In the last post, I referred to opportunities on my plate now that, a year ago, I never would’ve thought I’d have before. And I’m in the middle of figuring out how to build structures in my life to make room for them.
But I’ll be honest: I feel like I’m crazy. Crazy to think I’m good enough. Crazy to prepare to take risks where nothing is set in stone yet. Granted, things do look promising, and some trusted voices in my life think these risks are worth taking. But while I’m in this in-between phase, I sometimes hear the voice of Imposter Syndrome whispering, “You’re crazy. This might totally flop.”
So here’s the thought process pushing me forward:
- It’s not just about me. I do get a lot of personal fulfillment from my career, but there’s a higher purpose driving me to keep at it. I see my career as a way I can help kids feel seen and inspire them to value their identities. That higher purpose is what makes certain risks worth taking.
- Wisdom gave the green light. The nature of risk includes the possibility of failure; I’m aware of that reality. But when wiser people whom I trust have given their nod of approval, that carries a lot of weight and helps me have peace about the decisions I make.
- I feel more alive. Regardless of other people’s opinions, what I’m doing brings out the best version of myself. It not only invites me to do my best work but to also be challenged and stretched to go further. So even though I fall short now and feel like an imposter, my faults are worth overcoming for the chance to live my best life.
So, stick it to Imposter Syndrome and do the thing. Van Gogh once said: “If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”
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