Sorry, Am I Imposing?

According to TIME magazine - or at least that’s where I found it - Imposter Syndrome is feeling like all your achievements are due to luck and that in fact, you do not belong where you are - no matter how hard you have worked to get there. Apparently and initially, it was theorised that women are uniquely affected by this phenomenon (this has since been refuted), but we won’t unpack that in today's blog entry. Perhaps one day we will.

Anyway.

In worship last night, my husband and I began to recount what we are grateful for, and we of course went through the basics - life, a measure of health, a home, a loving family and then when it seemed as though we have run out of things to be grateful for, we came up with another thing - opportunities.

Since the pandemic started just over a year ago, individuals have turned to creating opportunities for themselves - whether out of a desire to better themselves, necessity i.e. losing their jobs or indeed an actual need for what they are offering. I’m sure both Instagram and Facebook have seen the creation of new ‘business’ accounts skyrocket and the world wide web in general, the creation of new websites for various and varying small businesses - mine included. Many have successfully created opportunities in different areas. Whether it be media management, some pyramid scheme, natural skin/hair products, homemade PPE, food delivery services, consultancies in various areas etc, it has been a period of growth for a lot of unsuspecting entrepreneurs.

It seems as though every market is saturated - even before the pandemic and definitely now. It really is possible to feel squeezed out, like there is no space at the so-called ‘top’. How does one stand out? Do you feel like you belong or do you feel like an imposter? You may feel as though you have a talent for something, a gift - but you just don't feel “qualified” enough, popular enough, equipped enough to take the bull by the horns. I have a message of encouragement for you.

You belong - you are needed in these spaces. Don’t entertain feelings of being an outsider, there is space for everyone to succeed. Underscore that. Don't believe that anyone has a monopoly on anything!!! You're not stepping on anyone's toes. Blaze your own trail, you don’t have to follow a blueprint. Create your own unique opportunity. Go ahead. Do that thing you have been holding off from doing. Even as I write, I will be the first to admit that I have suffered and still do suffer from imposter syndrome. “Who wants to actually hear what I have to say? I never studied for this - I’ll just stay in my lane.”. Always believing that I need to have all my ducks in a row before I step out. Thinking that my voice is not needed, that I’m not adding to the conversation. What a lie. What if everyone had that fear? What if everyone let imposter syndrome take precedence over their desire to fulfill part of their purpose? We’d be sitting in a sea of silence, nobody contributing to any sphere. In fact, 90% of those perceived to be ‘winning’ have many moments of self-doubt - just ask them.

You MUST go forward. It's essential. Someone needs your voice, your contribution, your gift. Be confident in who you are and what you can bring to the table. Be proud of your accomplishments so far. God has endowed you with the plethora of talents and gifts you possess. He never promised that you wouldn’t feel fear, but He did promise to have courage to move forward. Remember Jeremiah 29:11 - He has great plans for you. Not mediocre. It’s down to you to throw off the fear, lose the apprehension and walk in those opportunities!