I find that from time to time, there’s a little voice in my head that says:
You don’t know enough about that to give advice.
Who are you to say these things?
Why would people listen to you? You’re no expert.
Even when I know I’m on the right path with my business, completely in alignment, that little voice still creeps in.
If you have moments like this too, it’s completely normal.
The more I scroll on social media, and watch videos designed as clickbait, the more self-doubt I pick up. I watched one the other day that said, “Things I stopped doing… planning my exercise around my period.”
One of my fitness workshops is literally about that! My first thought was, “I need to change my workshop. I shouldn’t be talking about that anymore.”
But why not?
Working with my cycle has made a massive difference to how I exercise. So, who’s to say I shouldn’t be teaching it?
Today’s blog is all about this:
You don’t have to be the most experienced, or the loudest person in the room, to bring value in your field.
I remember just after I had Harry. I was carrying “baby weight,” exhausted, and we were at our second swimming lesson. I changed into my swimming costume and walked out to the pool. As I approached the other mums sitting with their babies, I prayed that no one would ask me what I did for work.
I felt embarrassed that I was a personal trainer… I looked like I’d just had a baby (because I had).
Who was I to coach anyone when I couldn’t lift heavy, I had extra weight, and I was barely sticking to my own exercise plan?
Looking back now, I can see that was a load of BS.
We’re constantly surrounded by polished versions of people and their lives. We share the good parts to avoid “looking bad.” And on social media, we only see the highlights.
We start to think:
I should be more like that.
They must know more.
They must be better than me.
And it’s not just social media.
More and more people are starting their own businesses. The more people stepping into the light, the more shadows it can create for others. We start to compare ourselves. Some business owners are brilliant at sharing their story online, but their real business isn’t always as successful as it seems.
More unhelpful thoughts creep in.
Why would anyone listen to me?
I’m not qualified enough.
There are others doing it better.
By the way, just because someone tells you their life is amazing or their business is booming, doesn’t mean it is.
Stop comparing yourself to others, your clients need YOU.
I remember about six or seven years ago, a lovely woman came to me for personal training. She was quite anxious and lacked confidence in how she looked. After a few sessions, she said:
“I like coming to you because we’re not overlooked like we are in a gym. You don’t judge me. You work at my pace.”
That moment reminded me: I am right for the right people.
Yes, I had the qualifications. But more importantly, I made her feel comfortable, I created a space where she could be herself and that’s what mattered to her.
It’s like writing a CV… what transferable skills do you bring?
Maybe you’re a massage therapist and people open up to you because you’re calm, grounded, and a great listener.
Maybe you’re a fitness instructor and spent years working front desk at a high end hotel. You might be great at handling affluent clients, keeping things organised, and always running on time.
Whatever it is, utilise it.
- What are your real-life experiences that you bring to your business?
- What transformations have you had that others could learn from?
- What’s your unique way of connecting with people and doing things?
Your difference is your strength… not your weakness.
There are over eight billion people on this planet, and no one is quite like you.
You have a perspective no one else has.
You’ve lived through things no one else has.
You connect with people in a way others can’t.
A hundred people can say the same thing, but only one might resonate with someone, and your future clients are waiting for your voice.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve had so many clients who could have trained with anyone in Norfolk (and now, anyone online!). But they chose me.
Not because I was the best personal trainer. Not because I knew the most.
They chose me because of who I was.
Stop waiting to be “the best” at what you do. That road never ends.
Share your passion. Keep learning. And most of all… just be yourself.
What you bring to the table, others don’t.
You’ll attract the right people. I promise.
What are the signs you can use to catch yourself, before it escalates?
I know when I’m having one of “those” thought spirals because I stop posting on Instagram.
Thoughts like:
Why would anyone listen to me?
I’ve got nothing worthwhile to say.
There’s so many people on Instagram, are people even watching?
Then I remember a client who signed up with me. She never liked any of my posts, but she told me:
“I love your content. You do so well with your exercise.”
My heart warmed because I inspired someone.
People are watching, even if they don’t show it.
So, where might imposter syndrome be creeping into your business without you even noticing?
- Dismissing compliments:
“You’ve helped me so much with my self-confidence, thank you!”
And your brain says: “I didn’t do anything.”
Sometimes it’s not just what you did, it’s who you were while doing it. Maybe they felt safe with you. Maybe it was your consistency or how you listened. Also, if you’ve been doing what you’ve been doing for a while, the simple things feel easy to you, to other people they are life changing.
- Talking yourself down when sharing what you do:
I know a guy who runs his own business. Every time he talks about it, you believe he’s the man for the job.
When you talk about what you do, does your energy say the same? Or do you skim over it, your voice get quite and pray that the conversation moves on to the next topic?
- Avoiding opportunities to speak, post, or lead:
I’ll do it tomorrow… or when the time’s right.
Are you putting things off, telling yourself you’re not ready?
You’ll never feel ready. The time will never be perfect.
- Constantly learning but never applying:
Are you doing another qualification, thinking then you’ll be ready?
It’s a trap. You’re already qualified. Keep learning, yes… but don’t wait to start.
Take action today!
- Overcomplicating to “prove” you’re qualified:
Are your clients walking away confused after you explain what you do?
They don’t need the technical terms, they need something simple and clear to get started.
What can you do when you don’t feel like an expert?
- Speak about what you do know.
Use your lived experience and your clients’ results to share what you do and how you help other people. Keep a file or notebook of wins and transformations you’ve helped create.
- Take little steps
Share a short post, go live for five minutes, or write a little guide. Action builds confidence. It doesn’t need to be small… it’s like investing money; small actions compound over time.
- Use normal language.
My husband’s a neurobiologist, but when he explains his work, he uses analogies like a “dustbin” to describe brain functions. If he used the real terms, I’d zone out. Your clients are the same: keep it human.
By the end of the conversation, your clients should be able to explain it back to you.
- Collect testimonials and actually read them.
Especially on the days when you’re doubting yourself, let them remind you who you are. How you’ve made them feel at home, allowed them to be themselves and to feel better.
When self-doubt creeps in, I imagine being 100 years old and wishing I’d done it anyway.
We have a short life, don’t you think? I just want to be able to live it to the fullest. So, when I question myself, or think I might look stupid, I go full in – I’m not willing to accept the consequence of living an average life.
What do you do when self-doubt creeps in?
We’re always evolving. Always becoming better. But unfortunately, it’s a mountain with no top.
Stop waiting to be the expert you think you need to be.
The world needs you as you are.
So, what’s one action you’ve been avoiding because you feel like you’re not “qualified enough”?
What’s one post, conversation, or offer you could share today… despite the voice in your head?
I’d love to hear what you’re struggling with and what action you’re going to take, anyway.
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