Imposter syndrome is something that so many people experience, myself included.
Merriam-Webster defines imposter syndrome, in part,
as “persistent doubt concerning one’s abilities or accomplishments
accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one’s ongoing success.”
Perhaps like me, you’ve thought in a work setting, “I don’t have the experience, qualifications, or knowledge to do this work.”
Maybe you’ve asked, “Who am I to be here?”
Or in my case, “How can I offer advice to others when my lived experience has been so vastly different, especially these past couple of years.”
What value could my perspective have?
In the last couple of weeks, I’ve keynoted for a state
nursing association, to Long Term Care professionals, and then finally to a virtual group at the Maine Rural Health Collaborative.
All these professionals have been on the front line of COVID working daily throughout the pandemic. They’ve weathered PPE requirements, changing regulations, patient challenges, and more.
So how can I come in and talk about creating a culture of kindness when my day-to-day experiences these past two years has been so completely different?
What I realized after having a little heart-to-heart with whatever inner gremlins want to sabotage me and call me an imposter, is this…
I have been knee-deep in this kindness work for more than a decade. I’ve been acquiring knowledge from dozens of different industry professionals, watching, learning, and teaching what I believe to be the only way organizations will succeed by elevating a culture of kindness.
What I share in my marketing materials “Kindness is at the basis of every aspect of a positive company culture from recruitment and retention to morale and wellness!” is absolutely what I believe to be true.
Self-Kindness for those experiencing this phenomenon
I know I am not alone in experiencing imposter syndrome. I suspect anyone who has ever stretched out of their comfort zone to achieve their goals has experienced this phenomenon.
So, this week I reminded myself that kindness comes in big and small ways. Each of us is here to do our own work, to grow and
develop. And hopefully, keep those inner gremlins at bay and lean into the more expansive belief of our calling, our passion, and our purpose.
When I finally quiet those inner gremlins, I remember how honored and privileged I am to speak with audiences. To share my wisdom and deep knowing, my message of kindness, and my gifts. So they can go back and share theirs too.
