As a twenty-something, we don’t grant ourselves enough grace during our growth. Why? Why don’t we give ourselves more credit for getting to where we are in our journey?
I feel like I’ve been stuck at go since I decided I wanted to launch this blog. I’ve invested in the pro versions of most of the apps I use to create content that is aesthetically pleasing. I’ve spent hours on Youtube learning how to target my audience, engage, and organically grow a following that drives traffic back to my blog. I already have expansion ideas on how to slowly add branded inventory and valuable resources for purchase. So, why do I feel like it’s still not good enough? Why do I feel like it’s still not ready. It is.
Have you ever felt unsatisfied with what you produce in spite of all of the hard work and effort you put into it? Like it could just better. I do that to myself a lot and I know I cannot be the only one. So I’m here to tell you and remind myself that “You biggest fear isn’t that you are inadequate, your biggest fear is that you are powerful beyond measure. It is your light, not your darkness that most frightens you.” Word to Miaramme Willamson.
I’ve noticed when I embark on something new I often feel like because I’m new that somehow translates into me not being qualified to be there. Which, is just stupid honestly because as a black woman, most of us don’t half-step when it comes to handling our business. Most of us are probably more than qualified. We’re just scared.
If you’ve never read about the imposter syndrome, let me fill you in. It’s the feeling you get when you fill like you don’t deserve to be in a position that you have earned. It’s the idea that you are where you are because of luck instead of your talent. And, women are uniquely affected. There are five different archetypes and you can read more about them here. There’s the perfectionist, the superhero, the natural genius, and the expert. I align most with the Expert archetype, unfortunately. Experts measure their competence based on “what” and “how much” they know or can do. Believing they will never know enough, they fear being exposed as inexperienced or unknowledgeable.
One of the things that we can do to move through these feelings is acknowledge the thought when it happens, but refrain from engaging with it. In fact, you should critically question the thought. Chances are, you’re tripping.
It’s okay to be nervous. But don’t let your nerves convince you to count yourself out before you even get started. There’s just as much that can go right for you and we just have to be brave enough to start and courageous enough to keep going. Give yourself more credit, after all, you already got this far.
XOXO
Elayne Meshell
Latisha Pitt-Journet says
I’ve always admire the beauty in which your mind works!
I’m happy to read about such relatable and knowledgeable circumstances.. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!💕
elayne.robinson says
This means everything! Thank you for taking the time to read my work.