What is imposter syndrome?

Anytime you think are a fake or fraud.

Maybe you have had thoughts of  “who am I to be sharing my writing with the world?” or “Who am I to share my expertise?”

Imposter Syndrome impacts both genders and can occur at any age.

Why? Because when you are getting out of your comfort zone, going toward a dream or goal you want to achieve in your life, the naysayer or inner critic or whatever you name that voice that tells you that you aren’t enough…you know you are stretching yourself.

For any of my mom’s watching who have an adolescent daughter, you may remember episode 6 on Launching Your Daughter podcast I share Amy Cuddy’s book called Presence: Bringing your Boldest Self to your Biggest Challenges. She discussed how imposter syndrome has impacted everyone at some point in time in their life and is across demographics. One aspect I love so much about this book is her emphasis on the body/mind connection. How when we have more awareness of how our bodies feel we are more present. She shares various power stances in the book to help you feel more empowered in your body, which can shift your emotions.

This is what I help with for teen girls and women I see in my practice. I help them pause more to gain more awareness of how their minds and bodies are connected. How when they are stretching themselves, trying something new, changing careers, starting a family, that self-doubt and worry will occur, it is normal, and that as they continue to embrace their new behaviors their mindset begins to follow. You are seeing yourself as the person you want to become. You are taking action vs getting stuck in the worry loop.

It is completely normal to feel like an imposter at times in your life. Know that you are making changes the feel uncomfortable and as you embrace the discomfort you are growing. You are learning more about you.

Action:

Write down a time in your life you felt outside your comfort zone.

What did you do that helped you through those moments of doubts or fears?

Who was your support system?

What did you do for self-care?

In my last vlog, I discussed how money and stress are related. Money continues to be one of the top three stressors in relationships. Today I want to talk about beliefs or stories surrounding money.

Money stories can keep you afraid of earning more, asking for a higher salary, or being in alignment with your values. If you struggle with finances I invite you to gently explore your own money story. How old were you when began to take on this belief? What did your parents say about money? I have four themes that typically come up from people I have worked with over the years. Do any of these fit for you?

Anxious Avoider

Were you told “women don’t know how to manage money” or that, “women aren’t good with numbers”? Maybe you heard that having money is “bad” or “evil” or makes you selfish. Fast forward to where you are now in life. Do you find yourself unsure of how to create or stay consistent with a budget? Maybe hoping your bills will get paid or you think will eventually payoff credit card debt or school loan, but don’t open your bank statements or view them online for fear of it being in the red.

Money Hoarder

Was your message that “Money needs to be saved, not spent?” Or it sounded a little more extreme in that, “Either you save money or you are in debt?” Or how about being a “penny-pincher” or “frugal” will create happiness? Fast forward to now. You are good at saving money, know how much you have in the bank, pay your bills on time, but struggle with spending money on yourself or your family for fear of being in debt. You often miss out on activities with others or instantly say, “No” to requests. This story keeps you feeling unhappy and disconnected from friends and family.

Sassy Saver

You know what is in your bank account, manage your budget monthly, consistently pay off bills and can give generously from your heart because you live below your means and have been following your financial plan. You are saving for your retirement, have your finances in order, and feel confident in the direction you are going in your life because you have created a plan. You have taken back your power and feel confident and in control of your money story. You know it is ok to ask for a raise or charge for your skills in business.

The more you avoid exploring your money story (or stories) the more anxiety and fears grow, which keeps you stuck. These unconscious beliefs can sabotage how much you earn, how to manage your finances and impact your all areas of your life.

Believing you offer value to your employer or in the business you run is why you charge the rates you do or ask for that raise. It is your skills, your expertise, and YOU that bring value to the company or business.

Together we can dig deep and explore the root of the emotion(s) that is keeping you stuck, such as loneliness, unworthiness, or fear. You begin to take action, consistently, in creating what is in alignment with your truth. 

If you are ready to take back your power around money then contact me today for your free 20-minute consult. I offer single mentoring sessions and packages to help you transform your money story.

Your financial well-being impacts your stress

Do you worry about how you are going to pay the next bill?

Or do you avoid looking at your bills or bank statement and in hopes things will “just work out somehow”?

Or maybe you were not taught how to manage your finances or create a budget.

Over the years I have worked with women, parents, and teens in changing their behaviors around finances. I have witnessed women walk into my office with more confidence because they have reduced their expenses, have money in the bank for the first time in months (and sometimes ever) and are following their budget to stay out of debt.

But Nicole you work with anxiety and mindfulness-how does this relate to finances?

My experience as a therapist and working in the accounting field in the past assists me in coaching women in underlying money blocks and changing behaviors. Exploring your stories or beliefs about money allows to your re-awaken the deeper more authentic you.

I love diving deep into the human psyche and unlock those places that have been hidden or are in the shadows. When we shine the light on those areas, you begin to live with more ease, feel more confident and can improve your relationship not only with yourself but those in your life.

Money LOVES clarity.

When you are clear with your values then you control where and how you save, give and spend your money.

I’m going to challenge you to begin to get curious about your money mindset.

• Write down what you were told about money growing up
• How did your parents manage or not manage money

If you want more support and not go this alone, then call me today. I offer money mentoring packages where we dive deep into your money story and get into the practical of “How To” creating a budget for 60 minutes, then through three 30-minute phone or video sessions for the next 3 or 6 months to maintain focus and create new habits. Call now for your free 20 minute consult to reduce your stress and regain confidence about your finances.