From Me to You (and to Me, too): You Own Your Origin Story

It’s easy to give advice. I think I find it easy to take advice too.

But for me to heed the words that I say to others? Not so easy.

So this one is for both of us.

This week I want to share a familiar story about a friend and former student dealing with imposter syndrome. Watch this space over the next couple of days.

Tie this in with conversations that I’ve been having lately with current and past students and some of my friends and here’s what I’m seeing:

Imposter syndrome is all over the place, maybe more than ever.

Dr. Amy Cuddy, who has taught at Harvard, Northwestern, and a couple of other places you might have heard of, defines imposter syndrome as“a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success.” 

Cuddy says that up to 80% of people feel like they’re frauds at one point in their life.

That number might be even higher, based on some recent conversations I’ve had.

Including the ones in my own head.

So here’s how I deal with it: I remember how I got here.

I own my origin story.

There might have been a lucky break here or there, and I’ve received tremendous help from some tremendous mentors and friends.

You own your origin story.

And how about that acronym: YOYOS! Quite memorable if maybe a bit off topic.

Anyway, if you are experiencing self-doubt, just remember this: you own your origin story. You are for real. You belong.

You can do it. You’ll be glad you did.

(And so will I!)

See you tomorrow!

(ALSO! My friend Rob and I just published the latest issue of our podcast for you to enjoy. Find “Marketing vs Sales” on your favorite podcast platform. Pull up a seat and join us, and let us know what you think!)