Saying goodbye to imposter syndrome!
One of the hardest things about training, setting up a new business and doing something new, even when you are so excited and motivated and ready to go, can be actually BELIEVING that you can do it!
We can tell ourselves that:
I have not studied for so long, I won’t be any good at it
I am not a parent so why would parents want my support
I have never taught anyone anything, so how can I teach Antenatal
What happens if I don’t know the answers to questions
Why would anyone want to come to my classes when there are loads of other courses out there…
Do any of these sound familiar? Some of those are taken straight from how our own educators felt once, it is really natural to think and feel this way especially as you start your journey into antenatal work!
But what is Imposter Syndrome? Imposter syndrome can happen at any stage in a person’s life or career. It can show up when an individual doubts their abilities and achievements, feeling like they don't deserve their accomplishments and fearing that others will discover they are a ‘fraud’. The reality is, our brains want to keep us safe, and doing new and unfamiliar things can jeopardise that.
Our confidence coach Francoise wants you to think about the following if you are experiencing any of these thoughts and feelings…
Try using different language about what you are experiencing - imposter syndrome sounds very medical and like something is wrong but the reality is most of us experience it. Even Michelle Obama has spoke openly about her journey with imposter syndrome saying “It’s sort of like ‘you’re actually listening to me?’ It doesn’t go away, that feeling of ‘I don’t know if the world should take me seriously; I’m just Michelle Robinson, that little girl on the south side who went to public school’…”
So what should you do? Get curious with the imposter, what is it trying to tell you? See it as messaging rather than factual. While getting curious try and describe the imposter as a character, some find naming the imposter helpful or giving it a funny voice.
Imposter syndrome can increase when we get out of our comfort zone (and we know this is where the magic happens)
Thank the voice for showing up and say “thank you, but I got this”
Doing some work on this can really help, grab a cup of something and journal down your uncencored thoughts after reading these…
1. What specific experiences have led you to doubt your ability to do this?
2. What evidence do you have that contradicts the thoughts and feelings associated with your self doubt?
3. How would you advise a friend or colleague who was experiencing similar doubts about their abilities?
4. Can you think of a time when you felt confident and capable in your work? What factors contributed to that confidence?
5. What strengths or skills do others recognize in you that you may be overlooking? You can ask your friends and family this!
6. What does success mean to you, and are your current standards realistic and achievable?
7. How can you embrace the concept of "failing forward" and view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than confirmation of inadequacy?
Our founder Sam says: Supporting you throughout this entire journey is so important to us because we have been there, and know it is an ongoing process. At The Perinatal Academy the things that make the biggest difference in our confidence and motivation are:
Always remembering the WHY! Why we do what we do, what makes us show up and motivates us. Without this it can be harder to stay on track and let the imposter syndrome win
Investing in really decent training! Knowing we have a really good depth of knowledge far deeper than just antenatal scripts and lesson plans has made us realise we deserve to be the person creating spaces and supporting expectant parents
Having ongoing support! This is huge, you need a tribe of passionate people working in the same space as you, to cheerlead you, signpost and share in these experiences
It’s why we created The Perinatal Academy’s Antenatal Diploma in the way it is, we help you dive into your purpose, our syllabus is really thorough, covering Birth Rights, Cultural Safety and Inclusivity alongside the core modules and assessments, which mean you leave with parent ready content for your new courses. Plus you will be part of The Perinatal Collective with access to the training team and support long after you graduate. Including support from Francoise, so if you get a wobble before your first class we will be there for you, and we will also be there to give virtual hugs afterwards! So important!
For more information about our future courses click here and if you want to talk to us about taking your first step then book a discovery call as we would love to chat to you!