To infinity and beyond

 

Change is good, change is fun, change makes our blood boil. It turns everyday chores bearable and life worthwhile. Unless that change means entering a new realm of knowledge and skills, then its turns from excitement into unease and constant self doubt. Welcome imposter syndrome.

Whenever we join a new company, a hockey club, subculture or even start listening different music, at the beginning we feel like imposters. The poor feeling of not knowing everything or being pushed over is sometimes sufficient to give up and default to our comfort zone. 

As everybody else, I am no immune to this behavior either. What I have learned over the years however, is how to tame this beast. There is no silver bullet though, one has to find its own way. In order to have enough versatility in life (and avoid boredom), one has to be able to redirect the imposter feelings into motion that will push you to get better. 

Jack of all trades

Many people know the proverb: Jack of all trades, master of none. What most people don't know is that this proverb is often misused, reason being, that only the first part is quoted. In all instances being in negative context, referring that one should perfect a single skill and not dilute ones attention, effort and energy. 

I disagree. 

The complete saying was originally: "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." Formerly intended as a compliment, the phrase means that a person is a generalist rather than a specialist, versatile and adept at many things. 

Nonetheless the road to this state is always paved with imposter syndrome pains. 

Thou shalt not bitch

Being able to tolerate these imposter feelings will produce a great overall character and a great human being. My way of handling these feelings is to fixate on learning the basics, followed by immersing myself in detailed examination of examples, subsequently doing the actual thing, making mistakes along the way. In terms I use the imposter syndrome to forgive myself for making mistakes. Having said that, the most important part: I learn from those same mistakes. And over time, as I get better, the syndrome slowly goes away. 

But that's just me, one has to find its own way, the imposter feelings will always be present, how we redirect them makes all the difference.

Be the Jack of all trades