Imposter Syndrome, a Trial by Fire and Why Maybe None of It Really Even Matters

It figures that the trial by fire is the one that end up banishing the imposter syndrome.

After 5 months of “fake it ‘til you make it”, it felt like today was graduation day.

Let me set up the scenario. My team is doing great now that I’m spending more time coaching, strategizing and removing obstacles; but my own quota number is lagging. The great thing about sales however is when you’re behind, you can always pound the drum harder; you can make more calls, send more emails, write more copy, etc.

With 12 days left in the sales month, it was time to turn up the volume.

The morning was spent in heavy grind-mode. I had my final account review call as well; and this takes a fair bit of prep time. This call gets a lot of eyeballs and attention, so being prepared is of paramount importance.

I was determined to leave a good example to follow.

Just as I was about to finish my prepared notes for the meeting, I got a frantic call from a colleague. There had just been a tragic accident involving their family and they needed to go.

And just like that, work no longer mattered.

Being behind in quota no longer mattered so much. Not having all the answers for the meeting no longer mattered so much.

I had no idea what to say, and so I just said I’m sorry and do whatever you need. We got you here.

Within minutes, we got the team rallied and appropriate backup plans had been made for however long they needed to be in place for.

There are times when we get wrapped up in the results of our day jobs, and understandably so.

And there are times when the short and fleeting nature of it all slaps you squarely across the face.

Take a step back.

Breathe.

And remember to live.