There are two components here. On one side, we feel shame thinking about how we are imposters and yet in a role where we are trying to handle everything — or at least make an attempt.
Think about it…whenever we start something new, unless we’ve done it several times before, there are going to be a lot of new things coming our way that we didn’t expect and won’t be certain on how to handle. We fear. Usually it’s people.
On the other side, one of the biggest adventures and best methods to achieve success is by having that rookie status. Having such a massive challenge on the road ahead that you do whatever is in your power to fulfill that. It’s being a rookie, and not a seasoned veteran, that gives you the drive and creativity to hit your goal. You cannot rest on your laurels. You have none.
But you keep going. Perhaps it’s writing, even when you know your skill level but keep going because of your love for expression, ideas, and sharing.
It’s been helpful to juxtapose these two. Looking only at the imposter syndrome — which is still very relevant and still crucial to think through in our souls — will defeat us and remind us only of our unworthiness. Wallowing here will cause our hearts to crumble.
Conversely, focusing purely on being a rookie and thinking that will give us the drive to be an amazing entrepreneur absolves us of reality and understanding the weight upon our shoulders — especially as it’s likely affecting plenty of others: customers, vendors, teammates. The world is the ocean before us and we will take it on.
So let’s juxtapose these. Let’s hold these in tension. We ought to consider how they affect each other, how they relate. Let’s cup them together so we don’t wallow in self-pity realizing that we haven’t the chops or demonstrated such and such skills — but also avoiding the other error of not be so completely relieved of consequences that we attempt to rule the world without feeling the empathy as it relates to others.
We’re talking about human lives here. We should be adventurous and seek after what we really never thought we could have achieved, but let’s count the costs and take a sobering look at our goals, the lives around us, and press on to achieve what we once didn’t think possible.
Jeff Beaumont 