As many of you know I’m in the UK at the moment visiting family. It’s been a long time between visits this time and whilst this particular trip has been made more complicated thanks to covid I’m also aware I’m privileged to be here and grateful for the opportunity to do it and the spot in MIQ on my return.
Being away is always a great time for reflection, I don’t know if it’s the long haul flight time, the return to my childhood home or just the change of scenery but something about my overseas trips always gives me perspective and cause for reflection.
Back at my parents house I sorted through some old boxes and came across my school report and other paperwork which have left me reflecting on the journey to date.
This found on a school report form; “Jess works hard and to a high standard, she ought to have a little more confidence in her own abilities”. I wonder if my English teacher realises I went on to write 5 books and become an expert in self-doubt teaching others how to back themselves. Incidentally I’m still not great at checking my work or punctuation and that’s why I have editing staff!
This next find was slightly later but equally significant – my Jobcentre notebook, when I signed on for benefits after being out of work. I’d left the corporate world a year prior to pursue my dreams. I’d written a book which I assumed would be an instant best seller – it wasn’t. I couldn’t afford rent so I pet sat and as a newly qualified yoga teacher I struggled to get work so for the first time in my life was on benefits.
I assumed once I’d written a book I’d be a best selling author with sold out retreats in no time at all and of course the reality was much different, a much harder slog with much more to learn and no such thing as overnight success.
It’s great practice for us to reflect on how far we’ve come. To appreciate the success, take the learnings and celebrate our achievements.
The day I was sorting through these boxes at the same time my work was shared by Celebrity Speakers how now list me on their books and I was called to comment on a piece Radio New Zealand were doing on Imposter Syndrome. And here’s the reality of where it all started as a young woman who lacked confidence in her abilities and after writing one book went on the dole to make ends meet.
I share this because it’s easy to think people who are successful have always been this way. We don’t always see the journey to that point and these reflections normalise the struggle I think. If you’re on this path and not making money yet or feeling like a failure know that it’s part of the journey and you’re no different to those who have made it, they’re just further along the same path!