Overcoming the Impostor Syndrome

Last Monday a coaching client mentioned feeling inadequate to put herself in front of high-end clientele. The next day I heard the same fear articulated by another woman I was coaching who also had that "less than" thing going on. Then, over lunch with a colleague yesterday same story again. So, what started as an "hmmmm" on Monday, took on trend status Tuesday and proved to be an epidemic by Thursday.

I'm traveling to Florida this week to be with good friends. I've also scheduled an appointment while I'm down there to meet with the President of an acclaimed art college to offer a collaborative event.

My gremlins are SCREAMING: "Why would he be interested in YOU?" "He has millions of alums who can do what you do in high heels and backwards." "What could you possibly offer that he doesn't already have enough of?"

Learn how I get beyond my saboteurs, head games and paralysis by reading my latest blog post . The truth is the fear doesn't go away. I keep doing scarier and cooler things in my business. But the muscle I'm flexing to overcome the fear is growing stronger every time I use it.

The Prescription for Analysis Paralysis

The Internet is a blessing and a curse for business owners. The good news is you can discover the uniqueness of your business idea or product offering. The bad news is you can find out how not unique they are. The better news is it really doesn't matter. There is room for everyone- if you take action.

One of my clients has an appealing and humanitarian concept for an online business involving products as well as community-building. She discovered many look-alike companies during her research. In her words, "I freaked out!"

Then, a colleague told me how many hours she has been spending researching her business ideas on the Web. She was thorough and sincere and had accumulated mountains of knowledge about her industry. She studied the market up, down and sideways. She knows her competitive advantage and her target audience. But her income had stalled. I gave her one word of advice, "Act!"

What both of these small business owners experienced is analysis paralysis-the frozen state of inaction that comes from information overload. When this is your diagnosis, read my article to discover the prescription.

By the way, both of these entrepreneurs have boldly taken action and moved out of the comfortable harbor of research. They have enough information. Now they are sailing toward the payoff of productivity.

Retreat Update - Changing with the Times

Taking my own advice I've decided that rather than offer a "Luxury" Spa Retreat at Canyon Ranch for women business owners, I'd make a change. What feels right to me, at this time in our economy, is to offer a similar experience-allowing time to focus on what you really want in your business and your life-but at a more economically sound location: Kripalu, one of my favorite places on earth.

Instead of the $2500 price tag for the Canyon Ranch experience, our early bird offer is $995. That'll include all meals, housing, yoga and dance classes as well as the Create Your Own Future program. Click here to take advantage of the early bird special by February 15-a great Valentine's gift to yourself and it's deductible.

It just feels right.