How to Overcome Podcast Imposter Syndrome

WHAT’S THIS EPISODE ABOUT?

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What is Podcast Imposter Syndrome?

Podcast Imposter Syndrome is what happens when that voice pops into your head right before you’re about to do something BIG. Whether it’s creating your content for the first time, getting ready to launch your show, or have a big guest, podcast imposter syndrome appears in many ways and asks lots of different questions:

Who do you think you are creating this content?

Why do you think anyone will listen to you?

Don’t you know there are already tons of other people out there more qualified than you doing this?

Haven’t you seen the other hundreds of podcasts just like this already out there?

Where do you think people will listen to your podcast? You’re just starting!

I could go on and on with the different scenarios that I’ve experienced with these types of questions, but that’s not the point here today. First, I want to acknowledge that if you are or have experienced any of this…you’re not alone! And two, you can overcome it!

Making the Team and Parenting Imposter Syndrome

In today’s episode, I shared two personal stories of how imposter syndrome has appeared in my life in two not-so-subtle ways: doubt and fear.

The first was an experience I had trying out for the cheerleading squad in high school – knowing that I wasn’t as experienced in jumping and tumbling as the other girls. (Doubt!) The second was when I became a mom for the very first time. (Fear!)

The only way to get over imposter syndrome – whether it’s in your personal or professional life – is to ask yourself one very important question…

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What Can I Do?

The question “What CAN I Do?” has served me well many times over. When I get stuck in the doubt loop of thoughts that aren’t serving me, I ask myself the question, “What CAN I do…right now? In this moment…”

I know, it sounds too simple, right? To ask one question and have all of that fear or doubt disappear completely would be pretty naive to believe. However, it’s the best place to start.

I threw out a book quote in today’s episode – that I totally butchered during the recording! – that I wanted to share here. One of my top 5 books of all time is “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. In the book, she gives lots of creative permissions and advice I never knew I needed. But I’ve also received her message many times when I’m in the middle of some major podcast imposter syndrome.

“I even have a welcoming speech prepared for fear, which I deliver right before embarking upon any new project or big adventure. It goes something like this:

“Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently your job is to induce complete panic whenever I’m about to do anything interesting—and, may I say, you are superb at your job.

So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring.

There’s plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still—your suggestions will never be followed.

You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You’re not allowed to touch the road maps; you’re not allowed to suggest detours; you’re not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you’re not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

It’ll Come Back…

Whatever approach you take to curbing your podcast imposter syndrome, know this…it’ll come back. So, instead of believing after you’ve launched your show you’ve “beat it”, know that it’s just a matter of time before it shows up again. Maybe not as often once you get going, but it still may pop up from time to time.

How do you combat podcast imposter syndrome?

You ask yourself, “What’s my 10% edge?”

This is the question I was so lucky to have learned from my mentor, Amy Porterfield, and it continues to be a question I ask myself often when doubt or fear creep in. I don’t have to know why I’m the best-of-the-best-of-the-best! I simply need to ask myself, “What’s my 10% edge?”

Keep asking yourself the questions, “What can I do?” and, “What’s my 10% edge?”

Overcoming podcast imposter syndrome isn’t an exact science, but at least now you have a roadmap to help you when you feel stuck.

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