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2021

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

On Imperfection

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast that explores the journey towards personal growth and success. I'm your host, Victor, and today we'll dive deep into the concept of continuous improvement. How can we overcome our fears and take action towards our goals? Let's find out!

Hello, my wonderful listeners. Today, I want to address something that many of us may struggle with at times: the fear of starting something new, the fear of failure, and the fear of not meeting our own high standards. It could be writing a book, giving a speech, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or even the challenges of dating.

Let's start with writing a book. It's no secret that writing a book can be a daunting task. The process of writing, practicing, editing, and polishing takes time and dedication. But here's the secret to making it simpler: commit to writing just 50 words per day or one article per week. By consistently writing, you'll accumulate enough material over time, which can be compiled into a book or a series of compilations.

Now, let's talk about giving a speech. Speaking in front of an audience can be intimidating, especially if we aim for perfection. However, speaking on a topic for just a couple of minutes is far from impossible. The key is not to overthink it or let the fear of public speaking overwhelm us. As long as the audience grasps our main point, we've already succeeded. So, don't let the fear hold you back!

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may seem challenging at first glance. Committing to daily gym visits or pushing yourself to exercise can be demanding. But here's the catch: running for just 20 minutes or doing a few push-ups every day is definitely doable. Taking that first baby step can inspire you to continue and develop a positive habit.

And let's not forget about dating. It can be quite a challenge, filled with insecurities and uncertainties. But remember, it's not about impressing others or meeting certain expectations. It's about enjoying your time and having a meaningful conversation. Let go of that fear of embarrassment and embrace the opportunity to connect with someone.

Now, let's talk about something that often holds us back: setting high standards for ourselves. While having high standards can push us to aim high, it also leads to procrastination and self-doubt. We hesitate to take action until we feel fully prepared, sometimes missing out on valuable opportunities.

But here's the truth we should embrace: things are usually not as bad as we initially imagine. Our articles may not gain countless likes, our speeches might not win awards, and our partners may not fit the mold of societal expectations. And that's perfectly fine. The outcome is beyond our control. What truly matters is learning to love the process, finding therapy in focused writing, valuing the communication of a message in speaking, feeling energized through exercise, and simply having fun while socializing.

Embracing imperfections and overcoming imposter syndrome allows us to appreciate our progress. Success is not defined by the outcome, but by continuous improvement, by taking those small steps towards growth. And that is something that both you and I can achieve.

Well, my friends, that's all for today's episode. I hope you found inspiration and encouragement in our discussion on continuous improvement. Remember, it's not about achieving perfection, but about embracing the journey towards growth.

Thank you for tuning in to Continuous Improvement. I'm Victor, your host, reminding you to take the first step and keep striving for progress. Until next time!

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

關於不完美

寫一本書難嗎？答案是有爭議的。如果你的唯一目標是成為暢銷書作家，那肯定是充滿挑戰的。寫作、練習、編輯和潤飾的過程需要很長時間。而令人不安的是，如果你是新手，很少有人會去閱讀你寫的東西。然而，如果你承諾每天寫50個字或每周寫一篇文章，寫作就變得容易了。如果你一年內持續寫作，你就有足夠的素材可以編成一本書，或者是一系列的合集。

演講難嗎？答案既是對的也是錯的。在觀眾面前演講可能會讓人感到恐慌，尤其是當你希望能完美無缺的演出來讓所有人驚訝。然而，只需講一個主題兩分鐘並不困難。任何人，不論他們的聲音、身體語言或說話技巧如何，都能辦得到。如果觀眾能抓到你的主要觀點，那就已經是一次成功的演講了。沒有必要深究，或讓你對公開演講的恐懼壓倒你。

維持健康的生活方式困難嗎？一開始看，每天都需要去健身房，早起離開舒適的床鋪，付出運動所需的汗水與努力，感覺似乎相當困難。但是，每天跑步二十分鐘或是每天做幾下俯臥撐是完全實行得到的。一旦迈出第一步，就有可能激發你繼續前進，發展一種積極的習慣。

