Two weeks ago I shared about a struggle I had with “Imposter Syndrome”. Being in that mental state is a constant battle for me. Those thoughts haven’t gone away, and I don’t know if they ever will. That’s the bad news. The good news is, I found some ways to ignore (or perhaps, disprove) the voice in my head.
The best tools I found were books, and by books I mean audio books. I struggle with focusing on a book (which is ironic that I enjoy writing as much as I do), but I found that when I’m driving between work locations, I have a lot of time to listen. Sometimes I listen to music, sometimes a sports show or nerdy podcast, but when I needed motivation I’d push play on one of the audiobooks listed below (in no particular order).
The Last Arrow: Save Nothing for the Next Life by Erwin McManus
Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling by Paula Faris
Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now by Liz Bohannon
Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk
Tough S***: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good by Kevin Smith
Each book gave me insights from different points of view: preachers, entrepreneurs, storytellers of fiction and/or non-fiction. But they all gave me different tools to get to where I am now. An author, with a “real” website, and my first book coming out in the not-too-distant future. There’s a ton of stories and lessons from all of these writers. Some overlap, some even contradict, but as I listened to their stories, I developed my own core values to deal with my self doubt.
Nobody is Special.
This may seem like a negative statement at first, but let me explain. We are ALL different and unique. We all have different talents and passions that make us unique. Being “Special” won’t get you anywhere. Hard work will. Being at the right place and the right time helps a lot. But nobody got to where they are just by existing.
EVERY Step is Progress
This one is “plucked” right out of Liz Bohannon’s book. We tend to think of backwards steps as bad and forward steps as good. But in reality, ALL the steps are progress. Sometimes backwards steps are just as important and help you take that next step forward.
Failing Isn’t Bad
I get caught up in my failures a lot. If I do 99 things right today, and one thing wrong, the one is what eats at me the rest of the day. If you learn to appreciate the screw ups, and learn from them, they can be gifts that help you get to your goals.
That’s it for now. I’m continuing to read books to help me with this. Here’s my current audiobook queue.
Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel
Hello Fears: Crush Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You’re Meant to Be by Michelle Poler
Hollywood Hulk Hogan by Hulk Hogan
Super Penguin 