Chapter 1: The Struggle Within

What if the only thing we need to succeed is to truly be ourselves? This is a question worth pondering.

Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash

Ernest Hemingway once said, “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” This quote resonates deeply with me. For many years, I battled feelings of inadequacy, convinced I didn’t belong among the experts in my fields of interest.

These feelings shadowed every aspect of my life—both personal and professional. Self-doubt would sneak in, leading me to dismiss any achievements as mere luck or coincidence. I felt unworthy of recognition, struggling with the weight of impostor syndrome. This self-doubt arose from a place of perceived inadequacy. Rather than affirming my worth, it trapped me beneath layers of fear and insecurity.

Questions like “Am I good enough?” and “Should I even be doing this?” plagued my mind. The deeper I sank into this mindset, the more I felt compelled to maintain a false image, creating expectations that were impossible to fulfill. My pursuit of perfection led to overthinking, which was both unhealthy and counterproductive.

Chapter 2: The Reality of Growth

Photo by Nastuh Abootalebi on Unsplash

These challenges were particularly evident during my ascent up the corporate ladder. I often idolized those in higher positions, overlooking their imperfections and the fact that they, too, were learning and adapting. Upon reaching senior management, it became clear that even those at the top were navigating their own uncertainties.

I realized I had been placing too much importance on titles and hierarchical progression. I had my own unique contributions, proving that I was indeed enough. This shift in perspective was transformative. When starting new ventures, we often underestimate our own progress by comparing ourselves to others who seem to have “arrived.”

It's akin to gazing at a mountain peak from the base camp, forgetting that we’ve already climbed halfway with all the resources we need. We tend to inflate others' accomplishments while undervaluing our own, creating an unrealistic benchmark for ourselves.

Chapter 3: The Myth of Mastery

Photo by Mike Hindle on Unsplash

Maya Angelou once expressed, “I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘Uh-oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’” Like many aspiring writers, I dream of penning my own novel. Yet, the nagging thought persists: how can I call myself a novelist if I’ve not yet published a book?

What does it mean to be recognized as a novelist? Is it about having a best-seller, self-publishing multiple times, or achieving financial success? We often overlook the fact that everyone who has succeeded was once in our shoes. The concept of mastery is nebulous. What defines accomplishment? Is it a set number of hours spent practicing? Who decides these metrics?

When I first attempted to publish my article on Medium, I hesitated, believing it wasn’t worthy of an audience. “I’m not a writer,” I told myself. Fast forward to now, and I’ve written 20 articles. Do I consider myself a writer? Perhaps, but what’s more important is that I recognize my growth.

There’s no final destination in our journey; mastery is an ongoing process.

Chapter 4: Trusting Your Journey

Photo by Fares Hamouche on Unsplash

So, when does the feeling of being an impostor dissipate? Does it ever truly vanish? Perhaps it lessens when we find our community—those who appreciate and recognize our efforts. Can I call myself a writer after publishing only a few articles? Yes, I can, and I take pride in that.

I write to inspire at least one person. I create music to bring joy. I engage as a friend to make a positive difference. However, I don’t burden myself with unrealistic expectations and don’t tightly link my identity to these roles.

Ultimately, overcoming impostor syndrome is a personal journey. As Hemingway suggested, we are all apprentices, continuously learning and growing. We might be closer to our personal definitions of mastery than we realize, or perhaps we’re breaking through a plateau. What matters most is that we are evolving.

There’s beauty in recognizing that we’re all on a learning journey. After all, what’s the joy in claiming to know everything? As we develop, it’s crucial to acknowledge our progress.

So, remind yourself today: you are enough. Now, go out and create something extraordinary.

Hi, I’m Lionel! Thank you for taking the time to read. To learn more about my work, feel free to visit my profile and follow me. If you enjoyed my writing, consider subscribing to The Pivoted Pen for bi-weekly reflections, short stories, and insights from my writing journey.