When I first launched my consulting business, I quickly realized that two major obstacles stood in my way: imposter syndrome and a scarcity mindset. These challenges were unexpected, but they became clear roadblocks to building the thriving, sustainable business I envisioned. If you’re a consultant or freelancer, especially from marginalized communities, you might be familiar with these feelings too. They are often deeply rooted in the structures of capitalism and white supremacy that shape our society.
Dealing with Imposter Syndrome as a New Consultant
Starting out, I often questioned whether I was truly qualified to offer my services. This is the heart of imposter syndrome—the nagging doubt that you’re not good enough, despite evidence to the contrary. For many of us, especially those from BIPOC communities or other marginalized groups, these doubts are amplified by the systemic barriers and biases that capitalism and white supremacy reinforce.
Capitalism often values productivity over humanity, making us feel like we have to constantly prove our worth through endless work and tangible results. White supremacy, on the other hand, perpetuates the myth that people of color and other marginalized groups are less capable or deserving of success. Together, these forces can make us feel like we don’t belong in spaces of success, leading us to overwork, undercharge, and say “yes” to every opportunity, even when it’s not aligned with our values or expertise.
I had to confront these internalized beliefs head-on and recognize that they were rooted in systems designed to keep us questioning our worth. It was crucial for me to dismantle these narratives and begin to own my expertise, knowing that I am not defined by the metrics imposed by capitalist and white supremacist frameworks.
The Trap of a Scarcity Mindset
Alongside imposter syndrome, I found myself stuck in a scarcity mindset—the fear that there weren’t enough clients, opportunities, or resources out there for me. This mindset is deeply influenced by capitalism, which thrives on competition, and white supremacy, which fosters exclusion. These systems teach us to believe that success is a zero-sum game, where someone else’s gain is our loss.
This scarcity mindset can be especially pervasive for those of us who have historically been excluded from wealth and opportunity. It fuels anxiety and a sense of urgency to grab every project, no matter how small or misaligned with our expertise, out of fear that there won’t be enough to go around. But what I’ve learned: this mindset is a product of the very systems designed to keep us in a state of constant striving.
I had to unlearn these deeply ingrained beliefs and embrace an abundance mindset. I began to see that I am just one person, and I don’t need a hundred clients to thrive. In fact, I only need a few right-fit clients who truly appreciate my work and are willing to invest in it. By charging appropriately for my services and focusing on quality over quantity, I started to attract the kind of clients I really wanted to work with—clients who respected my value and allowed me to do my best work—people I could truly serve.
Embracing Abundance and Redefining Success
Shifting from scarcity to abundance is about more than just mindset—it’s about rejecting the capitalist and white supremacist narratives that tell us there’s never enough for everyone. It’s about embracing the idea that there is plenty of opportunity, success, and wealth to go around, especially when we work together and uplift one another.
For me, this shift has been incredibly freeing. It’s allowed me to focus on what truly matters—doing meaningful work, maintaining balance, and building deeper connections with the clients I’m meant to serve. It’s also given me the confidence to set boundaries, say “no” to projects that don’t align with my values, and trust that the right opportunities will come my way.
If you’re just starting out or struggling with these same doubts, know that you’re not alone. These feelings are not a reflection of your worth or capability—they are the product of systems designed to keep us in a state of striving. By embracing an abundance mindset and redefining what success looks like, we can create businesses that not only sustain us but allow us to thrive.
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