The “I’m not qualified” dilemma and how we use it undermine ourselves.
I was meeting with my coach the other day to discuss my latest personal and professional challenge. Despite having the best intentions, a well-researched guide for soloprenuers, and dedicated time and space to work—I felt stuck every time I tried to start strategic planning for the upcoming business year. The time, tools, and resources remained at the ready, but as soon as I sat down to plan I became derailed by something else. I repeatedly organized and reorganized my working space, relentlessly sorted digital files on my computer, and obsessively tweaked language and grammar in my business documents and assets. If there was a project avoidance medal to be given, I won gold.
My coach patiently listened as I rambled on about my frustrations. When my monologue paused, she used her coaching witchcraft and wizardry to insert a few well-timed and structured questions. As this well-crafted harangue continued, I inched closer to the root cause of the situation. Fortunately and unfortunately reality became unavoidable after I blurted out the question: “Am I even qualified to do this????” I stopped and went silent. There it was…there it was! It wasn’t physical or digital clutter getting in the way, but rather mental clutter stemming from self-doubt, deprecation, and perfectionist tendencies.
I felt annoyed. I had just been on the other side of this conversation with a friend and former client after I suggested they offer a class to parents about the child development pedagogy and methodology they use at home and in their work. This person has researched, studied, and trained on these topics, in addition to collecting enough feedback and evidence-based success stories to back it up from running their own business. Yet, as soon as an opportunity presented itself to share their expertise beyond the children they worked with, suddenly they felt their qualifications were insufficient. It was utter bullshit. This person was qualified, capable, and ready.
So, when I found myself confessing to the same predicament, I made a point to present my reality out loud to my coach and to myself: “I have a university-awarded Professional Coaching Certification AND a Master of Education degree. I have seventeen years of progressive experience successfully advising and managing people. I have created and led impactful programs and workshops on all sorts of topics. I have personally lived and breathed what I am teaching and offering. I continue to do a shitload of market research and participate in professional development opportunities all the time. If THAT doesn’t make me qualified to do this work, I don’t know what else will.” And there it was: my actual reality. I had to both say it and own it to let go of a mindset that was telling me otherwise.
So, as I’ve continued to process and progress, here are a few truths worth sharing.
Being qualified does not mean possessing all of the knowledge, skills, answers, ideas, or certifications.
Qualification benchmarks and standards can be subjective and are ever-changing as industries, fields, and professions grow and evolve.
Possessing the “right” qualifications does not guarantee success and expertise, nor make you immune to failure.
There will always be someone more qualified, creative, and innovative out there, but that does not mean what you offer lacks value, meaning, and purpose.
When qualified mentors and leaders you respect are telling you that you are capable and qualified, it might be a good idea to start listening to them.
So, as I move forward into year two of Liz Vocasek Coaching and Consulting—a business I have already proven has value and can be successful—I want to reassure you all and myself that you are enough, you are qualified, and you are the badass that everyone thinks you are. Full stop.
Until next time, y’all be confident out there.
