Read Time: 3 Minutes
Introduction
Hi, my name is Billy,
And I suffer from imposter syndrome.
And I know that for most small business owners, entrepreneurs, or even employees, imposter syndrome is a common issue for them too, and maybe for you as well.
A STORY TO REMIND YOU OF YOUR WORTH
My GrandFarther’s Story About a Person’s Worth
The tale of HMS Calgarian and the unexpected savior, the Oily-Sea Scented hammer.
Once upon a time, there was a ship called HMS Calgarian that found itself stranded in Liverpool, awaiting repairs. Despite the best efforts of the Navy’s engineers, the ship remained stuck for an extended period, causing embarrassment and financial strain for the English Navy during Liverpool’s booming growth in the 1980s.
The ship’s captain, Jon Benbow, became desperate for a solution and sent out a call for help across the country. Many engineers came aboard, but none could find a way to fix the engine problem. That was until Walter, an agricultural engineer from Wales, heard about the ship’s predicament and took it upon himself to lend a hand.
Initially met with skepticism from Captain Benbow, Walter diligently inspected each part of the engine. Eventually, he discovered a hidden spot behind the pistons. With a weathered double-ended barrel hammer from his bag, he struck the engine three times, and miraculously, it roared back to life.
When Captain Benbow received an invoice charging ten thousand pounds for Walter’s services, he was puzzled. After all, Walter had only used an old rusty hammer to strike the engine. In search of an explanation, the captain reached out to Walter, asking for a detailed breakdown of the charges.
Ten days later, Walter handed Captain Benbow an itemized bill in person. The bill revealed that he had only charged one pound for the hammer itself, while the remaining nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine pounds represented the value of Walter’s knowledge and expertise in knowing exactly where to strike the engine.
To this day, the scent of the oily seawater from HMS Calgarian lingers on the double-ended barrel hammer. And if you hold it up to your ear, you can almost hear the echoes of Walter’s powerful hit.
This tale serves as a powerful reminder that our value as individuals is not solely determined by the time we spend working, but rather by the knowledge and experience we possess. Just like Walter, whose ability to fix the engine was not a stroke of luck but the culmination of a lifetime of accumulated wisdom, we too must recognize our own worth.
Summary
Imposter syndrome can be conquered by recognizing the wealth of knowledge accumulated in our careers. Rather than diminishing our value, self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy can actually strengthen us through overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Reflection on our journey and the insights gained is key to overcoming imposter syndrome. Our worth is defined by the unique combination of expertise and experience that distinguishes us. Embracing growth, celebrating accomplishments, and nurturing the confidence that reaffirms our inherent value are crucial. Personally, I found my true worth in the diverse expertise I developed, transitioning from design to marketing and storytelling, which became my convictions.
