Ever feel like a fraud who's one Google search away from being exposed? Welcome to the club! In this week's Ask Me Anything live session, I tackle the sneaky little voice in your head that whispers, "Who are you to write a book?"
In this candid and surprisingly hilarious deep dive, you'll discover why even seasoned professionals with 15+ years of experience still suffer from "I'm not expert enough" syndrome. I share the cringeworthy story of encountering a Facebook "expert" at a workshop who literally couldn't answer a single audience question because he'd attended his very first Facebook training just the weekend before attempting to teach others. Talk about the difference between actual expertise and premature confidence!
But here's where it gets really interesting: I reveal the heartbreaking pattern I've witnessed as an editor where authors invest thousands of dollars in professional editing, receive confirmation that their book is publication-ready, and then disappear entirely. These writers ghost their own success because imposter syndrome convinces them they're not worthy of being published authors, despite having already proven their expertise through their completed manuscript.
The session gets delightfully practical with my mirror pep-talk technique, which admittedly sounds ridiculous until you try it and realize it rewires your brain's negative programming. I explore the psychology behind why this works and how our brains become stuck in negative feedback loops, keeping us anchored to past insecurities rather than our present capabilities.
You'll learn the crucial difference between being an expert and being a thought leader, and why you don't need to revolutionize your entire industry to have valuable knowledge worth sharing. My approach to "flipping the script" goes beyond generic positive thinking and gets specific about the language patterns that either trap us or liberate us from our own mental prisons.
This session is perfect for anyone who's ever stared at a blank page wondering if they have the right to fill it, entrepreneurs with decades of experience who still feel like beginners when it comes to sharing their knowledge, and writers whose inner critic has somehow developed a louder voice than their actual expertise and track record.
The bottom line? If you've been doing something for more than a few years and people regularly ask you questions about it, congratulations – you're already operating as an expert in other people's lives! Now it's time to stop letting your brain convince you otherwise and start helping the people who are exactly where you used to be.
I'm offering a free virtual writer's retreat in September because let's face it, conference travel costs have gotten entirely out of hand. Honestly, pants are optional when you're learning from home. Plus, with kids back in school and life settling into fall rhythms, it's the perfect time to finally tackle that writing project you've been putting off.
Join the conversation and drop your own impostor syndrome stories in the comments. Misery loves company, but recovery loves it even more! Remember, as I always say, if you don't write your book, no one else is going to do it for you – and the world needs what you have to share, even if your brain hasn't gotten the memo yet.
Share this post