We were lucky to catch up with Daniel Haynes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
This is a tough question.
I don’t think I’ve ever actually overcome imposter syndrome in all honesty. Despite how many situations I’ve been in where
I’ve been an impostor, there are days where I feel like it doesn’t matter who is in the room with me, or if I’m the only person who looks like me. On those days, I embrace and walk in the unique identity I possess. Then there are days when it feels like the walls are closing in around me and no matter what I do, or what I have accomplished, I’ll never belong. But, what I have learned is how to get over those negative feelings quickly when they surface.
If I have those negative feelings, the first thing I do is acknowledge them and try to figure out what it is that is causing them. “Why do I feel like an impostor?” Then I take a moment to breathe and reaffirm to myself that I have a right to be here just as much as everyone else and I walk in that confidence.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My work, deeply entrenched in narrative and literary art, aims to bring the nuances of the human condition into sharp focus. The art of storytelling and feature writing is not merely a profession for me, but rather a life’s passion and a form of self-expression. Through turning words into windows, I strive to not only tell a story, but also to explore what it means to be human, to experience joy and sorrow, triumph and defeat, love and loss.
Every day, I find my mind brimming with questions that probe the very essence of humanity. What drives us? What scares us? What unites and divides us? These inquiries form the backbone of my work, pushing me to delve deeper and seek out answers in the tapestry of human lives.
This deep curiosity and exploration extend beyond my prose, permeating my poetry and spoken word performances. In each line of verse, every rhythm, and pause, I seek to capture the raw emotions, the shared experiences, and the unique journey that is part of our shared human existence. Through these various forms of expression, I aim to paint a vibrant, multi-dimensional picture of life, one that stirs thought, invokes empathy, and perhaps even promotes change.
Ultimately, my work seeks to unravel the complexities of the human condition and, in doing so, create a bridge of understanding, helping us to see the world, and perhaps ourselves, a little more clearly.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
This is a great question. Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: resilience, faith, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. Life is filled with challenges and setbacks, but it’s how we respond to these difficulties that truly defines us. My ability to bounce back from adversity, to adapt, and to continue moving forward even in the face of obstacles has been a critical factor in my journey. To those early in their journey, my advice is to understand that setbacks are part of the process. They aren’t indicative of failure, but rather opportunities for learning and growth. Build your resilience by facing challenges head-on, learning from your mistakes, and cultivating a positive mindset. My faith has provided me with a strong foundation and source of comfort during uncertain times. It’s given me a sense of purpose and helped guide my decisions. For those looking to develop or deepen their faith, I’d suggest setting aside regular time for prayer or meditation, getting involved with a faith community, reading religious texts, or seeking spiritual guidance. Remember, faith is a personal journey and there’s no “one size fits all” approach. Lifelong learning has been a constant in my journey. The world is ever-changing, and the pursuit of knowledge allows us to keep up, adapt, and continue to grow both personally and professionally. My advice for others would be to remain curious. Seek out new experiences, read widely, take courses in topics that interest you, and never stop asking questions. Remember, every person you meet and every experience, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is an opportunity to learn.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“Black Boy” by Richard Wright has played a significant role in my personal and professional development, serving as both a source of inspiration and a lens through which to view my own experiences. Wright’s vivid, descriptive narrative brought to life a story of struggle, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity, a narrative that resonated deeply with me.
The book’s candid exploration of the black struggle has greatly influenced my work as a witness and storyteller. Wright’s depiction of these experiences, marked by both hardship and resilience, provides a powerful insight into a facet of the human condition that is too often overlooked. This understanding has compelled me to share stories that might otherwise remain untold, fostering a sense of empathy and broader understanding among my audience.
Furthermore, Wright’s emphasis on the strength of the human mind and its potential when freed from societal shackles has been profoundly impactful. It reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of the human spirit, and its ability to rise above circumstances. This notion has not only shaped my worldview, but it has also guided my approach to storytelling, inspiring me to spotlight narratives of empowerment and liberation.
In essence, “Black Boy” has equipped me with invaluable wisdom that has deeply influenced my approach to life and storytelling. It has instilled in me a sense of purpose to echo the resilience and strength in the stories I tell, mirroring the profound impact Wright’s work had on me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://twiw.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chaynes/
Image Credits
@FreedomInstrumentality
