I heard this from motivational speaker and author Mel Robbins while I was finishing my degree and starting to work on my resume. And it changed my perception.
I remember the first time I heard the phrase “imposter syndrome”. It was long after I had suffered through my bout of the affliction, but it still gave me that A-ha! moment. “So that’s what that was!” All that time, I thought someone else deserved it more than me. That I had made a mistake. That I would never be taken seriously. Because I’m a woman. Because I started late. Because I’m pushing 40? I was unsure of myself, my choice, and my capabilities.
Then I heard those words. “You can be unsure and still be ready” and it hit me. There is no better time than now. The worst thing they can say is “no”.
Prior to hearing those words, I had been reluctant to submit my resume to companies. Fearing the thought of rejection or not hearing anything at all. I had been self-employed for over a decade – going on a job interview was going to be new for me and I had made a total career change when I enrolled in Penn State’s School of Information and Technology to pursue a degree in IT. I was fearful of not having the right answer or sounding stupid. I was afraid they would laugh at me for even trying.
Being unsure doesn’t mean we’re unprepared. In fact, it’s often during these times of uncertainty that we find ourselves most ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead. It’s a mindset shift, a recognition that uncertainty is not a barrier but rather a catalyst for growth and innovation.
So, how can we embrace uncertainty and harness its power to propel us forward? It starts with reframing our perspective, seeing uncertainty not as a threat but as an opportunity. Instead of allowing fear to hold us back, we can choose to embrace the unknown with open arms, trusting in our abilities and believing in our potential.
It’s about taking that first step, even when the path ahead is unclear. It’s about embracing the journey, embracing the process, and embracing the endless possibilities that lie on the horizon. Because ultimately, it’s in our moments of uncertainty that we discover who we truly are and what we’re truly capable of achieving.