I’ve shared before that having a bit of imposter syndrome can be a good thing. If you fear that you’re not smart enough or good enough, you’ll often work that much harder than those that try to coast through things (like my friend Tim from little league baseball).
In Amanda Palmer’s book “The Art of Asking“, she shares her take on this:
“In both the art and the business worlds, the difference between the amateurs and the professionals is simple: The professionals know they’re winging it. The amateurs pretend they’re not.”
If you know you’re winging it, you’re going to work harder to prepare. The fact that you acknowledge that you’re winging it is key; simply by asking the question, you’re better for it. It’s like the idea I shared a few months ago:
I’ve heard it said about those that ask questions such as “am I a good mother?” — if you care enough to ask, you almost certainly are.
Work hard and be professional, but if you are worried because you feel like you’re winging it I have good news — we all are!
