Thoughts on Imposter Syndrome

Feb 14

This year I’ve mentioned a few times my word of the year is Simplify. Not only am I simplifying the usual – stuff, schedules, systems, health and fitness, etc. I’m also taking a hard look at my long ever-growing list of goals.

You should know by now I’m a freaking go-getter. When I set my mind to something, I’m dead locked and don’t quit until it’s accomplished. But I notice I also fall prey to having TOO MANY goals on my list. A list that is added to weekly. I’m inspired and excited and have too much energy / plans / dreams. But I’m looking at all of them on my long list ALL the time…chipping away at one here and one there. … When really I should be focused on ONE key goal at a time and sprinting to the finish.

Part of accomplishing goals is staying in your own lane and I’m great at that. Have written about it before (here). But last year I recognized that drained and tired feeling that comes from doing too many things at the same time. Being pulled in too many directions. Doing a little bit of work here and a little bit there. So this year I’m changing that habit and my approach to goal work.

Really – my approach to ALL things. Will be sharing more about this process soon.

Anyway, I have something big planned and SOOOOO excited to eventually share it with you. It’s going to take time and a lot of development / help. But if I’m ever going to accomplish the bigger dreams in this business, focusing on one goal at a time is critical.

All that said, the reason for sharing the above is that as I work through the beginning process of brainstorming and putting structure around this huge idea / product, I find myself feeling like no one is going to love it as much as I will. Feeling as if it’s been done before…I’m sure it has. I mean, I haven’t found it anywhere but maybe it’s out there.

I also wonder if people will want to learn about it from me. Am I really in a place in my career to attempt this? Do I have enough credibility? Enough experience? Why would anyone want to learn from me? Will people love it? Will they buy it? Will all of my efforts be wasted?

I’ve been flooded with self-doubt and questioning actually moving ahead…it’s going to take everything I have on top of everything I already have going on in the business and my personal life.

BUT I’m reeeeeallly excited about it and it’s been the silent tap on my shoulder for a VERY long time. I’ve tried ignoring it and focused on the client work instead. But it hasn’t gone away…it keeps showing up every week as a little whisper to finally get it started.

Last week I heard a quote that hit me. The quote surfaced at a time I decided I was in fact going after this dream.

“There is no such thing as a new idea. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new combinations indefinitely…..”

This is a Mark Twain quote…he’s one of my favorites. But it hit me because while there is truth in the fact there is no such thing as a new idea….there IS in fact an original voice.

And I have that. You do too!

We should let people hear our ideas in our voice.

It will always be original content when coming from you. In a genuine way.

When I gave the keynote at the Professional Organizer’s in Canada conference back in November 2017 (still need to share that recap with you guys!!) this in fact was the foundation of my speech. Being YOU and finding yourself and your place in this big organization world.

Has organizing a kitchen or pantry or garage been done before? Yes. Thousands upon thousands of times. But Sam has a unique way of approaching organization. A unique eye, style, feel and even the way I prefer to engage with clients. (I’m the ASMR of organizing – super silent. haha!).

It’s all original. And it’s me. At the most genuine core.

Mindset is everything in goal work. If you think you can’t do it – you won’t. Here’s another quote I heard this week that struck a nerve…

“Whether you believe you can…or think you can’t = you’re right.”

Whoa! Thank you, Henry Ford, for that mic drop.

Our thoughts elicit a feeling…and we take action based upon that feeling. If you don’t think you can hit that goal, you won’t. So on top of everything else I’m also working on that self-confidence. 

I can do this. And people will in fact love it.

I’d love to hear how you feel and if you’ve struggled with this as well, so shout out to me in the comments.

Back soon with a great client space – this home office is gorgeous!

xx,

Sam

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  1. Kelsey Townsend says:

    Hey Sam!

    I undoubtedly struggle with a goal I have had for years. I keep telling myself to hold back and ‘wait for the right time’. It is uncontrollably difficult to want something so badly but deny yourself the courage to move forward!

    I understand where you are coming from, but I am so excited to hear about your next move! Big or small, I believe in you. You have some serious talent girl!

    Hope you are well and can’t wait to read more!

    Hugs,
    Kels

    • Samantha says:

      Awe, thank you! Am excited to get going on this dream. Thank you!

      I’m sure you’ve heard this before but there is never a “right time”. The only right time is “right now”.

      xx,
      Sam

  2. Monica says:

    Thank you so much for this post. I really needed to hear this message. I am trying to get my blog back up and running with a new focus but I find myself paralyzed by uncertainty and worry that I have nothing to say that hasn’t already been said by other bloggers. Your post was very encouraging, motivating and, in fact, calming. Thanks again!

    • Samantha says:

      Awe – I LOVE hearing this!!! You should absolutely get your blog back up and running – don’t hold back!! What is the blog topic?

      SO glad to hear this post was helpful in encouraging you to get started again…hope you do!

      xx,
      Sam

  3. Jennibell says:

    So, as I sit here catching upon posts this Sunday morning, I think I have something to share with you! The post I read before these last two of yours is this one:https://www.lifeingraceblog.com/2020/02/2-secrets-to-a-purposeful-productive-in-2020/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lifeingrace+%28lifeingrace%29
    I think you’ve probably got the first part down but I think you will find inspiration and encouragement in the second part! I realized that I haven’t really set any goals – just a big long to-do list that, like yours, just grows…I need some specific goals that I write down, say out loud, and go after without fear. I hope you find some grace for yourself in Edie’s words too.
    How fun to get away with your kiddos – hope it was just what you all needed!

    • Samantha says:

      Hi!!

      Thank you so much for sharing your struggles as well as this blog post to read. I appreciate it very much and will definitely take a look!

      We had a great time in Maui – will share more on the blog soon. Such a nice relaxing getaway. Came back ready for work and work on the business too….excited!!!

      xx,
      Sam

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