交往難嗎？沒有人說過這會很容易，但你可能會對其困難程度感到驚訝。在朋友面前，你可能表現得信心滿滿，但在一個美女面前，你可能會變得膽小如鼠。儘管她對你來說並不構成威脅，但是對於尷尬的恐懼可能會阻止你的行動。還有其他的困難，比如她可能已經有男朋友，或者她對男性沒有興趣。結果，她可能不會被你的尷尬所吸引。但是，這都不是關鍵。最重要的是享受你的時間，並進行有意義的對話。

雖然這些活動的清單可以不斷延伸，但其中有一個共同點：我為自己設定了高標。我沉迷於細節，並對成果、公眾輿論和自我意識持續關注。這種心態可能使我抱負高遠，但也導致我耽誤時間。我在對自己的想法有了確定性之前並未開始寫作。如果我感到準備不足，我會拒絕演講的機會。如果我找到越多的藉口，我就會越容易取消健身的安排。如果我覺得需要給他人留下好印象，我就會對與陌生人搭訕感到猶豫不決。我的恐懼經常阻止我邁出第一步，導致我無法行動。單單思考而不去行動，只會讓我們白白浪費時間。

然而，行動起來后，會鼓舞人們進一步思考並促使他們持續行動。我意識到事情往往並不像我起初想象的那麼糟糕。我已經接受了我的文章可能不會得到太多的點讚，我的演講可能不會贏得國際大獎，我可能達不到六塊肌的目標，我的伴侶可能不會是超模。而這一切都沒關係。結果是我們不能控制的，取決於運氣和各種機會的結合。

真正重要的是學會熱愛過程：寫作中尋找治療效果，講話中的信息傳遞，運動帶來的活力，還有社交中的樂趣。接受生活中的不完美可以幫助你克服冒名者症候群，或者是害怕犯錯，覺得自己是個騙子的感覺。即使是像阿爾伯特·愛因斯坦這樣的天才，也曾深受冒名者症候群的困擾。那麼我們這些普通人有什麼理由去質疑自己的成就呢？

那麼，什麼是成功？成功並不是由結果來定義，而是由進步來定義：寫作能力的提高，講話練習的增加，健康狀況的改善，和社交技巧的提高。每一個朝著持續進步的小步驟都是成功。這是你我都能達到的。

  • 3 min read

Continuous Improvement

Thank you for taking the time to read my book and journey through my life experiences with me. You likely have your own set of challenges and obstacles. That’s why you sought out my book—to understand how I’ve managed to navigate through mine.

I failed in my first twelve romantic relationships. It's not that I wasn't appealing; in fact, I changed my appearance after the first six failures, opting for a better haircut and more suitable attire. Nevertheless, I continued to struggle. I hoped each new relationship would be an improvement over the last, but marriage remained elusive. I share my experiences to help you avoid making the same mistakes.

So why do relationships fail? It might be because your qualities aren't as compelling as those of other potential partners, making you less attractive or financially desirable. Your partner might simply prefer someone else; after all, there are plenty of fish in the sea.

What can you do about it? My book advises you to focus on two words: continuous improvement. Rather than indulging in jealousy or self-pity, steer clear of negativity.

To improve, engage with life fully, deepen your relationships, and showcase your best qualities. Work on advancing your career, expanding your social circle, and enhancing your physical well-being. This change will not only shift how people perceive you, but also improve your odds if a potential partner is choosing between you and someone else. You’ll be seen as a person who values self-improvement and long-term growth.

You see, current circumstances are not permanent indicators of future success. I may be facing challenges now, but that doesn’t define my future. Before achieving your goals, you must first demonstrate your potential. Self-improvement is crucial; it allows your partner to recognize your latent talents and aspirations.

