Goodbye Imposter Syndrome
We know you might feel like an imposter as a leader at times. You might compare yourself to your peers or feel like whatever you do is never enough.
You might get worried that on more days than not, you're just making things up as you go (don't we all?). Or you might wake up in the middle of the night with panic because of the weight and responsibility you carry.
I remember (Julianne here 👋 ) being tasked to lead a significant organizational change impacting more than 250 employees.
At each meeting, I kept delaying significant decisions because I felt I needed to consult with others who were “more qualified.”
An executive turned to me and said, “There's a reason you're in the room. We want to hear what YOU think is best.” I'll never forget that moment. It was TERRIFYING, and yet it was the very permission I needed.
So let this be our invitation to you. There's a reason you are “in the room.”
Even if the room is by your design as a group practice owner. You have accepted the call to be a therapist leader.
We know you are worthy (and capable) of leading your group practice even when the scared parts of you say otherwise.
You are a therapist, a leader, and a business owner.
This tells us you have big dreams. You are a change agent looking to create a more emotionally affluent society for us all.
Your purpose and passion have you saying “yes” to new things, which probably stretches and scares you at times. Like, you know, being a business owner and having employees. 🙃
Yet, we all know that in the stretch, we also experience moments where we want to hide and stay small. Those parts of you that might tell you that you are not worthy. Or competent. Or enough in comparison to those around you.
Don't lead from the scared parts of you who want to stay small. Don't make decisions about your employees when you are in doubt. Don't change your policies when you are in fear. And don't change your practices from a space of lack.
You might visit fear or doubt, but don't lead or make changes from this place. If you lead from scarcity, you will create practices and policies from this space too.
Instead, lead from the parts of you that want to change the world. Lead from the parts of you that know you are love embodied. When you feel a sense of safety and your nervous system is regulated, you will cultivate further safety in your work culture too.
Seeking, the 4th element of Cultivate TRUST, values getting curious and going within. Seeking understands that we need to be aware of our fears to lead from a grounded and embodied space.
Utilize these reflection questions below during a moment of intentional pause and see what arises to further support you as a whole human in your leadership journey.
Mind
Do I know that my worth as a leader is separate from my productivity?
When self-doubt comes to visit me, do I hold that inner part of me compassionately?
When's a time in the past when I accomplished something I thought was impossible for me?
How would I lead without my story that I'm not enough? Or that I i'm not doing enough?
Body
What are the sensations in my body when I connect to my inherent worth?
What practices help me feel safe and regulated in my body? Can I give myself that space today?
Do I have my basic needs met with food and hydration?
Is my body asking for a break? Can I honor what my body is asking for?
Emotions
What emotions have been activated in this work situation?
What practice or ritual will allow me to pause and release these emotions now that I've acknowledged them?
Can I connect to a time when I felt fulfilled and joyful in my work as a leader? Can I allow myself time to visualize that moment?
Soul
What practices restore my spirit? What practices connect me with my joy during my workday?
Have I incorporated time for rest or silence? Can I briefly connect inwards today?
How do my values and mission fuel my sense of purpose? Do my actions reflect this?
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