Launching Our #SeekTheJoy Guides (They're Live!) and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Happy #SeekTheJoy Tuesday!
Today is a big day - I feel like I need to take a deep breath even as I’m typing this! I’m so excited to introduce you guys to my two new (digital) products that I’ve been working on and dreaming up for the last nine months . . (ah!) . . . .
*drumroll please *
Introducing our Seek The Joy Guides! We’re bringing a little more joy into your life, one e-book at a time!
I am so excited and so proud to finally launch what I’ve been working on - two e-books to help you make your podcasting dreams and joy a reality!
Almost two years ago I had this crazy dream to start a podcast. At the time, the biggest question I had was, “how do I turn this idea in my head into a podcast that people will listen to and love?!”
Through trial and error, I figured it out. I developed my concept, bought my equipment, launched my website, and started recording.
The rest is history - now, it’s your turn!
Your audience is waiting for you, and I want to help you get your message off the ground and into the ears of the people that need to hear it the most.
Since starting Seek The Joy I’ve received so many request and messages from people around the world asking me how I did it, and if I can help them launch a podcast too.
Through these e-books, my goal is to share what I’ve learned and help you streamline your podcast.
Whether you’re in the brainstorming phase or ready to launch, this guide is for you. My goal is to provide you the space and the tools to dream, create, and launch, all while giving you the practical advice and insights you need to make your dream show your reality.
The best part about podcasts is that they come in all shapes and sizes, and truthfully there aren’t any rules. It’s such an amazing and beautiful space to explore your creativity and let it shine. Filled with tips and tricks, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process I used to launch Seek The Joy.
I’m so excited to help you share your magic with the world! Click the link below to check our two new e-books and the knowledge and resources that fill the pages! I can’t wait to help you develop, launch, and grow the podcast of your dreams, and tune in when it’s live!
While I was putting the finishing touches on both e-books this past weekend, I realized I wanted to record an episode and share my experience creating something new and different, and putting my knowledge and passion out into the world.
I’ve been experiencing so much resistance, in fact I originally planned to release these e-books in June! This past weekend I realized why I had so much resistance (and if I’m being totally honest, straight up fear and anxiety) over launching and sharing these books with the world.
Imposter Syndrome.
Sigh. I’m no stranger to imposter syndrome, and I have a feeling you aren’t either.
So what is it anyway? Well, according to Wikipedia (because that’s where we all get our information from anyways) it’s a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud".
Hands up if this is you? I have both hands up right now (well, metaphorically speaking because I’m typing) because this is exactly what I’ve been experiencing. I think we all experience imposter syndrome to some degree. How often have you denied or dismissed your accomplishments? Instead of crediting yourself for what you’ve accomplished, you chalk it up to luck or good timing? How often have you been praised at work, or received a promotion, and that voice in your head is telling you that they must have been short on candidates, they made a mistake, or it was someone else who deserved the praise and recognition?
How do you recognize Imposter Syndrome?
I’ve come to realize that imposter syndrome shows up when we’re stepping outside of our comfort zones, when we’re challenging ourselves to do something new, and share a little more of ourselves with the world (wadded vulnerability!)
We all question if we’re good enough, if we’re doing x, y, or z right, and we all fear (to one degree or another) that someone is going to discover that we’re truly faking it until we make it. These feelings can be paralyzing and debilitating, cause stress and anxiety, low self-confidence, shame and feelings of hopelessness. Basically, imposter syndrome has a way of attacking your confidence and changing your inner dialogue - and these feelings have certainly stopped me more times than I can count. When I set out to write, design, and ultimately publish my e-books, the stress and anxiety I experienced actually kept me from looking at and working on my projects.
I felt like I had no business writing these e-books, that there are people who are more successful in this space who should be sharing this content. “Who am I to do this?” was a thought that came up more times than I can count.
I’ve muscled through feeling “not good enough” for a long time, doubting myself and questioning if I belong (I mean, how many times have you said to yourself “who do I think I am!?”) and it’s a topic we’ve talked about before on the podcast. So, I couldn’t come on here and introduce and share these two e-books that I’m so proud and excited about, without talking about the imposter syndrome, anxiety, and fear that I experienced along the way, and how ultimately - I pushed past it to hit publish.
Sometimes, imposter syndrome stops us before we’ve even started. We let pressure, expectations, and performance anxiety get in our way. As humans we’re achievement driven, we want to do big things and we put more pressure on ourselves than we really need to, we feel pressure (both internal and external), and we often measure our ability to do and achieve big things against the achievements of others.