Your competition might not be as committed to personal growth. Even if they currently surpass you in some qualities, you can bridge that gap through persistent effort. Fashion sense is one example. If you and your girlfriend share a similar style, she’ll likely view you as compatible.

It's not the end of the world if your current relationship doesn't work out. Continuous improvement will expand your opportunities. The key is to avoid pressuring your partner into making a decision about the relationship. No one likes to feel coerced; people prefer to make choices freely. Give your partner the space to decide whether they see a future with you.

Are you the kind of man who embraces this philosophy? That's why you picked up this book—to be inspired to become a better person. Don't worry about making a single mistake. What’s essential is maintaining a positive atmosphere in your relationship. Inject humor, engage in healthy debates, and set challenges just as you would in public speaking. Know when to compliment and flatter; the right words at the right time can elevate the relationship.

Furthermore, it's important to have a sense of purpose in life that extends beyond your own benefit. If you appear selfish, no woman would want to envision a future with you. Understand your responsibilities within the larger society. Strive to be someone who can contribute positively to the world. That's an attractive quality.

In summary, remember the principle of freedom. Let your partner choose you without feeling pressured. Focus less on your competition and more on exuding a positive energy.

I hope you find my book helpful. If so, please recommend it to others who might benefit. Not only will this improve your romantic relationships, but it will also make you a more valuable colleague and friend.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

Continuous Improvement

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore strategies and insights to help you navigate the challenges and obstacles in life. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we'll be diving into the topic of relationships and continuous improvement.

Relationships can be complicated, and we've all faced our fair share of failures and disappointments. In fact, I personally struggled through twelve failed romantic relationships before finding success. But it's not about dwelling on those failures; it's about learning from them and continuously improving ourselves.

In my book, I share my experiences and provide guidance on how to avoid making the same mistakes I did. One important concept that I emphasize is continuous improvement. Rather than succumbing to negativity and self-pity, we must embrace personal growth and strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

So why do relationships fail? Well, there could be various factors at play. It could be that our qualities aren't as compelling as those of other potential partners. Or perhaps our partner simply prefers someone else. But what can we do about it?

The answer lies in continuous improvement. We must engage fully with life, deepen our relationships, and showcase our best qualities. By advancing our careers, expanding our social circles, and enhancing our physical well-being, we not only change how others perceive us but also increase our odds of finding a lasting and fulfilling relationship.

Remember, current circumstances do not define our future success. We must demonstrate our potential and constantly work on ourselves. While it may seem daunting, this continuous improvement allows our partners to see our latent talents and aspirations.

The competition out there may appear more polished, but we can bridge that gap through persistent effort. Take fashion sense, for example. If you and your partner share a similar style, it creates a sense of compatibility. It's about finding those areas where you can shine and showcase your uniqueness.

Now, if your current relationship doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world. Continuous improvement expands your opportunities. You must resist the urge to pressure your partner into making a decision. Give them the space to determine whether they see a future with you.

Embracing continuous improvement means maintaining a positive atmosphere in your relationship. Inject humor, engage in healthy debates, and set challenges. Compliment and flatter your partner when appropriate. These actions can elevate the relationship and create a strong foundation built on trust and respect.

But remember, it's not just about focusing on ourselves and our relationships. Having a sense of purpose that goes beyond personal benefit is essential. This demonstrates that we are not only committed to our own growth but also to making a positive impact in the world around us. And that's an attractive quality.

In summary, let your partner choose you freely without feeling pressured. Shift your focus from competing with others to exuding positive energy. Continuous improvement is a lifelong journey, and it applies not only to our romantic relationships but also to every aspect of our lives.

