Episode 121

The Cure for Imposter Syndrome

Published on: 30th August, 2022

Human beings have a need to understand themselves and others.  We label behavior and decide what is normal and what is not.  Our culture is particularly fond of pathologizing behavior and especially the behavior of women.  The way we speak to and about ourselves matters a lot.  We have all literally learned to think of ourselves in a certain way from an early age and it is a lot harder to change those beliefs than it is to question them before they stick. 

We have all used labels to refer to ourselves and others in ways that are harmful, inaccurate, and lasting.  Referring to ourselves as having imposter syndrome may be spot on, or not.  When we lack the confidence to start a business, ask to be paid for our services, are afraid to raise our rates, set boundaries with clients, or hold our team members to a higher standard, is it imposter syndrome, or could it be something else?  

Just because you don’t feel comfortable introducing yourself as a business owner at a virtual mixer, doesn’t mean imposter syndrome is the reason. Your challenges may be a mindset issue, but they might just as well be an issue of experience or skill. I unpack the cure for imposter syndrome by helping you figure out that imposter syndrome is not what is going on with you, so you can do something about what is.  

Imposter syndrome is the description of a very specific kind of problem that occurs among high-achieving women who attribute their accomplishments to luck rather than to competency, effort, and determination.  It should not be used as a ‘catchall” phrase for every time any of us is scared, unprepared, or avoids anything uncomfortable in business.  Sometimes we need to do something different not just think something different.  

Resource mentioned in this episode: My buddy, non-sleazy sales specialist, Annie P Ruggles 

I warned you.  She is brilliant.  You might just fall in love with sales because of Annie.  And you will definitely fall in love with Annie! 


So, maybe you figured out you really don’t have Imposter Syndrome. Hooray! But wait, you still aren’t crushing your goals. No worries. 

I created a quiz with 6 different behaviors I often see in female solopreneurs that limit their income, profit, and success.  Take the quiz, and get specific feedback, guidance, and practical advice about your particular challenge and more importantly, steps you can take to fix it.   

Click on this link to take the quiz: What’s Holding You Back?   https://bit.ly/obstaclesquiz

Did you hear the news?  

I am launching my brand new group program this fall, The Boss Up Breakthrough, based on my proven framework for next-level success for female solopreneurs.  This program is one part coaching, one part mastermind,  one part accountability circle, and a whole lotta fun getting past whatever is holding us back, with a small group of other baddies. 

Click here to be notified of all the details: Group Coaching Waitlist 

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Taming Shiny Object Syndrome in Your Business

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Our edge as entrepreneurs comes from spotting trends and launching fresh ideas. The problem? Most of us have a graveyard of half-baked projects, forgotten launches, half-written newsletters, and more orphaned tech tools than we care to admit. Let's face it: innovation is our ADHD advantage, but execution moves the...
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About the Podcast

ADHD-ish
For Business Owners with Busy Brains
ADHD-ish is THE podcast for business owners who are driven and distracted, whether you have an “official” ADHD diagnosis or not. If you identify as an entrepreneur, small business owner, creative, independent professional, or freelancer, and you color outside the lines and think outside the box, this podcast is for you.

People with ADHD traits are far more likely to start a business because we love novelty and autonomy. But running a business can be lonely and exhausting. Having so many brilliant ideas means dozens of projects you’ve started and offers you’ve brainstormed, but few you’ve actually launched. Choosing what to say "yes" to and what to "catch and release" is even harder. This is exactly why I created ADHD-ish.

Each episode offers practical strategies, personal stories, and expert insights to help you harness your active mind and turn potential distractions into business success. From productivity tools to mindset shifts, you’ll learn how to do business your way by
embracing your neurodivergent edge and turning your passion and purpose into profit.

If we haven't met, I'm your host, Diann Wingert, a psychotherapist-turned-business coach and serial business owner, who struggled for years with cookie-cutter advice meant for “normies” and superficial ADHD hacks that didn’t go the distance. In ADHD-ish, I’m sharing the best of what I’ve learned from running my businesses and working with coaching clients who are like-minded and like-brained.

Note: ADHD-ish does have an explicit rating, not because of an abundance of “F-bombs” but because I embrace creative self-expression for my guests and myself. So, grab those headphones if you have littles around, and don’t forget to hit Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.