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How To Eliminate Your Imposter Syndrome In Business

overcoming fear and imposter syndrome when starting an online business
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Got An Idea For An Online Business? It’s About Time You Conquered Your Imposter Syndrome and Built the Life You Really Want!

When I first started my online business, I had no idea what I was doing and I was riddled with a little something called imposter syndrome.

All I knew was that I wanted to achieve a certain lifestyle (to live and work remotely from anywhere in the world), and I needed to create a job for myself that would allow me to do that.

It was massively overwhelming, but to achieve what I wanted, I had to figure something out.

Maybe you’re feeling the same way right now—like there’s this new reality you want to create, but the path to making it happen feels scary, risky, or overwhelming.

You probably scroll through social media and see people doing the thing you’ve been thinking about, but you don’t know how to execute it and make it happen for you. You wonder how they’ve managed it, but you haven’t.

I know that feeling. The self-doubt (aka imposter syndrome). The frustration. The voice in your head says, “I must be doing something wrong. Maybe I’m just not cut out for this.”

But here’s what I wish someone had told me back then:

You’re not bad at it… You’re just a beginner!

This Mindset Shift Transformed My Imposter Syndrome In To Confidence

I used to beat myself up every time I hit a roadblock during year one of my business. Whether it was figuring out social media strategies, building a website, or creating a sales funnel that actually converts, every challenge felt like proof that I wasn’t good enough.

Then one day, someone said to me, “You’re not supposed to know these things. You’re a beginner.”

Those words changed things for me—it made me realize that we all start somewhere.

You cannot compare yourself in year one of your business to someone in their year five, ten, or even twenty.

Every expert you admire was once a total beginner. The difference between where they are now and where they started? They allowed themselves to make mistakes and learn.

When I realized that, I stopped expecting perfection from myself and instead started investing in learning. I took courses, worked with mentors, and let myself experiment without fear of failure. And guess what? I got better.

Overcoming Fear and Imposter Syndrome

Starting something new—especially a business—is terrifying. Let’s be honest about that.

The fear of failure is real. The “what-ifs” and imposter syndrome nearly always creep in:

  • What if I waste time?
  • What if I invest money and it doesn’t work out?
  • What if I fail and prove everyone who doubted me right?
  • What am I doing? I’m not qualified for this.

Here’s the thing: fear and imposter syndrome are normal. They’re part of the process. But fear and imposter syndrome don’t have to stop you from taking action. In fact, you can use them to motivate you to take action.

Fear is just a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone—and that’s where growth happens.

If you’re scared, (from experience) it usually means you’re on the brink of something big.

Sometimes having a hand holding you can help – that’s why I created my Free Masterclass Find Your Freedom Model to teach you how to start an online business that works for your life, not one you work for. So I can hold your hand in that very early stage of the process when imposter syndrome is rife. And spoiler alert – we’ll do a little exercise in here that will help you break through it. Unlock the masterclass here!

Embrace Learning Something New

When I started my first online business, I spent so much time in overwhelm, with imposter syndrome, and fear. There was so much to learn:

  • Building a website
  • Understanding SEO
  • Marketing on social media
  • Creating a service offer that people would actually want to buy

At first, it felt like I was juggling a million balls, and they were all falling down around me. But then I realized something: I didn’t have to know or do everything all at once—or by myself.

I broke it down into steps. I focused on upskilling myself one skill at a time, investing in learning as I went. I realized that being a beginner wasn’t a weakness—it was an opportunity.

If you’re just starting, remember: you don’t have to know it all today. You just need to take the first step and commit to learning.

Common Imposter Syndrome Thoughts About Starting An Online Business

Let’s debunk some of the biggest myths—or imposter syndrome statements—that might be holding you back:

  1. “I need to have it all figured out before I start.”

    False. No one has it all figured out at the beginning. Start where you are with what you have, and let the process guide you.

  2. “I don’t have the skills to start a business.”

    Also false. Skills can be learned. You don’t need to be an expert on day one—you just need to be willing to learn.

  3. “It’s too late for me to start.”

    Definitely false. There’s no expiration date on following your dreams.

  4. “I’m going to fail.”

    The only way you can possibly fail is if you don’t try.

  5. “I’ll never be able to make this work.”

    When you want something badly enough, you will find a way to make it work—trust me.

What’s Holding You Back?

If you’ve been dreaming about starting your own business but feel stuck, ask yourself:

  • What’s the worst that could happen if you tried?
  • What’s the best that could happen if you succeeded?

The truth is, staying in the same place is often scarier than taking the leap.

Your next steps to overcoming imposter syndrome:

If you’re ready to stop letting fear hold you back and start building the life you’ve always dreamed of, I have something just for you.

I’m inviting you to my free masterclass: “Find Your Freedom Model.”

In this masterclass, you’ll learn:

  • How to turn your existing skills and passions into a thriving online business
  • The mindset shifts you need to overcome fear and take action.
  • Practical steps to create time, financial, and lifestyle freedom

Click here to join the Find Your Freedom Model masterclass.

Your dream life is calling – let’s make it happen together.

Sophie Biggerstaff Online Business Mentoring for Entrepreneurs
meet the writer

I'm Sophie

Online business coach, podcast host, mental health advocate, speaker, founder of TINAH, community builder, full-time digital nomad, and general trailblazing, rule breaker…

I tried to live a “normal” life: I spent 11+ years working my way up in the fashion industry, working for brands like Ralph Lauren and Burberry. I had the apartment in the city, I lived for going out at the weekends, spent money on designer bags and holidays – until I realized this lifestyle DID NOT FULFIL ME – I was waking up with anxiety every day – surviving, but definitely not thriving.

So I quit. I left my 9-to-5 behind to start an online business that supported the lifestyle I actually wanted. Now that looks like slow mornings, daily beach walks, co-working with like-minded entrepreneurs, yoga, meditation, and lots of social connections.

Since 2020, I’ve built multiple online business offers – from online business coaching and consulting to online courses, digital products, and a mental health marketplace – all while travelling the world and living life, and earning money on my own terms.

Now… I’m on a mission to help more people break free from lives that don’t feel good for them and create more freedom through starting and growing an online business.

GET TO KNOW ME BETTER

free stuff you might like:

Weekly episodes of the remote ceo life podcast by sophie biggerstaff
free masterclass fine your freedom model sophie biggerstaff

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