Hi Reader,

You know what’s interesting about opportunities you really want?

They can make you forget yourself a little.

Suddenly, you start thinking:
​How can I sound more impressive?
More polished?
More professional?

And before you know it…
you’re no longer leading with your actual strengths.

Let's talk about it. But first...

Affirmation

Say it with me:

I do not have to overcomplicate myself or be perfect to be credible.

Because simple and clear will always land better than forced and perfect.

Story Time

A while back, I applied for a speaking opportunity.

And I wanted it badly.

Not just because it was a great opportunity,
But because I wanted to prove to myself that I could step into spaces like that too.

So when it came time to submit my pitch,
I overthought it.

A lot.

Instead of leaning into what I naturally do well
​(which is clearly communicating ideas and creating thoughtful experiences)

…I focused on making the pitch look impressive.

Too many graphics.
Too visual.
Not enough substance.

Honestly, it looked more like a Pinterest or Etsy speaker kit than something rooted in my actual strengths.

And looking back now,
I can see exactly what was happening.

I was trying to look like what I thought a “professional speaker” should look like.

And *womp womp womp* I didn’t get the opportunity.

Ironically, months later, my friend casually mentioned that she did.

We laughed about it, and she showed me what she submitted.

And y’all…

It was a simple black-and-white document.

Clear session outline.
Resources included.
Her quote.

Straight to the point.

And that’s when the lesson really landed for me.

She didn’t overcomplicate herself trying to look credible.

She simply presented what she already did well.

Meanwhile, I let imposter syndrome convince me that I needed to perform professionalism instead of trusting my actual expertise.

And honestly?

Of course I wish I landed the opportunity and the $15K attached to it.
I’m human 😂

But more than anything,​
​I walked away realizing something important:

Sometimes we abandon our natural strengths because we think who we are won’t be enough.

Reflection

A lot of us do this more than we realize.

Especially when we’re trying to enter new spaces,
grow our visibility,
or be taken seriously.

We start polishing ourselves into something more “acceptable.”

More strategic.
More impressive.
More like what we think people expect.

But somewhere in the middle of all that…
​We stop sounding like ourselves.

And that’s usually the very thing people were meant to connect with in the first place.

Because sometimes the thing that feels “too simple” to you…
Is actually the thing people understand best.

Sometimes the thing that comes naturally to you…
Is your strength.

And more often than not, that's the very thing that makes you stand out.

Something to Try:

This week, ask yourself:

Where am I overcomplicating things just to feel more credible?

What would happen if you trusted that you're good enough instead?

See you in two Tuesdays!

Tamara Sykes