Hey Reader,
It's been quite a while—life's been happening. 🙂
While 'life-ing', I experienced something that reminded me why we all need to talk more openly about the battles we fight in silence.
My friend Bash had everything most people would envy—a prestigious position, high-profile clients, executed projects that made waves, and a seat at tables where major decisions were made. By every external measure, he was thriving.
But Bash carried a secret that was slowly eating away at him: despite all his accomplishments, he lived in constant fear that someone would discover he wasn't as capable as everyone believed. Each promotion, each successful project, each moment of praise only amplified the voice in his head whispering, "When will they figure out you don't belong here?"
He had perfected the art of confident presentation while battling relentless self-doubt. Every meeting, every presentation, every interaction became a performance where he feared the curtain would fall and reveal the "truth" about his inadequacy.
At that point, during a momentary conversation, a mentor who had walked similar paths and whom he'd opened up to said to him, "You know, for years, I also thought I was just good at faking it. But I learnt something important: the people you admire most? They often doubt themselves too. The difference is they don't let that doubt make the decisions."
This resonates because imposter syndrome doesn't care about your resume, your achievements, or your reputation. It can strike anyone, anywhere, at any level of success. But this experience revealed some profound truths:
Your inner dialogue isn't always accurate. The voice that questions your worth often drowns out the evidence of your competence. Learning to distinguish between productive self-reflection and destructive self-criticism becomes essential for authentic growth.
Growth feels uncomfortable, and that's normal. The discomfort Bash felt wasn't a sign he was in the wrong place—it was a sign he was expanding beyond his comfort zone. Embracing that discomfort as part of the journey can transform how we experience challenges.
Success isn't built on coincidence. When we consistently dismiss our achievements as luck or timing, we deny ourselves the confidence that comes from recognising our own contribution and effort. Your wins aren't accidents—they're the result of your preparation meeting opportunity.
Community and mentorship are game-changers. That single conversation didn't eliminate his self-doubt overnight, but it provided a crucial reframe. Sometimes we need people who have walked our path to help us see our situation more clearly.
If Bash's story feels familiar, you're in good company. That persistent voice suggesting you don't deserve your place often gets loudest right before your most significant breakthroughs. Trust God in your journey, acknowledge your growth, and remember that the most successful people aren't those who never doubt themselves—they're the ones who don't let the doubt make their decisions. So... #Keepitmoving.
Josh 🙏🏼
