Some Scroll… I Investigate

I read various job applications every day. Not that I’m looking for a J-O-B, but I like to know what I’m qualified for.

Turns out I’m not qualified for much.

No one is looking for a “MOM” to follow them around, clean up in their wake, boss them around, and pay them $120,000/year—surprise surprise.

I look at the descriptions and think, I can’t do that, or I have no idea what they are even talking about, much less be qualified to do the work.

I end up feeling worthless, valueless, and deflated.

This should teach me to stop reading those descriptions. Yet, I continue.

Attack of the Imposter Syndrome

Then, the real damage starts. That negative voice in my head, the one that has haunted me since I was young, starts on me: “If Gunnar dies, you’re up a creek. No one is going to hire you for anything. You’ll be working in a fast-food restaurant because all you can do is flip a patty. You’re not good for much more than that.”

I have learned how to deal with Imposter Syndrome. I have a three step proces: I think to myself:

• Is this true?
• Is this helpful?
• Would I choose this?”

The answer is always no.

I realize that the negative voice in my head needs some TLC. I’m not talking about traffic, leads, and conversion. I’m talking about tender loving care. Here’s why.

Why That Negative Voice is Bugging You

That negative voice in your head is there to keep you safe. It wants you to stick with what is familiar and comfortable. It doesn’t want you to expand your horizons, step out of your comfort zone, or be all you can be. It thinks it’s protecting you from saber tooth tigers. OK. It’s a bit outdated… but that doesn’t stop it.

And don’t think you are alone, listening that voice. When asked, over 70% of people say they deal with imposter syndrome. Being a mom doesn’t protect us from attack.

Remember, you have agency. You have potential. You are multifaceted. 

Think about your own experiences. Think about what you tell your kids and your friends. Consider different reference points. 

But mostly, consider these questions for reflection:  What do you want? What kind of life do you choose? How will you serve the world? What are your dreams, desires, goals, and visions for the future?

If you suffer from Attack of the Imposter Syndrome, you might consider getting a coach. Coaches are great because they see you from the outside in. You see yourself from the inside out. It’s challenging to see all aspects of you when you are looking from the inside out. Your perspective is limited. 

Going Through a Transition

Reading “want ads” is like living in other people’s dreams. They describe what they want in their ideal world. 

If you are at a transition point in your life and are looking for your next steps, the starting point might be considering what you want. What are your dreams? What does an ideal day look like for you? How do you want to spend your time?

Instead of looking at what other people want, look at what you want to do who you want to do it for, and create your dream job. 

People admire people who have gumption, take risks, stand up to fear, and keep going. You can prove your mettle by doing just that. Create your dream job in your head, and focus your energy on that. Talk to people who can see that vision and make it possible. 

When it comes to finding work you love, start with what you love and what gives you joy. Remember, passion is contagious. 

You might not find it in the first place you look or even the 10th place. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Keep going until you find it. Tap into your energy and draw your desire to you. 

You are made for big things. Keep dreaming and believing. And keep doing the work to bring that dream into reality. 

You can do this. Nothing worthwhile is easy. And you are made of stronger stuff than that! Enjoy the process of the transition. It’s all a part of this one and only precious life we have.