I hope you found today's episode insightful and inspiring. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes along the way. What truly matters is maintaining a positive atmosphere and embracing continuous improvement.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Continuous Improvement. If you found value in today's discussion, I encourage you to recommend this podcast to others who may benefit from it. Together, let's strive to become better versions of ourselves and make a positive difference in the world.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

持續改進

感謝您花時間閱讀我的書，與我一起經歷我生活中的經驗。您可能有自己一套挑戰和障礙。這就是為什麼您找到我的書-瞭解我如何成功導航我的。

我在我最初的十二個戀愛關係中失敗了。這並不是因為我不吸引人; 實際上，我在前六次失敗後改變了我的外表，選擇了更好的髮型和更適合的衣服。然而，我仍然在掙扎。我希望每次新的關係都能比上一個改善，但婚姻仍然遙不可及。我分享我的經驗是希望您能避免犯同樣的錯誤。

那麼，為什麼關係會失敗呢？這可能是因為你的品質不如其他潛在的伴侶吸引人，使你在吸引力或財務上變得不那麼理想。你的伴侶可能僅僅更喜歡其他的人;畢竟，海裡有很多魚。

你能做什麼呢？我的書建議您專注於兩個字：持續改進。避免陷入嫉妒或自憐之中，遠離負面情緒。

為了提升，全力以赴地投入生活，深化你的人際關係，展示你最好的品質。致力於提升你的職業生涯，擴大你的社交圈子，提高你的身體健康。這種改變不僅會改變人們對你的看法，而且如果一個潛在的伴侶在你和其他人之間做選擇，也會提高你的機會。人們會將你視為一個重視自我提升和長期成長的人。

看到了嗎，現在的情況不代表未來的成功指標。我現在可能正在面臨挑戰，但這不能定義我的未來。在實現目標之前，您必須首先展示您的潛能。自我提升至關重要; 它允許您的伴侶識別你的潛在才能和抱負。

你的競爭對手可能並不致力於個人成長。即使他們現在在某些方面超越你，你也可以通過持續的努力來彌補這個差距。時尚感就是一個例子。如果你和你的女朋友擁有相似的風格，她可能認為你們十分相配。

如果你現在的關係並不能工作，這並不是世界的結束。持續的改進將會擴大你的機會。關鍵是避免向你的伴侶施加壓力，讓他們對關係做出決定。沒有人喜歡被強迫;人們更喜歡自由地做出選擇。給你的伴侶空間決定他們是否看到與你的未來。

你是接受這種哲學的那種人嗎？這就是你拿起這本書的原因-獲得靈感，成為一個更好的人。不要擔心犯單一個錯誤。维持關係中積極的氛圍才是重要的。注入幽默，參與健康的辯論，並和公眾演講一樣設定挑戰。知道何時恭維和奉承; 在正確的時候說對的話可以提升關係。

此外，擁有超越自身利益的人生目標也很重要。如果你表現得自私，沒有女人會想和你共享未來。瞭解你在更大的社會中的責任。努力成為一個能對世界作出正面貢獻的人。那是一種吸引人的品質。

總的來說，請記住自由的原則。讓你的伴侶在不感到壓力的情況下選擇你。少關注你的競爭對手，更多地散發出積極的能量。

我希望您會覺得我的書對您有幫助。如果是這樣，請推薦給可能會受益的其他人。這不僅會提升你的戀愛關係，也會使你成為更有價值的同事和朋友。

  • 3 min read

Don't Be Afraid, My Mentor Is Here

Do you have a phobia of speaking in front of a group? I do. That's why I joined Toastmasters—to practice more and strive to overcome my fears. At a social event, I was fortunate enough to meet Ernest Chen and asked him to be my mentor. Thanks to his generosity in accepting me as a protégé, I am writing about this topic today.

Over time, my fear began to fade. My anxiety lessened, especially when speaking in front of a small group of friends. Then, last month, I met one of my mentor's students—a young girl who is just thirteen. She dreams of becoming a successful diplomat translator. Public speaking is crucial if you wish to succeed in an international setting. Her ambition impressed us all, and my mentor is here to help her realize her dream.

Achieving this dream will take a lot of practice and training. During our class, my mentor instructed her to give a two-minute speech. The topic could be anything—school, the Olympics, or the lesson of the day. Since there were only five of us, it seemed easy enough. But she froze, unable to utter the first sentence, especially under the pressure from her mother who was urging her to speak. The more she hesitated, the more anxious she became.

