Meet John Quinonez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Quinonez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.

John, 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.

I appreciate the opportunity to be here today.

During my time in Poland, I attended a church service at a Polish-American coalition post where I was employed, an invitation extended to me by the army chaplain who approached me unexpectedly one day. He encouraged me to participate in the service held every Sunday at eleven in the morning. The focus of our discussion during the March 2023 service was the tendency to revisit our past mistakes and imperfections, despite having already received forgiveness, and the notion that a new path is available for us to pursue in our journey. Imposter syndrome was the subsequent subject addressed during that particular service. The discussion focused on the feelings of unworthiness that can arise regarding the people, environments, or possessions in our lives, leading us to believe that we do not merit anything or anyone. On that day, I sensed a profound communication from the Lord, as I was striving to reconcile my shortcomings and fixating on the reasons I should have exerted more effort or approached situations differently. After the ceremony, I experienced a sense of direct communication from God, accompanied by the relief of a burden being lifted.

It is my conviction that individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs, faith, or lack thereof, experience imposter syndrome. There are various methods to address this feeling, such as engaging in conversations with trusted family members or friends, seeking guidance from a therapist, or experiencing acts of kindness through the words and actions of others. Additionally, symbols or messages encountered in daily life can also serve as reminders of support and validation.

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?

I am presently engaged in work abroad in Japan, having arrived from Poland in late summer 2023. This experience has allowed me to appreciate the beauty of both countries, and I am thankful for the opportunities to immerse myself in their languages and cultures.

In my leisure time, I pursue photography as a side profession, which brings me both joy and fulfillment. Additionally, I am involved in music production, having released three albums in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Currently, I am on a hiatus in 2024, but I am actively working on new music that is set to be released in the spring or summer of 2025, available on all major streaming platforms.

I have embarked on a new chapter in my life, focusing on building relationships, exploring new activities, and transforming my mindset in mental, emotional, and physical aspects to foster personal growth and continuous learning.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three essential skills are Faith, Work, and Patience.

Faith – Maintain confidence in yourself. If you are a person of faith, nurture your beliefs in your religion or spiritual practice, and trust in the efforts you invest, knowing that they will yield results.

Work – Continue to strive for personal growth, pursue your dreams, and remain steadfast during challenging times. Adversity is transient, but resilience and determination endure.

Patience – Cultivate patience and extend kindness to yourself. Recognize that challenging tasks require time and practice. Do not let harsh criticism from others affect you, and refrain from comparing your journey to that of others.

I encourage you to appreciate the journey toward your goals and take moments to pause and fully experience the present, acknowledging its fleeting nature. Each individual follows a unique path and timeline, so cherish your own journey and treat yourself with compassion.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

At that particular moment, there may be no physical books available, yet your life serves as a narrative that is actively being composed. It is essential to learn from the experiences of others and to embrace constructive criticism, remaining receptive to assistance and suggestions. You are the author of your own life story, so strive to create a remarkable tale.

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J. Quinonez

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