Read this if you're struggling with impostor syndrome

Let's nip it in the bud today

I’ve struggled a lot with impostor syndrome. I bounce between being grateful for opportunities I’ve been given and chopping them up to pure luck. I’ve beaten myself up for being unable to command a room or speak to people in corporate settings. I’ve doubted my own skills, and I’ve had other people around me doubt them too. And while luck does play a factor in many successes, it’s still a skill to position yourself to receive the luck. And even if I did nothing at all, I still deserve whatever good comes to me. Why is suffering the default? And goodness the reward? I deserve to take up whatever space I find myself in. No matter what anyone says—even if that person is me.

Anyway, here’s today’s message:

You, yes, you, belong in every room you find yourself in.

As long as you haven’t hurt or deceived anyone, it doesn’t matter how you got there. You’re there.

It doesn’t matter who says you don’t belong there. You’re there.

It doesn’t matter what that tiny voice in your ear tells you. You know the one. The voice that whispers that you should give up. That you should make room for more “deserving” people. But no one deserves anything more, or less, than the next person. Stay put.

You can always improve your skills. We all can. There’s no shame in having room to grow. Being a master at your craft doesn’t mean you’re an all-knowing, omnipotent shining star of excellency. It means you know what your strengths are and also your weaknesses. That’s a skill in itself, as hubris is a shortcut to destruction. Stay open-minded.

If your impostor syndrome has robbed you of an opportunity…it hasn’t. Whatever’s for you will be yours. Experiences in the past were lessons, not declarations of who you are. Keep going.

Time continues to move forward, and so should you. Learn from the people around you. Learn more about yourself in the process. And never, ever, think you don’t deserve to take up space.

Things you should know!

• The final hardcover shipment is arriving early! By end of next week, every single preorder should be signed, packed, and out the door.

• I made a Pinterest board for pretty things. Check it out!

• An audiobook of How to Be a Better Adult is coming! And the narrator is an incredible Black woman 🥰 so excited to add this new format in the next two months.

• Pre-Orders for signed hardcovers of How to Escape Death will be opening very, very soon! This time around…I have a system!

• The upgraded subscriber giveaway starts July 1st! Can’t waiiiiit! 🥰

• Follow me on Goodreads to see what weird books I’ve been reading haha

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Listen to my girly podcast!: The Magical Girl’s Guide to Life

Read my nerdy self-help book!: The Magical Girl’s Guide to Life

Follow me on Instagram!: @Jacqueaye