You don’t need to prove yourself as an “expert”

It’s ridiculous when someone says they’re “#1” in their field.

“Oh really, by whose standards?” I wonder.

The more we puff our chest, the more imposter syndrome strikes.

The need to prove our worth is part of the fixed mindset (ala Carol Dweck) — when our ego is attached to a fixed identity that we should always be excellent, and one of the best. It sometimes makes us feel like a fraud, because nobody is perfect. We feel pain (or avoidance) whenever we don’t live up to that shining standard.

Instead, what if we simply share what is actually working now?

What if, rather than trying to prove anything, we simply demonstrate the kind of work we’re already doing right now, with ourselves and with our clients?

What if we commit to a growth mindset — the belief that we can always become better with practice — and publicly share how we are practicing, as we move along our journey of development? What if we share about why we care about the journey, and invite others to grow with us?

When I do this, my marketing becomes more authentic, because it’s based on actual experience rather than “fake it till you make it” kind of puffery.