Is this the worst kind of impostor syndrome?
Especially for solo founders and consultants?
Seemingly all of a sudden, you feel like you can’t come up with ideas for your own business. You’re spinning around in circles, not sure how to make the right impression on the right people with your marketing. And just not ‘feeling it’ on so many levels when it comes to being visible and maintaining your momentum.
You’re servicing your clients brilliantly, of course. (You always do. The people and businesses you work with think you’re wonderful, and they continue love you for it.)
But, behind the scenes, you feel completely ‘stuck’ in your own business.
This has been happening to me too…
Life Beyond Work has been particularly distracting for me in recent weeks. (If you read my weekly emails, you’ll be aware of some of the background.)
I admit I’ve felt overwhelmed, bereft, uninspired and distinctly stupid at times. About my own business, I hasten to add. I have no such hesitations when it comes to focusing on delivering great work for my clients.
Other Things (orange-hued ones included 🙄😖), I realise, have been dragging me down. To the point that I felt in a complete funk about generating ideas for my business and my own development.
Fortunately, a few much-needed days off – likely aided by a smattering of soothing and sage advice from Louise Miller via her wonderfully on-point Unfrazzle podcast and a refreshing ‘plate and pint’ catch-up with fellow creative Charlie Budd – finally put paid to my frustrations.
The flood gates have (seemingly just as suddenly) swung wide open again. I’m full of inspiration once more. With lots of voice memos on my phone, a profusion of scribbled Post-It notes, and plenty of ideas to be percolating over the days and weeks ahead.
But I’m left wondering: does this happen to you too?
I initially shared this unsettling experience in an open and honest LinkedIn post.
That social post attracted some lovely comments and shows of support, which led me to decide to write this blog article based on that original content too.
Why? Because I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. In experiencing an uneasy sense of temporary incompetency, despite significant evidence of successful outcomes in my everyday client work.
My hope is that my writing this might prove helpful for you (or someone else you know) too. Whether it happens to be the nurturing nudge you need right now or at some point in the future.
Because, actually, a lack of clarity and/or confidence is exactly the sort of struggle I regularly help Copy Café clients with – and the real value many founders and consultants get from working with me.
Sometimes, you just have to work through an all-too-human episode of insecurity and associated (and completely unfounded) feeling of inadequacy. Underneath it all, you know you’re brilliant at what you do, right? This is just a blip. A little moment you’re having. And that’s okay. This too shall pass…
That said, having someone in your corner to offer on-tap sounding board advice and guidance can be invaluable in challenging times. And it might just be the catalyst you need to start shaking off the uncertainty and gently exploring messaging and/or content ideas that make you smile again…
So if that’s what you think you potentially need, how could you tap into the ideas and insights that flow through my particular brand of brain?
If you know you’re ready to explore how I might be able to help you lift the fog a little, you could:
> Book a connection call and benefit from a free chat about your challenges and possible solutions
> Dip a toe in the water by investing in a month of personalised support via The Inspire Experience
> Get clarity, expert insights and an instant shot of confidence in an hour-long Espresso Session
Not quite ready to reach out? You might like to take a look at this instead… 😊
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If you enjoyed this, you might also like:
> How can you create a constant flow of content ideas for your business?
> How do you nurture ‘Know, Like, Trust’?
> Trust in a more human way of connecting with your audience