Finally, she broke down in tears. Ernest, my mentor, comforted her: "Don't be afraid; I'm here to help you. Just start with the first sentence; the rest will come. There's no right or wrong." Taking his advice to heart, she gathered her courage and delivered her speech, regaining her self-assurance in the process.

Will my mentor help her overcome her phobia quickly? Unlikely. Learning not to be afraid won't make your fear disappear overnight. It took my mentor years of practice and effort. The young girl didn't conquer her fear immediately, but she made progress. More importantly, she grows more confident each week.

Now, as someone about twenty years her senior, I too feel the pressure when it's my turn to speak. Yet I manage, especially in a small setting. I continue to apply what I've learned from my mentor. But even with extensive practice, the fear never completely goes away.

Last week, in my role as an engineering manager, I had a critical presentation in front of seventy people, including senior executives from a multinational corporation based in Singapore. Despite rehearsing diligently, my fear of public speaking persisted. My inner voice wavered, filled with doubts, until I recalled my mentor's words: "Don't be afraid; just start with the first sentence."

Although it was stressful, the presentation went well, impressing even the CEO of the client company. My public speaking skills seemed to have stood out among the other six presentations in that hour.

I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ernest Chen, a fantastic public speaking mentor. I know it will take me years to reach his level, but he has already taught me the first steps to overcoming my fear. Whenever I find myself giving a speech without my mentor present, I remember his reassuring words: "Don't be afraid; your mentor is here." This mantra has become my guiding light, boosting my confidence and helping me to communicate more freely.

  • in podcast
  • 2 min read

Don't Be Afraid, My Mentor Is Here

Welcome, listeners, to another episode of Continuous Improvement. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're going to explore a topic that many of us can relate to: the fear of public speaking.

Have you ever found yourself feeling anxious or terrified at the thought of speaking in front of a group? Well, you're not alone. In fact, I used to have a phobia of public speaking myself, until I discovered Toastmasters—a fantastic organization that helps individuals improve their public speaking skills.

In today's episode, we'll dive into the transformative power of mentorship in overcoming the fear of public speaking. I recently came across a blog post discussing the amazing progress made by a young girl with big dreams of becoming a successful diplomat translator. And her mentor, Ernest Chen, played a crucial role in her journey.

Over time, the young girl's fear of public speaking started to fade away as she received guidance and support from her mentor. And it wasn't just about delivering a flawless speech, but about building confidence and self-assurance. Ernest taught her that there's no right or wrong when it comes to public speaking, encouraging her to start with the first sentence and let the rest flow naturally.

But let's be honest, overcoming this fear takes time and effort. I can attest to that myself! Even after years of practice and honing my skills, I still experience those familiar nerves when it's my turn to speak in front of a group. But I've learned to embrace what my mentor told me: "Don't be afraid; just start with the first sentence."

Last week, I had a critical presentation in front of a large audience, including senior executives of a multinational corporation. The fear was there, but I summoned my courage and applied the lessons I've learned from my mentor. And you know what? The presentation went incredibly well, impressing even the CEO of the client company.

I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my mentor, Ernest Chen. He has shown me that with time, practice, and the right guidance, we can overcome our fears and communicate more effectively.

So, if you find yourself struggling with a fear of public speaking, I highly encourage you to seek out mentors like Ernest Chen or join organizations such as Toastmasters. Remember, it's not about eliminating the fear completely, but rather learning to navigate it and grow more confident each day.

Well, that's all for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you found inspiration from the journey of this young girl and her remarkable mentor. Don't forget, listeners, your mentor is here—whether it's someone physically present or just the memory of their wisdom guiding you.

