CHOOSING TO IGNORE POTENTIAL IMPOSTOR SYNDROME

I have recently been approached by a friend and asked to speak to a group of entrepreneurs on the topic of ‘starting a podcast’. This is taking place in less than 2 weeks.

Have I started a podcast? Not yet…

Have I done the prep work to start a podcast? Yes

Am I very close to launching a podcast? Yes - very close!

Do I have ‘impostor syndrome’? No

Why do I not have ‘impostor syndrome’?

They wanted someone who felt qualified to speak on the topic of starting a podcast. Regardless of whether it is up and running, I have still put in a huge amount of research and time into starting a podcast. For this reason I feel qualified to talk about the subject to those looking for more information on it. It is as simple as that. I know that many people in my position would be thinking ‘who am I to teach others when I haven’t yet finished the training?’, but like in life, the workplace, a hobby or a sport, we can all learn from someone who is just that little bit further ahead. The fact I haven’t launched, won an award, achieved hoards of listeners or made money from it doesn’t take away from the fact that I am just as qualified as anyone who has done these things to speak about actually getting started.

Having a prompt can be positive

Although, it is not a stipulation of giving the talk, I have decided that I want to progress my podcast so that I am able to discuss more of the process than I have already experienced. I also want a deadline as a prompt to motivate me. Deadlines that seem unachievable are counterproductive, but those which are considered, and allow for pre-existing commitments, likely challenges and expected strengths are much more sensible. I’m excited to get cracking!

Key lesson about impostor syndrome

There will always be someone further ahead, at an equal stage and further behind than where you are. It is important to accept where you are, share the journey with those at the equal stage, take inspiration from those further ahead and guide those who are further behind. Just because I have not reached the next milestone doesn’t mean I cannot help those approaching the one I have just passed.

Stay tuned - the podcast on www.canidoitmyself.com is coming soon!

Thank you to Austin Distel for the free photo from Unsplash.