We recently connected with Himani Pathak and have shared our conversation below.
Himani, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome was always that nagging voice in my head that said “You aren’t enough”. No matter what I did, it never felt satisfied. Writing my book was a key example of this. After it got published, all I could think was, “What’s next?” At the time, it didn’t feel like I had done anything to be proud of. It felt like just another thing checked off the list. I didn’t know what imposter syndrome was, but I knew I wasn’t feeling like myself. Even now, it is not something that I’ve overcome. Especially as a teenage girl, it will always be something that hides in the back of my mind. But what pulled me out of it was accepting that there is no such thing as perfection, and that it’s okay to be myself. The challenge for me was not changing the world, but changing my mindset. Once I changed that, it all fell into place. When I do feel that way, it helps me to know that I have people who care about me unconditionally. I know I’m enough, and for me that’s enough!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Himani Pathak and I’m an author! My first book, Serenading the Sun, got published when I was just in middle school. Though, my love for writing began much earlier. Since I was little, I’ve found it difficult to speak up. I was always shy and never knew the right words to say. It was difficult for me to speak up, whether it was my feelings or just talking to others. But when I put pen to paper, it felt like magic. Writing was my voice, and it was what made me unique. The one thing I loved more than writing was reading. I used to idolize authors and think, “This is what I want to be”. And now that I am one, it feels surreal. I’m only fifteen, and I’ve got my whole life ahead of me. So, I don’t plan on stopping writing. I will continue to write, whether it is journal entries or another book (which I plan on making very soon)!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
If I had to pick three traits that got me to where I am, I would choose compassion, perseverance, and stubbornness. If I wouldn’t have been stubborn enough to chase my dreams, I wouldn’t have achieved anything, including my book. If I could give anybody advice, it would be not to give up easily and to stick with what you love, even when it gets hard. The ability to keep going is what sets people apart. I would also advise them that everybody’s timeline is different. You can make your dreams a reality at any point in your life!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
People think that all parents do are feed, take care of, and raise children. But there’s so much more to it. My parents have made many sacrifices for me. The biggest was leaving India with just four suitcases and a baby, and starting over in America. They left behind our family, comfort, and culture, and relearned everything so I could have a better future. They would do anything to make me well-rounded and better prepared for the world. My parents supported me through piano classes, karate lessons, math tutors, art clubs, chess, soccer, and countless more of my endeavors. With my book, they were my biggest supporters and motivators. They were always willing to put my happiness first. Though I take them for granted, I love my parents beyond words. They are my biggest cheerleaders and I don’t know where I would be without them by my side. I will always proudly be my mom and dad’s little girl.
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