A Letter to the Young Professional Struggling with Imposter Syndrome
Written by Spencer Hogan - DEC 30
16-months-ago I became the director of Young Professionals At Work On Purpose. Being that I’m only 24, you could say it’s been “hard.” I’ve been laughed out of sales meetings, criticized by other Christian leaders, and suffered from endless bouts of self-doubt. This job has been TOUGH--but frankly it’s always been.
My first engagement with At Work On Purpose was with an executive roundtable group. I had no business experience, no business being at that group, nor did anyone have business with me. So, that Monday morning, I tried to make a statement. I wore my Sunday best: plaid pants, a white button-up, black necktie, and a grey suit jacket, then I hit the road.
I was feeling good, confident even, until my arrival—when I realized I was WAY over dressed.
Most of the people there were wearing JEANS and T-SHIRTS! No joke, the first guy I saw had basketball shorts on and a *very* revealing V-neck(!!!). Sensing my humiliation, my mentor John McCarthy offered me some career-changing advice: “Business is just relationship building. You’re probably a lot better than you’re giving yourself credit for!”
His words shook me. Still do, honestly, because imposter syndrome is real. I still doubt myself everyday. But on my hardest days, I try to find solace in Timothy’s story: a 16-year-old boy that led the church during its hardest days. Imagine the fear he had, the criticism -- the pressure -- he was under. And yet Paul had the utmost confidence in him:
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon... I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests... But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. (Philippians 2:19-22)
That same confidence is in you. If you’re a child of the Father, you’re able. If you have submitted to the gospel, you’ll make it. And if you feel unqualified, know that God has qualified you.
Believe in yourself, have the courage to make mistakes, the strength to learn from them, the stomach to laugh them off, and the resolve to keep moving forward. Perhaps we all ought to take John’s advice -- we might just be a little better than we think.
Blessings!