Thank you for tuning in, and remember, the first sentence is just the beginning of an incredible speech. Until next time, keep striving for continuous improvement.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

別怕，我的導師在這裡。

你是否對在群眾前演講有恐懼？我有。這就是我會加入Toastmasters—為了練習更多和努力克服我的恐懼。在一場社交活動中，我有幸遇到了Ernest Chen，並向他請教。多得他慷慨接納我為他的學生，我今天才能寫到這個主題。

隨著時間的推移，我的恐懼開始消退。我的焦慮減少了，尤其是在一小群朋友面前演講時。然後，上個月，我遇到了我導師的一個學生—一個只有十三歲的女孩。她夢想成為一名成功的外交口譯員。若想在國際場合取得成功，公共演說是極其重要的。她的雄心大大地震撼了我們，我的導師在此助她實現夢想。

要實現這個夢想，需要大量的練習和訓練。我導師在課堂上嘱咐她做一個兩分鐘的報告。主題可以是任何東西—學校，奧運，或者當天的課程。由於我們只有五個人，在似乎足夠簡單。然而，她因緊張而停滯不前，特別是在沉重的來自她母親的壓力下，她母親催促她說話。她愈加地猶豫不決，她也愈來愈焦躁。

最終，她痛哭失聲了。Ernest，我的導師，安慰她：“別怕，我在這裡幫你。只需要開始說出第一句話，剩下的就會自然而然地說出來。沒有對錯。” 她把他的建議銘記在心，勇敢地演說了自己的報告，在過程中重新找回了自信。

我的導師會快速地幫她克服她的恐懼嗎？很不可能。學習不要恐懼並不會讓你的恐懼在一夜之間消失。我導師經過多年的實踐和努力。那個年輕的女孩並沒有立即征服她的恐劇，但她進步了。更重要的是，她每週越來越自信。

現在，作為她年長二十年的人，我在該輪到我說話的時候，也會感到壓力。尽管如此，我还是應對自如，尤其在小型环境中。我繼續運用我從我的導師那裡學到的知識。但即使有大量的練習，恐懼Never完全消失。

上週，我作為工程經理，面對著七十人，包括在新加坡的跨國公司的高管們，做了一個關鍵性的簡報。儘管我刻苦地排練，我對公共演講的恐懼仍然存在。我的內心聲音搖搖欲墜，充滿了懷疑，直到我想起了我的導師的話：“別怕，只需開始說出第一句話。”

雖然壓力很大，但是這場簡報進行得十分順利，甚至還給客戶公司的CEO留下了深刻的印象。我的公眾演講技巧似乎在那個小時的其他六場發言中脫穎而出。

我想對Ernest Chen表達我由衷的感謝，他是一位出色的公眾演講導師。我知道我要花上好幾年的時間才能達到他的水平，但他已經教會了我克服恐懼的第一步。每當我在我的導師不在場的情況下發表演說時，我會記得他令人安心的話：“別怕，你的導師在這裡。” 這種格言已經成為我前行的指路燈，增強了我的信心，幫助我更自由地交流。

  • 2 min read

My Imposter Syndrome, Insecurity, and Depression

Imposter syndrome is common among IT professionals, and I'm no exception. The constant feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt plagues me. Despite working as a software developer for EY, one of the most prestigious consulting firms, I often feel like a fraud. My academic background lacks a computer science component; my first job was in marketing, far removed from information technology. Initially, my role focused on frontend web development using JavaScript. However, upon being assigned to a fintech project, I became the principal Android app developer. Although I've submitted rigorously-tested, high-quality code, the fear persists: what if my colleagues discover that I'm not the most knowledgeable expert?

As a professional, I'm expected to know about cloud computing, networking, architecture, security, and more. Mastering all these fields is nearly impossible in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Adding to the internal tension, I charge my clients a high hourly rate for answering questions they could look up online. My supervisor epitomizes the polished consultant, impressing clients with buzzwords about digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Meanwhile, my regular tasks often feel trivial, like adjusting the alignment of a button on different screens—a task that's more complicated than it seems.

