Being a woman is holding me back from calling myself an expert, frankly. I'm a knitwear and crochet designer as well as a writer and the self doubt and reluctance to take on the role of "expert" is rife in the industry. You fear everyone is trying to catch you out. They're waiting to get you in the YouTube comments or the product review. What doesn't help is that no matter what you say, someone will pop up (another woman) to say "I've been knitting for 40 years and this isn't the way you're supposed to do it." It requires a lot of energy to hold your ground. I shouldn't care as much though. I'm trying to be more of an expert and feel safe in the knowledge that I do know what I'm talking about.
Hey Hanna - I just noticed your comment here. I think the answer is already in what you wrote: "I shouldn't care as much". Easier said than done, to be sure.
What I've found to be helpful is a) to focus on what you can control (creating useful/valuable content) and b) stay focused on what your purpose is. WHY are you making these videos/creating this content in the first place? Let that be your driving force and primary focus.
Will you get the odd negative comment? Probably. But you'll get 10 times as many positive ones which will inspire you to keep creating.
There will always be a few critics. What's important is that you are focused on the WHY. Everything else should take care of itself.
Hope that helps and sorry for the unsolicited advice! lol
Whats holding me back is to be a introvert and imposter syndrome. 😩
Like I really want to share my stuff for YouTube videos, but one side of me is like "no, don't do it. People will just see you being a imposter. You are no expert, bla bl".
Its very annoying.
Trying to break free, but its a long road. Like one step forward, two steps back.
'Trust me, the knowledge you now take for granted could be an absolute revelation to someone else. It could completely transform their life, if only someone would share it with them.'
Reading this line was like chugging a Red Bull can for me! Great piece David. Thank you!
What great encouragement! Yes, we don’t have to wait for permission before sharing our truth, wisdom and hard-won knowledge. Thank you for the inspiration!
This was one of the main reasons I created my Substack, to share what I knew and what I've learned so others can learn from it too (especially not to repeat my mistakes).
Excellent read and a pusher to do the work. We often completely underestimate the level of our knowledge. But there's always someone two steps behind us who would love and appreciate to be where we are...
Every writer should read this article. It describes the reason why I write about what I write about. I believe what I write about is extremely important and even though I’m not a licensed expert, I have a lot of knowledge on the topic I’m willing to share because I know most people would not get this knowledge otherwise
I am an expert in a niche - ISO9001 and other standards. It is applicable to every business but only required as certification by a few. I’m struggling on how to market what I’m doing to NOT be yet another generic business improvement blog etc whilst not alienating everyone by spouting on about ISO9001. Working in progress!
Oh and even though I just called myself an expert I still feel deeply uncomfortable about that as pretty sure the other experts in my field would say I’m not for whatever reason - joys of self esteem / ego 🤷🏼♀️😂
Inspiring post, David! I've heard this advice here and there over the last year or so. One book that comes to mind is "Show Your Work" by Austin Kleon, which shares a similar perspective.
My question is, how do you know which of your skills is valuable?
You know, sometimes people say "Hey, you're really good at X" and you say something like "Really? I just kind of do it". What I'm trying to say is, it's often hard to look at ourselves objectively - we're so accustomed to ourselves that we can easily take our everyday skills for granted. Do you have any tips besides just asking your friends and family, "Hey, what am I good at that other people might find valuable"?
Being a woman is holding me back from calling myself an expert, frankly. I'm a knitwear and crochet designer as well as a writer and the self doubt and reluctance to take on the role of "expert" is rife in the industry. You fear everyone is trying to catch you out. They're waiting to get you in the YouTube comments or the product review. What doesn't help is that no matter what you say, someone will pop up (another woman) to say "I've been knitting for 40 years and this isn't the way you're supposed to do it." It requires a lot of energy to hold your ground. I shouldn't care as much though. I'm trying to be more of an expert and feel safe in the knowledge that I do know what I'm talking about.
Hey Hanna - I just noticed your comment here. I think the answer is already in what you wrote: "I shouldn't care as much". Easier said than done, to be sure.
What I've found to be helpful is a) to focus on what you can control (creating useful/valuable content) and b) stay focused on what your purpose is. WHY are you making these videos/creating this content in the first place? Let that be your driving force and primary focus.
Will you get the odd negative comment? Probably. But you'll get 10 times as many positive ones which will inspire you to keep creating.
There will always be a few critics. What's important is that you are focused on the WHY. Everything else should take care of itself.
Hope that helps and sorry for the unsolicited advice! lol
-Dave
Thank you for this. It’s well written. Share the little lessons you have learnt to others, no one needs perfection.
This is what I needed today.
I heard someone say “Even the experts aren’t experts” and I feel this encapsulates that.
I’m starting on my writing expedition and have somewhat of a clue to what I’m doing.
But mostly, it’s just seeking information from people who’re successful at what I’m trying to do.
Well said.
Whats holding me back is to be a introvert and imposter syndrome. 😩
Like I really want to share my stuff for YouTube videos, but one side of me is like "no, don't do it. People will just see you being a imposter. You are no expert, bla bl".
Its very annoying.
Trying to break free, but its a long road. Like one step forward, two steps back.
'Trust me, the knowledge you now take for granted could be an absolute revelation to someone else. It could completely transform their life, if only someone would share it with them.'
Reading this line was like chugging a Red Bull can for me! Great piece David. Thank you!
What great encouragement! Yes, we don’t have to wait for permission before sharing our truth, wisdom and hard-won knowledge. Thank you for the inspiration!
This was one of the main reasons I created my Substack, to share what I knew and what I've learned so others can learn from it too (especially not to repeat my mistakes).
Here is something I shared recently, it came from my own experiment: https://lifeapprentice.substack.com/p/11-tips-to-fight-social-media-addiction
A good book on the topic is Show Your Work! https://austinkleon.com/show-your-work/
Just share with the world what you learn. Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself by claiming to be an expert.
Thanks for this!
Excellent read and a pusher to do the work. We often completely underestimate the level of our knowledge. But there's always someone two steps behind us who would love and appreciate to be where we are...
Completely agree 👍
Start teaching now
So true!
David:
Your PM just resigned.
Needed to hear this headline more than anything 🙌🏻
Every writer should read this article. It describes the reason why I write about what I write about. I believe what I write about is extremely important and even though I’m not a licensed expert, I have a lot of knowledge on the topic I’m willing to share because I know most people would not get this knowledge otherwise
I am an expert in a niche - ISO9001 and other standards. It is applicable to every business but only required as certification by a few. I’m struggling on how to market what I’m doing to NOT be yet another generic business improvement blog etc whilst not alienating everyone by spouting on about ISO9001. Working in progress!
Oh and even though I just called myself an expert I still feel deeply uncomfortable about that as pretty sure the other experts in my field would say I’m not for whatever reason - joys of self esteem / ego 🤷🏼♀️😂
Inspiring post, David! I've heard this advice here and there over the last year or so. One book that comes to mind is "Show Your Work" by Austin Kleon, which shares a similar perspective.
My question is, how do you know which of your skills is valuable?
You know, sometimes people say "Hey, you're really good at X" and you say something like "Really? I just kind of do it". What I'm trying to say is, it's often hard to look at ourselves objectively - we're so accustomed to ourselves that we can easily take our everyday skills for granted. Do you have any tips besides just asking your friends and family, "Hey, what am I good at that other people might find valuable"?
Thanks!