Normalize This Feeling

We’ve all experienced the moment when a child asks us to play. We get the board set up and the pieces arranged, the net constructed and the ball inflated. Time passes and they struggle or lose and suggest you play a different game, one that is more familiar and guarantees them success. I remember this feeling from childhood, the shame and discomfort of taking on something new only to find it harder than I expected. That feeling never really goes away... I’ve been talking to a lot of leaders about this lately, those in new roles, new organizations, new situations. They’ve known great success in their past and have recently taken on new challenges only to find themselves crippled with imposter syndrome, uncomfortable and ashamed to be struggling. The desire to quit, to make up excuses, is strong and alluring. They think they’re weak for feeling this way, but it’s to be expected, required even, if we are going to keep learning and growing. Talk about this feeling. Normalize it. We’re all operating from our 8 year old selves. We want to be smart and liked and good at things we try. So keep trying. Role model resiliency for those around you. Take a long weekend, a deep breath, a chance to ask for help. But never, ever, take your ball and go home. We can do hard things.

#growthmindset