Vol. 12: Imposter Syndrome

As part of my 705 Presidential duties, I have the privilege of planning 2026's 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Awards. I was blessed to receive the recognition this year, and it's a blessing to be the one crafting the architecture for us to recognize next year's top young leaders in our community.

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But man, talk about imposter syndrome.

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I remember giving a shocked laugh when I got the "Congratulations!" email last year (legit had to take a minute to process), and then once I saw everyone else who was chosen, I thought "and they chose me?!"

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And then I see the applicants this year and think "and I'm leading them?!"

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Talk about humbling. It's hard for me to comprehend. But I'm here for a reason, and I constantly remind myself of that.

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Imposter syndrome is a feeling that a lot of us experience. Being in rooms, conversations, and roles you don't feel qualified for. Like if someone shined a flashlight on you, you'd get caught for being a fraud.

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It's not necessarily a lack of confidence - more so feeling a lack of qualifications. Like things aren't lining up: who you are vs where you are.

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But here's the thing: Identity lags reality. (by 1-2 years)

You don't see yourself how others see you: how you really are. Your concept of yourself is you from the past, but others see you - now.

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As someone who's always growing and learning, how can you expect to view yourself accurately if you're always seeing the previous you?

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You will never feel qualified for something you haven't done before.

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That's how we grow.

We do things we've never done before, are in rooms we've never been in before, and are in conversations we've never had before.

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Lean into it. Imposter syndrome is a positive feedback signal that you're on the right path. You're growing. You're expanding. You're doing things you haven't done before.

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Identity lags reality. But it doesn't change what's real.

You are worthy, whether you see it or not.

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See you next Thursday, Steppers.

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We will succeed,

Grayson

​graysonstepanek.com​

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Song of the Week:

Freakin' Out On the Intersta... Briston Maroney PREVIEW   ​

MAN the feelings this song brings back are almost unparalleled. It encapsulates the feeling of Summer 2021 for me - I only wish you listening to this song could invoke the same feelings in you as it does in me, but that's the beauty of the individual experience of music. The vocals, lyrics, guitar solo, sound palette - everything. Thank you for this masterpiece, Briston.