We have to stop comparing ourselves to others. Who you are is unique, what you have to offer the world is needed, and who cares if someone else is already doing it! They’re not doing it the way you’re doing it, and there’s someone out there that can learn and benefit from what it is that you want to share.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
When I realized I was feeling and experiencing imposter syndrome while working on these e-books, I realized it was time to take back control. To not let my mind spiral out of control, to not let fear and anxiety win, and to truly allow myself to recognize and OWN who I am, what I’ve created, and that I can do what I set out to do. I had to actually OWN the fact that I am a podcaster, that I am a producer and content developer, and that I’ve been doing this for almost two years (holy crap it’s almost been two years!) That I actually do in fact know what I’m talking about - mind. blown.
Claim who you are! Are you an educator, photographer, podcaster, speaker, lawyer, doctor, nurse, accountant, motivational speaker, life coach? Whoever you are, claim it, own it, and above all else - embrace who you are.
When we claim who we are, we allow ourselves to reframe and change our inner dialogue (hello positive self talk where you at!) and our mindset too. When we fully embrace our knowledge, passion, and the fact that we have something important to share - it allows us to change our mindset around success, around what it means to be successful, to be taken seriously, etc.
I’ve had to learn (and truthfully, I’m still learning to do do this) to stop putting conditions on my success and how “legitimate” I am. Does that make sense? I’m learning to stop creating artificial benchmarks and to stop saying “When the podcast reaches x downloads then I can be taken seriously in this space” etc. Creating rules, benchmarks, and markers of our success isn’t going to help us move forward in the life, career, and impact that we want to have. We have to stop downplaying our success, who we are, and what we’re setting out to do. When we’re chasing the next marker of success, we don’t allow ourselves to revel, enjoy, celebrate, and own what we’re doing, creating, and sharing right now.
I think it’s worth mentioning too that we don’t have to have ALL of the answers and know EVERYTHING to share our knowledge, passion, and joy with the world. What’s an expert anyway? If you can speak confidently on a subject, can share your experience and what you’ve learned, how to do something, etc. you’re adding value to the world. For me, that means you’re an expert. Knowledge and learning is endless, but that doesn’t mean you can’t trust the knowledge and experience that you do have. Don’t be afraid to be confident in what you do know and speak to that.
Imposter syndrome, feelings of doubt, stress, worry, anxiety etc. shows up in different ways and at different moments in our lives. We’re all born to do big things, to share our stories and our voices, our projects that we’re so passionate and excited about. Remember - you’re here for a reason. You’re where you are - in your job, relationship, making decisions about your career, your life, your happiness, your joy - for a reason. You are worthy of it all, you’re better than you think you are (trust that!), and you truly do know more than you give yourself credit for. Remind yourself of these truths as often as you need to - because (and I truly believe this) we are our biggest cheerleaders, healers, and mentors - and it’s up to us to believe in ourselves, first.
Don’t let fear and anxiety stop you from sharing your light and magic with the world. Go out and be who you’re meant to be, share what you’re meant to share, and push that negative self-talk and imposter syndrome to the back of the car where it belongs.
I’m so grateful to share what I’ve created with you all. I’m excited to FINALLY put it out into the world, to watch you create, develop, and grow your podcasts, and to be there to support you along the way.
There’s truly so much more where all of this came from - and I can’t wait for you guys to tune in.
If you enjoyed this episode make sure to share it and tag us on Instagram @seekthejoypodcast so I can see and share it with the community! AND when you purchase your e-book, make sure to tag us too!
SEEK THE JOY GUIDES: Our guides are LIVE and I couldn’t be more excited! Click here to learn more and get your hands on a little more joy in your life.
RATE & REVIEW: I’d be so grateful if you left us a rating and review on Apple iTunes or wherever it is that you love to #SeekTheJoy! When you do, take a screenshot of your review and send it to sydney@seekthejoypodcast,com and as a token of my appreciation and gratitude for your love and support, I'll send you our brand NEW and IMPROVED #SeekTheJoy Guide for Infusing More Joy into Your Life!
THE POWER OF STORYTELLING: This series is beautiful and powerful and we want you to be part of it! To learn more and to submit your story, visit the Share Your Story section of our website. Fill out our interest form - and we'll get back to you ASAP.
JOY CORNER: Our interview-style blog series spotlighting inspiring souls, moments that bring you joy, products we love, and so much more. Join our corner of the internet - share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration. Ready to share your light, magic and joy? Get in touch here - a new post in this series goes live on our site every Thursday.
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