I’m going to get really real with you all here.
Have you ever had that feeling where you have a great idea and then within the millisecond you tell yourself that it isn’t good enough?
It isn’t worth it, no one would like it, no one is listening, no one cares and the list just keeps continuing for hours until you just give up and continue back doing what ever you where doing before the grand idea?
Well, you are not alone.
In the making of teagslee.com I have had the worst case of imposter syndrome.
If you’re wondering what the heck is this ‘imposter syndrome’ is and you’re about to do a quick google? Don’t stress, I’ll explain it here.
Basically it’s where you just don’t think that you are good enough, you don’t think anyone will listen to you and you think that there is probably other people out there doing it better than you. You have the constant fear of failing, so you don’t take the leap your body and soul truly desire.
Why? Well I am not entirely sure.
I think it is the programming we go through during school. We are taught that we go to school, to then go onto University and then become a doctor, dentist, accountant, lawyer, teacher or a builder and so on.
We aren’t taught about entrepreneurial thoughts and work, we aren’t taught how to be our own boss, we aren’t taught how to listen to our intuition, we aren’t taught self love and self worth, we aren’t taught that we can do anything that we want to do. Or at least that is how I felt.
It was only until recently (the last few years) where I discovered that we all have a purpose, a dharma, our souls purpose for being on this planet we call earth. We each individually have something different we can offer to make earth a better place. Whether it’s being a school teacher, a nurse, a website builder, a photographer, a professional surfer, a yoga teacher, a designer, a Bunnings assistant, a mother, a father, a what ever you want to be. It is your souls purpose. It’s what brings you extreme joy and happiness when you are doing it.
I know my purpose, my dharma and the reason why my soul was born in to this current life. But for some reason, I struggle to step into it. It’s the most bizarre thing ever.
My souls dharma is to be a wellness coach, to empower people to make change in their lives through educating and inspiring them to live a healthier and happier lifestyle. I know I’m meant to travel the world doing this, helping millions of people be happier and healthier. When a truck driver, a 55 year old man completes my challenge and lost 18cm, I could cry of happiness (but I’m not much of a crier) because of the changes he has made for a better life. When one of your bosses messages you while he is on r&r and I am at home on r&r, letting me know he touched his toes for the first time in his entire 50 years of living – my heart aches of happiness. This stuff gives me tingles and makes me so excited to help as many people as I can. I know I am meant to have this platform to be able to share world wide to help as many people that are wanting the guidance to a healthier and happier lifestyle.
I first bought my domain something like 3.5 years ago. I paid for it for that long, basically just sitting there waiting for my self doubt to move out of the way and let me share everything with the world.
I listened to a podcast and they where talking about this ‘imposter syndrome’ and how we just shouldn’t have to experience it, because we have our purpose and if we don’t live in according then we are basically being a disservice to the population. So there shouldn’t be this crazy fear and second guessing in the way of us living our purpose. We shouldn’t be chasing our dream, we should be living our dream.
But we become accustom to life. We tell ourselves a story. We have blockages that we have held onto since we were children and silly enough to still believe them (usually subconsciously). For years we are taught that we have to finish school, go to university, get a degree and work doing the same job for 50 years, have some children in between, retire and then cross over.
It just isn’t the case. Which I have known since about grade 12 where I just packed up everything and moved across the country. I knew there was more to life than the above scenario.
It has been a crazy few years. I have learnt A LOT. I have experienced my fair shares of ups and downs. I have explored the spiritual world which has lead me to really finding my purpose. Leading me to now – where I feel I am capable to be the person that is able to share everything that I have learnt in the last 10 years.
So finally, I was able to get through the fear and launch the website. I just know that it will open the door to more and more experiences and allow me to step inside of who I am and to help more people on their wellness journey.
I still struggle with this. I’m still moving through the ‘story’ that I’ve told myself since I was a child (subconsciously) and am finding ways to build a new story.
Here are some things I have learnt along the way –
to help move through imposter syndrome.
Recognise. Your thoughts. What are you telling yourself. And then ask yourself why are you telling yourself these things? Where has this come from? Think back to when you first felt this way. It’s usually as a child. Dig Deep.
Re-write your thoughts. In a positive way. Say things as though you already have it. If you feel unworthy (how I can tend to feel), tell yourself you are worthy.
Check in. This could be hourly, weekly or daily. Habits take consistent practice to form so keep checking in that you haven’t reverted back to your old thoughts. I do this as often as I can. Sometimes I can’t move through it – but every day I get closer and closer to moving through it.
Seek help. I don’t mean to reach for your doctor or a phycologist. (unless you feel you need to). But seek out someone that will support you. Sometimes family and friends don’t have the right advice/experience for you or they don’t have your best interest or they just don’t have the same frame of mind. Personally I seek help through podcasts, books and until recently my kinesiologist (holy moly she holds a special place in my soul). You may have to read a lot, or listen to loads of podcasts, but just do what it takes until you feel a little bit of support. There is nothing nicer than when someone recognises the light inside of you that needs to be shared.
Small steps. Really small steps. Make a small step for the day to achieve. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be something. Mine was writing blog post. I have quiet a few in the waiting list to post. Break down the big goals and make them into smaller ones. It makes it so so much more achievable and less scary. This is what I have learnt and am still learning.
Practice telling your self you are worthy. Whether it’s during meditation, during your morning script or just throughout the day. Remind yourself you are worthy, you can have and do everything you want.
I hope this can help just one person feel like their emotions and thoughts don’t have to control them this way. We are in charge of everything in our lives – so live it how your soul desires.
Love & Peace
Teags Lee xx
You are a boss woman, keep being you <3.
Thank you Clauds xx