The mysterious “THEY,” those invisible authorities in the sky (or perhaps just in my mind) say, “Intellectual Property (IP) is what distinguishes you.“
They say, “Produce intellectual property people want to read.”
They say, “IP is the way to share your ideas and build community.”
Okay, sounds great.
Then that annoying voice, you know the one that sounds like Lucy from Peanuts, says, “You’re kind of stupid. Why would anyone want to ready what you write?“
I’ve been wanting to write for years. It is a form of creativity that helps me take my thoughts and experiences and put it out into the world for consumption (Yikes!) and declutters my brain with all its ideas. What has prevented me from consistent writing was a myriad of things.
- COVID. It crushed my soul and every ounce of creativity I had. Like most of us, I was just trying to survive the depression, isolation, fear, and unknown.
- PERFECTIONISM. Would it be good enough to put into the world? Would it be good enough for anyone, besides my dog, to read?
- IMPOSTER SYNDROME. I don’t have anything anyone would want to read that would support leaders or encourage humans on the life journey.
However, 2022 was interesting. I did my work. I read, studied, learned, researched, meditated, and meditated some more. By December 31, 2022, I realized I read more than 55 books, attended 3 certification programs along with a myriad of trainings and webinars. Was I smarter or better? Nah. But I came to understand that PERFECTIONISM was more about the desire to earn approval and minimize judgment and shame (from my Brené Brown Dare to Lead training). I learned to be kinder to myself recognizing that I’m doing the best that I can. Assuming generous intent is the idea that every human is doing the best they can in work, play, decision-making, parenting, etc. And guess what?! So. Am. I. This concept is a constant work in progress, and it’s settling into my bones.
IMPOSTER SYNDROME, defined as unfounded feelings of self-doubt and incompetence, left me incapacitated, for 2 years!
“I don’t have anything worth writing!”
“I’ll be criticized for my crazy ideas.“
“Why would people want to read something I write?”
“I’m a fraud.“
My coach Rich Litvin regularly suggests that writing IP isn’t about getting it “right,” it’s about writing to provoke people’s thinking. Additionally, Rich goes on to say my job isn’t to be liked, it’s to create. Now, I’ve got a list of ideas to provoke my thinking so I can provoke yours. Seth Godin says to use imposter syndrome as motivation.
“If you are doing work that hasn’t been done before, which means creativity or leadership, then you can’t be sure it’s going to work because it’s never been done before. Instead of denying how you feel, you might look at how you feel as a symptom that you are doing something important and generous.“
In the coming months, I’m creating something I haven’t done before. You’ll find a number of articles in your inbox, if you subscribe, or on LinkedIn, or on my website. It’s going to take some courage on my part. Some articles you will find interesting and thought provoking. Others won’t resonate at all. That’s ok because I’m ok. They are ideas that I hope offer some pause, thinking, and perhaps even some action.
Share below your experiences with Imposter Syndrome.
Excellent article Linley! In our world that is driven by looking good in order to be acknowledged for our contribution it is tough to not have some level of imposter syndrome. And we need that reflection from others to improve.
I have had bouts of imposter syndrome all through my career. Then leaving corporate and moving to non-profit along with aging is yet another chapter of working through it.
It has always helped me to remember that almost everyone suffers from this. I get in trouble when I think I am the only one suffering.
I look forward to reading your future writings – you are very good at it! Love your authenticity. Thanks for sharing your gift.