At what point does one become an expert or a professional? Have you ever considered this question related to yourself or others? Sometimes you read an interview with a celebrity who considers him/herself a “fake.” I believe that they say this because they reached a level of celebrity or perceived success rather quickly/suddenly or simply by working hard doing what they love.
Can you relate? Have you been happily enmeshed in your work or profession (writing or otherwise) for so long that it is strange to think of yourself as anything other than someone who is enjoying the process of the work?
A day may come when someone asks you a question with regard to your field. And you surprise yourself by responding quickly, confidently and accurately. Others may come to you with their questions, which you easily answer. You begin to discover that you really know stuff that, perhaps, other people don’t. While you’ve been working at what you love—learning, experiencing and meeting challenges—you’ve also transitioned (over the years) from eager beginner to seasoned expert.
This is a natural transition for many. But have you noticed that some people try to promote their expertise before they are ready? They put in a year or two, complete one project and become a teacher. Sure, we are all teachers and we are all students. But I become skeptical when a relative beginner launches out on a mission to teach others something they barely understand themselves.
Have you ever looked back over a long-term learning experience only to realize how little you knew in the early stages of your involvement? Let me use my experience with horses as an example. As a family, we bought a few horses. We spent a lot of time with the horses, read about horsemanship, hung around people who were knowledgeable about horses and learned a LOT in a short period. I remember thinking (after several months) that I knew practically everything there was to know about horses because I had learned so much and because I’d had so many experiences with the horses. But it wasn’t until years later that I learned how much I didn’t know during those early years. It takes time and numerous experiences and study to become a relative expert or specialist in your field.
Which person are you—the one who has incredible knowledge, experience and understanding in your field, yet feels like an imposter when you are held up as an expert? Or have you jumped ahead of yourself eager to work with others in your field even though your experience and knowledge are limited?
Interesting question, don’t you think?
To learn more about me, my books and what I do, visit me here:
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com