To combat my insecurities, I pursued a part-time master's degree in computer science from 2015 to 2017 at CUHK. However, the additional education didn't alleviate my imposter syndrome; it exacerbated it. Studying academic papers and complex topics like Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and machine learning algorithms made me feel even more inadequate.

My imposter syndrome also seeped into my personal life. I met my girlfriend, Jo, while juggling a demanding job and part-time studies. My insecurity led me to believe I didn't deserve her. I was constantly afraid of losing her, which put an immense strain on our relationship. Unfortunately, my anxieties contributed to our breakup, devastating me even further.

As time passed, I engaged in self-reflection and found solace in books like Jordan Peterson's "12 Rules for Life." I realized that my imposter syndrome and insecurities were destroying both my professional and personal lives.

People often misunderstand depression as being related to material circumstances, but my issues lay more with a pervasive sense of hopelessness. To improve my emotional well-being, I changed jobs, focused on physical fitness, and made a concerted effort to address the root causes of my problems.

Today, as an engineering manager for a large retail bank in Hong Kong, I still experience imposter syndrome. However, I've learned to accept it as a motivator for lifelong learning rather than a crippling fear. By sharing my story, I hope to offer solace to others facing similar challenges, encouraging them not to make the same mistakes I did.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

My Imposter Syndrome, Insecurity, and Depression

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast that explores the personal growth journey we all embark on. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we'll be diving deep into a topic that many of us can relate to: imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome - the constant feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt that plagues so many IT professionals, including myself. It doesn't matter how successful we may seem on the outside, the fear of being exposed as a fraud can be paralyzing. Today, I want to share my own experience with imposter syndrome and how I've managed to turn it into a driving force for continuous improvement.

As a software developer working at a prestigious consulting firm, I've often felt like I don't belong. My academic background lacked a computer science component, and my first job was in marketing, far away from the world of information technology. Despite my accomplishments, such as becoming the principal Android app developer for a fintech project, the imposter syndrome never left me. I constantly questioned whether I was truly the most knowledgeable expert in the room.

The expectation for IT professionals to be masters of multiple fields can be overwhelming. Cloud computing, networking, architecture, security - the list goes on and on. Trying to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape can feel like an impossible task. And to make matters worse, there's that feeling of charging clients a high hourly rate for answering questions they could easily find online.

I tried to combat my insecurities by pursuing a part-time master's degree in computer science. But instead of alleviating my imposter syndrome, it only made it worse. Studying complex topics and academic papers left me feeling even more inadequate. It seemed like the more I learned, the more I realized how much I didn't know.

My imposter syndrome even seeped into my personal life. I met my girlfriend, Jo, during a time when I was juggling an intense job and part-time studies. My own insecurity led me to believe that I didn't deserve her. I was constantly afraid of losing her, and unfortunately, that fear became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our relationship fell apart, and I was left devastated.

It was during this dark time that I started to engage in self-reflection and seek ways to improve my emotional well-being. I turned to books like "12 Rules for Life" by Jordan Peterson, finding solace in their wisdom. I realized that my imposter syndrome and insecurities were not only affecting my professional life but also my personal happiness.

I made changes - I switched jobs, focused on physical fitness, and most importantly, I addressed the root causes of my problems. Today, as an engineering manager for a large retail bank, I still experience imposter syndrome from time to time. But instead of letting it paralyze me, I've learned to accept it as a motivator for continuous learning and growth.

Sharing my story today is not only a personal catharsis for me, but I hope it also offers solace to others who may be facing similar challenges. You're not alone in your imposter syndrome, and it doesn't have to define you. Let's embrace it as a catalyst for growth and use it to fuel our journey towards becoming the best versions of ourselves.

That's all for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. Thank you for joining me on this discussion around imposter syndrome. Remember, we're all on this journey together, and by sharing our experiences, we can inspire and support one another. Join me next time as we explore more topics related to personal growth and continuous improvement.