Do you ever have that feeling that you're faking the current moment? Do you ever feel like a fraud even though you know you're not? The impostor syndrome keeps people from starting a business because here again, the ego feeds us false information. It does so on many levels but instead of seeing that as the enemy (the ego) see how it uses these strategies to keep us from making moves that could "hurt" us. Know that growth demands discomfort. It's part of the process - so get used to it and start that business knowing full well that how you feel isn't necessarily a good litmus test for what is real.

The ADA Syndrome
I first recognized this existed in my head full of psychological hurdles when I was writing the script for my audio book - 8 Degrees of Separation (soon to be renamed "Getting Unstuck). My wife and I had just returned from a vacation up north and while we were there we visited our favorite Northern Michigan masseuse. She had this really great ointment she used that was warm and cold all in one and smelled really great. OK, so I've set the stage...

I was laying on the couch and my wife left the room and returned with that bottle of ointment. She positioned herself at the end of the couch and just as she went to open the bottle up I said, "honey... I don't de..................". What I caught myself not only thinking but saying was that I didn't deserve that. Wow, if I didn't deserve a foot rub what else did I not deserve? What else was under my radar that I unknowingly pushed away? Success, more friends, a better life and on and on.

I challenge you to explore where maybe you too could be limiting yourself with the ADA Syndrome. I challenge you to become aware of these psychological barriers.

OH... if you're wondering what the ADA stands for it is Allowance, "Deservance" and Acceptance. These 3 pieces of the syndrome impact all of us at varying levels. For this post though I am covering the "deservance" part of the syndrome. The next post (the fourth) of the 5 biggest Psychological Barriers that keep us from starting or growing a business is called Social Constraints.

Godspeed!

OMT Paradox - Of all the things entrepreneurs tell me as to why they can't start or even grow their business, the one I hear the most is that they just need ________________ (fill in the blank). It runs the gamut but usually it's their claim that they need a special education, more time, more money, that special new computer, that one connection, that perfect partner, a bigger vehicle and on and on the excuses go. I know what it's like to put up barriers. I am intimately involved in understanding the defeating psychology we employ to keep up from rising up to be our best self.

The beauty is knowing that these psychological barriers exist to begin with in all of us. Only when we know they're a fabrication to keep us from truly answering our creative genius can we step up, over and beyond the egoic lies into a place of strength and knowing. This gnawing you have to succeed as an entrepreneur is not the same gnawing everyone else has -- it is uniquely yours.

Know that it is not truly ONE MORE THING (OMT Paradox) that you need outside of you. What you need is to go boldly forward on your journey to living a life that by examination and triumph you create.

FOLB Syndrome - we all have some fear of the unknown. The FOLB Syndrome is the Fear of Looking Bad. When you start a business, you risk not "making it". When you start a business you put yourself out there publicly and to many people that is a scary proposition. This fear is ultimately tied to a deeper fear, fear of death. On the surface though, we don't want to look bad and therefore feel bad. We do the things that keep us from a deeper pain and instead of stepping outside our comfort zone we don't tend to stretch to the next place. Growth demands discomfort - it's the law.

So next time you consider taking your business to the next level or even starting one, know that this is a normal feeling. Step beyond it and move forward or risk the regret you will feel for not having tried. Hmmm, what feels worse... trying and experiencing a failure or never having tried at all?

As an entrepreneur of 25 years anytime something goes smoothly it is time to celebrate. Getting plugged into the Oakland Press Blog Team was one of those experiences that went without a hitch. As an Oakland County resident, based in Royal Oak, I am excited to be a part of a local blog that over time has the potential to help those that share the entrepreneur chromosome with me. Be sure to comment heavy and keep the questions coming. Feel free to share a difference of opinion too. I learn by seeing differences!

There is little I won't take on if it falls under the small business umbrella short of accounting questions. For those... I will ask that you do as I do and call your CPA. Look for my posts in the days to come. I will be just as inclined to post video and audio entries as anything else.