Hi Friend,
Greetings from Newark.
Today was a chill Sunday and I was catching up with my grandparents over WhatsApp. After the usual chat, my grandfather marveled at how a video call was connecting us despite being on the opposite sides of the globe. It took me by surprise as today was not the first time we were talking over video.
He reminisced about how back in the day he would write letters to his brothers who worked in different towns. If some distant relatives were to be informed about family events, he would have to send telegrams. Over the course of his life, he had seen the communication go from the slow snail mail to the instant video calls.
Video calling is so common today that we -the younger generation- don’t give it a second thought. But for the grandparents, the same piece of technology allows them to see and talk to their grandkids. It brings them joy.
When he put the video call in context with the letters he wrote, I realized why I take it for granted.
In our daily lives, we are focused on dealing with the problems on hand. We are zoomed in. The changes happening in our life seem miniscule. It is only we zoom out that we realize of how massive those changes add up to.
My grandfather's comments reminded me of the importance of taking a step back and reflecting on how far we've come. We need to zoom out and appreciate the changes that have occurred over time.
🦾 On Becoming a Bomb Engineer.
This Week: Overcoming imposter syndrome at work
Imposter syndrome is a common experience of feeling that you're not qualified for the job. That you're not as good as your colleagues, and that you're going to be found out as a fraud. Many people experience imposter syndrome.
One year into my first job I was scared that my manager is going to take me in to a conference room and call me out for not being an good engineer. I was gripped by anxiety that he is going to point out the mistakes I made in the last year and that I was a fraud. I was scared to ask my manager for help because he might realize my inadequate knowledge and fire me.
But it's important to remember there are ways to overcome it. Here are some tips:
Recognize that you're not alone: Imposter syndrome is a common experience, and many people feel it at some point in their careers. Remember that feeling like a fraud doesn't mean that you are one.
Zoom out: Take a step back and remember that you were hired for a reason. Identify your strengths and remind yourself of them when you're feeling like an imposter. Make a list of your accomplishments and the skills that you bring to the table.
It's okay to make mistakes: Nobody is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. It's important to remember that making mistakes doesn't mean that you're a fraud. It's how you learn and grow. When you make a mistake, learn from it and move on. Don't let it define you or your abilities.
In my case, it wasn’t until my annual performance review I realized that my manager had my best interests in mind. He showered me with praises for all the good work I had done in a year. He constructively pointed out the areas where I had could improve and removed any hurdles that were in the way.
It's important to remember that this happens with everyone and there are ways to overcome the imposter syndrome and reach your full potential.
⛺️ Content I’m Digging
📑 5 Top Notch techniques to Edit Your Writing
by Michael Dean
Michael is the Editor-in-chief at Write of Passage, a course I took last Fall. His editing techniques from reverse outlining to editing with your tongue can help you write better and more efficiently. So, if you want to improve your writing and learn some new techniques, you should definitely read his essay.
This newsletter relied heavily on #2 (editing is 93% re-writing). I had to chop off and re-write major portion of the first section today. #4 (Writing in two columns) is an eye opener. I use Notion extensively and wish I had known about writing with two columns sooner. I am always on the look out for tips and techniques to improve my writing and this article is now my baseline for editing.
Quote of the week
Paulo Coelho on doing the things you love
One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.
Thank you for reading.
I really appreciate your attention.
Your Friend,
Shubham