's that nagging feeling that we're not as capable as others think, and we fear being exposed as a fraud. In a recent conversation, we stumbled upon a thought-provoking analogy that likens our self-worth to the cost of a bottle of water. This analogy sheds light on how often we underestimate ourselves and fail to see our true value. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of imposter syndrome, understand why it happens, and discuss practical ways to overcome it.

Grasping the Analogy - Imagine you're at a Taylor Swift concert in the USA, and they're selling bottled water for a whopping seven dollars. Yet, if you were to buy the same bottle at a grocery store, you'd pay just a fraction of that price. The difference lies not in the water itself but in how we perceive its value in different contexts. In a similar way, imposter syndrome arises from our failure to recognize our own worth and the unique qualities we bring to the table.

The Power of Self-Perception - While external factors like location and supply and demand influence the value of a bottle of water, the most crucial factor is our personal perception. We often forget to acknowledge our worth, holding onto outdated beliefs that we're still the 25 cent bottle of water when, in reality, we've transformed into a seven-dollar one. Recognizing and embracing our worth is the first step to conquering imposter syndrome.

Who We Hang With, Your Environment - The people we surround ourselves with play a significant role in shaping how we see ourselves. Some may still perceive us as that 25 cent bottle of water because they haven't witnessed our growth and transformation. To combat imposter syndrome, it's vital to distance ourselves from those who undermine our self-worth and seek out individuals who recognize and appreciate our true value.

What Now? How to Move Forward - Just as Miss USA no longer competes at county fairs, we must outgrow the experiences and situations that contribute to imposter syndrome. Outgrowing doesn't mean erasing our past; it means acknowledging that it's part of our journey and it doesn't define us. Embracing our growth and confidently asserting our current abilities is key to overcoming lingering self-doubt.

Dealing with External Validation - External validation, particularly from family and loved ones, can both support and hinder our progress. While they may unintentionally anchor us to our past, it's essential to remember that their perception doesn't define our true worth. Expressing gratitude for their input while reaffirming our growth helps us maintain a healthy perspective and strengthens our resolve against imposter syndrome.

Embrace Your Authenticity - To truly conquer imposter syndrome, we must learn to accept and cherish our true selves. This involves celebrating our achievements, no matter how small they may seem, and being unapologetically proud of our journey. By recognizing our worth and refusing to compete at the metaphorical county fair, we empower ourselves to shine in our unique brilliance.

Imposter syndrome can be a tough challenge to overcome, but by understanding its roots and implementing effective strategies, we can rise above self-doubt and embrace our true worth. Remember, just like the price of a bottle of water, your worth is determined by what you personally believe and are willing to accept. Let go of that 25 cent bottle mentality and step into your true value as a seven-dollar bottle. You absolutely deserve it.

Do you think you are an imposter? Take this quiz to find out. After you are done, be a great friend and forward this on to someone you think may enjoy it. If you would like to talk about anything (including Imposter Syndrome) get on a call with me. I’d love to chat. We can figure this out together. 

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