Partner Update with Nicole Montgomery #9

It has been a fantastic two weeks at the Aesthetic Beauty Industry Council.

I am thrilled to report that we have exceeded our ticket sales expectations for our Elevate, our Education Conference and we have clinic owners joining us from Perth, New Zealand, and Tasmania. It's amazing to see how committed our community and members are to learning and development through education by preparing to travel to Sydney for the conference.

The release of our program was a challenging task as we have a purposefully designed program that is fast-paced with engagement, empowerment and education underlying every aspect. We have assembled a remarkable line-up of speakers and panelists who are the best in their respective fields, and I was surprised to learn that even the greatest experts can be affected by doubt and fear of public speaking. This is, in fact, a common theme among public speakers in general. 

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a great challenge that many speakers have had to face.  Hearing experts you idealize and have on an unreachable pedestal with a halo, state the words “I am not sure I am good enough”,  is mind boggling.  To my surprise, some of our speakers and industry leaders have this fear and work at overcoming this psychological obstacle. 

I was compelled to learn more about those two scary words……Imposter Syndrome.  In the competitive landscape of today's professional world, many individuals experience imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon that can hinder personal and career growth. 

To help you overcome this challenge and gain confidence, I have created this comprehensive guide. In this article, I will delve deep into the concept of imposter syndrome, and its various manifestations, and provide practical strategies for conquering it.  Let us break it down;

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds, despite their evident competence. It often manifests in four primary ways:

1. The Perfectionist Paradox - Perfectionism is a common trait among those experiencing imposter syndrome. They set impossibly high standards for themselves, fearing that any deviation from perfection would reveal their inadequacies.
2. The Superhero Complex - Some people with imposter syndrome believe they must excel in every aspect of their lives. They take on too many responsibilities, often leading to burnout and reinforcing their self-doubt.
3. The Expert Dilemma - This manifestation involves feeling like a fraud in your field, despite having the qualifications and experience. These individuals may constantly seek more certifications or knowledge as a way to mask their self-doubt.
4. The Natural Genius Trap - People with this manifestation believe that if they struggle or need effort to accomplish something, it means they lack natural talent. They often avoid taking on challenging tasks to avoid exposing their perceived inadequacies.

Conquering Imposter Syndrome

The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is recognising the signs. Self-awareness is key to personal growth.

Challenging Negative Thoughts

Identify and challenge the negative thoughts that perpetuate imposter syndrome. Replace them with affirmations of your abilities and accomplishments.

Setting Realistic Goals

Perfectionists often set unrealistic goals. Instead, set achievable goals that align with your capabilities and allow room for growth. 

Seeking Support

Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, mentors, or a therapist. Sharing your feelings and experiences can provide valuable insights and reassurance.

 Embracing Failure

Understand that failure is a part of growth. Embrace your failures as learning experiences that contribute to your personal and professional development.

Imposter syndrome can be a significant barrier to personal and career success. However, with self-awareness, the right strategies, and a strong support network, you can conquer it. Embrace your abilities and achievements, set realistic goals, challenge negative thoughts, and remember that failure is a stepping stone to success. By following these guidelines, you can overcome imposter syndrome and unlock your full potential.

It's amazing to see the humility and kindness of every single speaker who has offered their time to support the ABIC Elevate event. The ABIC team is truly grateful for their generosity.   To all the speakers who are feeling nervous, the entire ABIC community will be cheering you on. We can't wait to collaborate, learn, and be inspired by you!!!

We can’t wait to see you all on the 19th Feb 2024 at Elevate – Darling Island, Pyrmont Sydney.

Written with gratitude,
Nicole Montgomery RN