you are not

you are not

ssssss

Every now and then, I talk to someone unsure of themselves. They might have achieved great things but still doubt their abilities. Some call it impostor syndrome. Others don’t even know what to call it. They think their success is due to luck or excessive effort rather than their own talents. They fear speaking up to avoid being wrong. To avoid revealing that they might not know as much as everyone thinks they do. This self-doubt can be paralysing, holding them back from reaching their true potential.

At work, we often encounter problems that look familiar on the surface but are one of a kind underneath. Sometimes, documentation is scarce, contradictory, or non-existent. Things that always worked now don’t, and no one knows why. We use new tools that are so fresh, even the creators aren’t sure if they’ll work in our specific context.

Dealing with these issues requires constant learning. Learning is the most important part of the job. Solving never-before-seen problems through experimentation and intuition. These are my strengths. I rely on my ability to explore, test, and iterate. It’s my duty to use these skills to help others. This defines me, but I am always evolving. I am becoming who I will be tomorrow and in the future. My identity is a work in progress, shaped by my experiences and the challenges I overcome.

As I grow, I focus more on helping others reach their full potential. It’s not about solving technical problems anymore. It’s about fostering an environment where others can thrive. Helping them grow. Encouraging them to find more joy in their work. Supporting them as they contribute to the greater good. I’ve found that by helping others, I also grow. Their successes become my successes, and their growth reflects back on me.

This shift in focus has made me reflect on what matters. It reminds me of what I am not. I am not my salary or weight. I am not defined by my car or the clothes I wear. I am not my past, my childhood, or my age. I am not my job or my achievements. I am not my marathon time, my position on the organisational chart, or my relationship status. I am not my failures. These things don’t define my worth.

Instead, I realise I have inherent value. This value is not conditional on what I do or have done. It’s not based on how good I’ve been or how many mistakes I’ve made. My value comes from my existence, from being human, not from my actions. This realisation has been freeing. It allows me to see myself and others with compassion and understanding.

You are the same. Your worth is inherent. It’s not determined by your accomplishments or failures. It’s not tied to your job, your status, or your past. Your journey, like mine, is a continuous process of becoming. Together, we can navigate the uncertainties and find meaning in our shared experiences. We can grow and help others. Thank you for being yourself.