How Not to Fall into the Expert Trap

This is a guest blog post by Michaela Sibanda of Passionate Profitable Moms.

How Not to Fall into the Expert Trap

Have you ever stopped yourself from applying for a job you were really interested in, simply because you did not fit the job description to a tee?  Are you not asking for business, because you don’t feel that you are quite ready to begin?  Do you want to start a business, but won’t because you are still learning and don’t know it all yet?

If you said, “Yes” to any or all of the questions presented here, then you, my friend have fallen into the expert trap.  But don’t worry.  Most of us will fall into the expert trap from time to time.  That is why I’d like to share with you some tips and strategies to stop that icky, little nagging voice inside that says, “You don’t have what it takes”  In fact, I believe if you change your attitude about being an expert, you will have everything you need to begin a new journey today.

First and foremost, it is important to know the difference between being competent and being an expert. Many times we think being competent is, knowing it all.  We feel that we can’t wing it, make up the rules and learn as we go.  We feel that we must know it all up front before we begin.  One way to feel more confident about your competency would be to take inventory of your skills and notice how those skills can be transferred to a new project or venture.  For example, if you have taught children before, then you can transfer skills such as teaching, managing, improvising, consoling, re-directing and mediating into a new field.  Just knowing what you are competent in will ease your fears.

Next, stop comparing yourself to the leading experts in your field.  Just to be clear, there are undisputedly talented experts.  How did they reach that status?  They worked at it and they continue to work at it, because even the experts don’t know it all.  Looking to top experts to help you see how they get things done is smart and advisable, but thinking you can’t begin your journey because you don’t know what they know is just not necessary.  Begin now by reading and talking to like-minded people. You can write down what you have learned or share it with someone else, that way what you learn will stick.  Just know that everyone has to run her own race.  Comparing and competing with someone else will only slow you down.

The most important thing to know is no matter what skills you have and no matter what your skill level is; who you are positions you to do things that only you can do. What do I mean by this?  There is only one you.  No one has and never will have the exact experiences that you have had in life.  Simply being you allows you to offer a fresh perspective, no matter what field you are in.

So the next time you are in a position to start a new venture, take on a new client or apply for a new job, remind yourself and say, “I am confident and capable!”  Then, go for it.

See how the experts do it (Related Posts)

WAHM Expert:  Interview with Suzanne Franco
About Michaela:

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To learn more from Michaela Sibanda visit Passionate Profitable Moms, your source for helping you find joyful work.  Whether you are looking to make money from a passion or don’t know exactly what your passions are… Passionate Profitable Moms can help.