I read a lot of self-help books when I was 21.
Yes, I also think that’s a bit weird.
At 21 you’re no longer a child.
You’re not quite a fully-formed adult.
However you are, frequently, a complete bonafide idiot.
Though, upon reflection, it seems fitting as I was getting married at 22 and divorced by 24.
I guess my confidence crisis hit young.
I’m keen that way.
Looking back I can trace a lot of my self-induced failures/self-sabotages to a pretty transparent case of Imposter Syndrome.
Whenever I would get close to opportunities a part of my brain would tell me I didn’t deserve it, wasn’t worthy of it, or hadn’t earned it.
What a waste of time.
Thankfully, I learned a secret.
Of course I didn’t deserve it, wasn’t worthy of it, and hadn’t earned it.
No one does.
Ever.
Sure, you can put in the work and practice, practice, practice, but there will always be someone who has put in more work and practiced, practiced, practiced… practiced and who deserves the opportunity more than you.
But here’s the thing…
That’s not how opportunity works.
That’s not what opportunity is.
Opportunity is chance.
Chance is luck.
Luck is timing.
Timing is fleeting.
Opportunity is not merit.
And that’s okay.
When opportunities you want to take present themselves, take them.
If you don’t feel good enough for them, take them and get better.
I’m late with this week’s newsletter because I was playing a show last night at Toronto’s El Mocambo club. This is where I’d say, you know the place where Margaret Trudeau infamously enjoyed a night with The Rolling Stones however Shannon said I’m not allowed to bring that up (attendees of our upcoming Ottawa Book Tour stop may find out why).
Anyway, the show was fabulous.
I was a guest singer at Rob Preuss’s “Rob Preuss and Friends” show.
I sang three songs and stood up there on stage performing with Rob and Sandy Horne (of The Spoons). Musical heroes of mine since I was a teen.
Did I deserve to be there?
Had I cultivated the merit to be on stage?
Was my warbly, pitchy but heartfelt singing (I’ve watched the videos) worthy of performing with these musical legends and a cast of other (shoutout ‘Juice’ on drums) phenomenal talents?
Who. Fucking. Cares.
I was presented the opportunity to do something that will leave a memory with me I will treasure until I’m dead.
I’ve aged enough to realize that it doesn’t matter if you have Imposter Syndrome…
Probably almost everyone does.
When opportunities present themselves, take them and thank your lucky stars.
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ALERT!
My upcoming book is on track to be a bestseller (CRAZY) but I need LOTS of pre-orders to send us over the top.
You can buy the book here: Stupidpocalypse.com
I also would LOVE to see you at one of our Book Tour stops. Shannon and I have put together a fun live show and we’d love to see you!
Here are those ticket links:
Amherstburg
FRIDAY, SEPT 22
Calgary
TUESDAY, SEPT 26
https://www.artscommons.ca/whats-on/brittlestar
Winnipeg
THURSDAY, SEPT 28
https://tickets.pte.mb.ca/TheatreManager/1/online?performance=6494
Ottawa
SATURDAY, OCT 7
Thank you!! This is fantastic! I'm so grateful when you share your insights. Looking forward to reading your book. Maybe one day you might be able to add Hamilton (Ontario, not the Musical) to your tour. You are a family favourite
I will be ordering your book … but wish you were coming to do a book tour on the West Coast. Imposter or no… 🙂