I’m about to publish my second book, It’s Your Time to Shine Girl, and it’s exciting but also nerve-rackingly scary. I must keep reminding myself that this project is part of how I showcase MY brilliance.

But of course, my pesky imposter comes into my head every now and then whispering (because she doesn’t yell as much anymore) why I’m unqualified to do this.

Thank God I’m better at shutting her down, but boy is she getting antsy lately. This is the conundrum about imposter syndrome though: it’s when we are about to step out and do the bold thing, take the more visible role, speak truth to power, that our imposter gets her fuel to talk us out of our greatest aspirations.

Along with the anticipation of my book being published, is the asks I’ve made along the way, the biggest one being asking friends, colleagues, and fellow authors to read and endorse my book. This was a HUGE deal for me as I’m uncomfortable asking for help, especially help that requires so much work on the other person’s part.

But the beauty and grace in putting myself “out there” is the acknowledgment and affirmation I receive from those I ask—something I’d not know if I didn’t reach out. Pretty much everyone I asked said yes! The big stretch came by asking a few people I don't know at all—other authors whose books I reference in my book.

One of the authors of one of my favorite leadership books for women, Jo Miller, responded almost immediately with a “yes.” Even though I asked, I was still so shocked and pleasantly surprised to receive her yes. She even gave me a strategy for how to make it easier for all the endorsers. 

The deeper level of understanding here is that if I was still as uncomfortable with RECEIVING (support, acknowledgment, help, affirmation, etc.) as I was a few years ago, I would not have reached out at all. I would have told myself folks were too busy, not interested, or whatever, and snuffed the idea right out.

Because I was WILLING to receive, even though it meant an uncomfortable request from me, I opened the doorway to the possibility of getting positive responses. And I did! I would never have known the number of folks who were out there with a "yes" just waiting for my ask!

It’s the same with you, sister.

As much as you aspire to greater professional heights, you may not consider how much courage is required to increase your visibility by “putting yourself out there,” whatever that looks like for you.

We cannot let the insecurities, fears, and self-doubt our imposter drags in get us off track. Doing anything bold and new takes courage. Courage doesn’t mean we’re not afraid—it just means we are doing what we need to do, fear or no fear.

What are you afraid of, where your fear is holding you back that you need to acknowledge?

As the Brilliance Unveiler, I am really good at helping my clients see where fear is derailing their confidence, success, or impact. Let’s talk if you’d like to explore how you can have greater accountability and partnership in your greatest professional aspirations!