It all started 26 days ago on a flight from Orange County to Omaha. Waiting in the terminal, reading “Soundtracks” by Jon Acuff and deciding to do a 30 day blogging journal of the Affirmations Anthem as described in the book and to pretty much do stuff on purpose for 30 days.
I didn’t do the math or think of the calendar at all when I started, but now I know I need to bring my laptop on my way out of town this Saturday just to finish the project.
So how about just deciding who you are and what your life is and then walk toward it instead of waiting for evidence and outside proof that you are what you say you are.
Imposter syndrome is strong, my friends. You can be a writer for years and never use the word to describe what it is you do. You can be a songwriter, painter, manager, CEO, expert in your field and never think those labels apply to you.
Instead, why not decide you’re an expert in your field now, ask yourself what the qualities are in being an expert, and live into that from now until forever? Why not skip the doubting and waiting for the world to see you the way you want to be seen, and just decide now? You’re a Grammy winner, a marathoner, a yoga queen, a fashionista, a great parent, a peaceful person, whatever.
Then, ask yourself how someone like that manages their days, activities and thoughts. I’m guessing they start with just the assumption that they are what they say they are. Why not just assume you are what you say you are?
Then, why not walk yourself inevitably home?
But what if I never win a Grammy, you ask? Well, is it so bad to work and take your music so seriously in the same manner as an artist who has won a Grammy? I don’t think so. Is it a waste of time to train like a marathoner trains or dress like a fashionista dresses? No. It’s the road to deeper, clearer living. That, my friends, is never a foolish notion or a waste time. It’s the best use of time there is.
I’m walking myself home. I’ve decided I’m a woman who loves her work as a coach, podcaster and songwriter. I’ve decided I have three jobs that co-exist really well together and have my heart and mind interested in growing in those areas. I’ve decided I’m really successful, I’m always collaborating, connecting and learning. I’ve asked myself how many hours I work, how much I earn, where I go on vacation, what my office looks like, what I do for fun, how I use my free time all that stuff. And now I’m walking myself into that reality.
Do I get hung up on bullshit? Yes, I do. Do I get foggy and forget? Also yes. Do I doubt my worth and ability to make the life I want become the life I live? Of course. I’m an imperfect, kinda broken person. Does all the imperfection change my decision? No. No it doesn’t. My imperfection and brokenness kinda just put me squarely in the category of “human.” And that’s it. So here we go. We start with a thought. A soundtrack we play in our minds over and over again that lines up with what’s important to us, where we want to place or energy and resources, how we want to serve this world and then we roll up our sleeves, open our eyes, and live into the future. It’s that easy, it’s that hard, it’s that fun, it’s that terrifying and that’s the point. All of it. Have a great day.