Host: Sandy Dedeian
Guest: Christopher Dedeyan, peak performance coach and founder of Dedeyan Academy.
For more information about Christopher Dedeyan, you can visit his website, and follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Find me here ➡️ Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn
📚 Books recommended by our guests ➡️ Amazon Store
Buy Christopher’s book “Play for Profit” HERE
Introduction
In this episode of the Rectified Podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming back recurring guest Christopher Dedeyan. Christopher, a professional speaker and peak performance coach, is known for his work with top-tier entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies. Our discussion centered around the pervasive nature of imposter syndrome within the entrepreneurial community and how it affects even the most accomplished individuals. Here’s a comprehensive summary of our conversation.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern that causes individuals to doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a "fraud." Despite evidence of their success, those affected by imposter syndrome believe they do not deserve their achievements. This phenomenon is surprisingly common among entrepreneurs.
Christopher highlights that even renowned figures experience imposter syndrome. For instance, Tony Robbins, a leading figure in professional speaking, still grapples with fears, insecurities, and doubts despite his immense success. The key takeaway is that these feelings are a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey.
The Dual Nature of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome can manifest in two ways: feeling inadequate due to a lack of expertise or feeling like a fraud despite having the necessary knowledge. Entrepreneurs often feel this way when stepping into roles or tackling unfamiliar tasks.
Christopher explains that overcoming imposter syndrome involves understanding that no one starts as an expert. He uses my two-decade-long career in marketing as an example. Just as I became proficient in marketing over time through continuous learning and experience, entrepreneurs can overcome feelings of inadequacy by embracing a growth mindset.
The Importance of a Strong Why
A critical piece of advice from Christopher is the necessity of having a strong ‘why’. This refers to the underlying reason or purpose driving an entrepreneur’s efforts. Entrepreneurship is demanding, and without a compelling reason, it can be easy to lose motivation when faced with challenges.
Christopher stresses that a clear and compelling ‘why’ can help entrepreneurs persist through difficult times. This intrinsic motivation is often linked to a sense of purpose or a desire to solve a specific problem in society. With a strong 'why,' the inevitable moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome become secondary to the broader mission.
Success Through Mindset and Soft Skills
While technical skills and knowledge are important, they are often secondary to mindset and soft skills in achieving entrepreneurial success. Christopher emphasizes that success is 80% psychology and 20% mechanics. Understanding and managing one's emotions, being coachable, and maintaining a growth mindset is crucial.
Entrepreneurs must also learn to harness the power of their biochemistry. By developing the right habits and rituals, such as consistent learning and surrounding themselves with supportive and like-minded individuals, they can better manage stress and imposter syndrome.
Hiring Experts and Delegating Tasks
Another key point Christopher touches on is the importance of hiring individuals who excel in areas where the entrepreneur may lack expertise. Entrepreneurs should not feel like imposters when delegating tasks to experts. Instead, they should view it as a strategic move to build a stronger business.
By hiring and collaborating with skilled professionals, entrepreneurs can focus on their strengths, such as vision-casting and leadership. This approach, combined with a clear mission and vision for the business, can significantly enhance productivity and growth.
The Role of Surroundings and Continuous Learning
Christopher elaborates on the significance of one’s surroundings. He asserts that if you surround yourself with high achievers, you are more likely to adopt their habits and mindsets. This is due to the mirror neuron effect, where the brain reflects and adopts behaviors seen in one’s environment.
Reading books, attending seminars, and engaging in continuous learning are also highlighted as vital practices. Christopher cites several influential books, such as "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius and "Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl, that have profoundly impacted his own journey.
Conclusion
The episode wrapped up with a reminder of the key takeaways for entrepreneurs:
1. Have a strong and clear ‘why’ to drive your efforts.
2. Develop and nurture a growth mindset and understand the importance of soft skills.
3. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to experts and focus on your strengths.
4. Surround yourself with high achievers and continuously seek new knowledge.
These principles can help entrepreneurs manage imposter syndrome and position themselves for long-term success. For those interested in diving deeper, Christopher’s book, "Play for Profit", explores the correlation between sports and business, providing actionable insights on how to integrate fitness and well-being into one's entrepreneurial journey.
By embracing these strategies, entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of their roles with greater confidence and resilience, ultimately leading to both personal growth and business success.
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