I went to a dinner a few weeks ago with a really impressive guest list. On every side of the table sat CEOs of multi-million and multi-billion-dollar companies. Even though LimeLife has earned its place right alongside them, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t belong. These accomplished entrepreneurs were congratulating me on LimeLife’s success, but the compliments just weren’t landing. The imposter syndrome was real!
When I got home, I really started to think about the way I was feeling. Was I shrugging off the accolades because I strive to be humble? Because I’m an overachiever? Because I know that we’re capable of more? But regardless of the reason, was it serving me in any way to let those compliments fall by the wayside? The answer was a resounding no.
When we set goals in life, we imagine that we’ll reach them and feel content. But the mark (or curse?) of a great entrepreneur is a constant hunger for more. Each milestone we reach is the starting line for something bigger. As our horizons are broadened, they move further and further away. But I’ve realized that by only looking to the next great goal, I negate all of the amazing milestones we’ve already worked so hard to achieve. Even more destructive, I rob myself of finding a bigger platform on which to stand.
I know the incredible things this company is capable of, so it’s easy to let my emotions tell me that we’ve barely scratched the surface. Instead, I’ve decided to do what I always do when my emotions get the better of me and look to the math. Because numbers never lie.
Since the launch of LimeLife seven years ago, we’ve paid out nearly $200 million in commissions to Beauty Guides worldwide. In an even shorter timeframe, we’ve raised over $1 million for the Brighter Together Foundation. These are numbers that I would have deemed absolutely unfathomable seven years ago. And yet, here I am brushing them away, rather than sitting with and celebrating them.
This, of course, would be the perfect time to make a New Year’s resolution. But you know how I feel about those, and what a common mistake it is to set a goal without committing to a change in the process. So in 2022, I’m committing to the actions and mindsets that will help me celebrate all of the victories I have already earned. I’ll take a moment to absorb kudos, rather than immediately deflecting. I’ll take a cue from the way I admire my heroes, and begin to respect and honor my own accomplishments in the same way. And when, my mind inevitably starts to wander, I’ll return to the math. Because numbers never lie.
I challenge you all to do the same, whatever that means for you. If you feel like your business isn’t up to snuff, look at what you’ve earned. If it’s taking a while to learn a new skill, objectively compare today’s project to the first one you completed. Look to the logic and be proud of the foundation you’re building for yourself.
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Has imposter syndrome hit you this year? How have you been dealing with it? Let’s chat in the comments!