We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Racquel Ambersley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
RACQUEL, 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.
As a child, I faced significant academic challenges, often wondering why I struggled to grasp certain concepts while my peers excelled. Imagine a 12-year-old who couldn’t even spell her middle name, Ann-Marie, and who had to repeat a grade three times because I failed the exam necessary to advance. This experience was the foundation of my battle with imposter syndrome. I frequently doubted my capabilities and avoided trying new things.
However, as I matured and deepened my relationship with the Lord, I learned to rely on His guidance in all aspects of my life. Through prayer, I became more open to taking risks and realized that my imposter syndrome only flourished because I allowed the fear of failure to hold me back. I recognized that confronting my fears was essential to overcoming my self-doubt.
Although academic hurdles remained, my faith in God empowered me to reject the notion of fearing failure and instead embrace the concept of “failing forward.” I transformed my perspective on failure, viewing it as an opportunity for growth. Surprisingly, even though I sometimes anticipated failure, I started making progress in my studies and understood that diligent effort yields results. My academic challenges became my motivation rather than my weaknesses.
If I want to overcome imposter syndrome, fear, and self-doubt, I must replace these negative feelings with something empowering. I choose to replace fear with faith, allowing me to reject the idea of being incompetent or bound to fail. Instead, I assert my belief in my potential and take action based on that conviction.
A crucial realization that fueled my confidence was understanding that perfection is not a requirement. Mispronouncing a word is not catastrophic. Struggling to solve a problem does not diminish my value or purpose. I don’t have to excel at everything; what matters is that I give my best effort in everything I pursue.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My lifelong dream has always been to become a teacher, driven by a passion for helping children facing academic challenges similar to what I encountered in my upbringing. After 12 successful years at the pinnacle of my teaching career, I recognized that this season was coming to a close. Despite my apprehension about what lay ahead, I chose to accept change and transition into entrepreneurship.
Since stepping away from my teaching role, I have confidently established myself as a versatile professional, excelling as a real estate agent, a faith coach, and a business operator. I have published two transformative works: “Changing Seasons: Transitioning from Fear to Faith, a 21-Day Devotional” and “The FAITH Journal.” These books are designed to empower women to strengthen their faith through structured devotion and prayer.
I fully understand the fear of making significant life changes and the uncertainty that comes with them. With a wealth of experience and passion, my mission is clear: to guide women navigating transitions in their lives and instil in them the courage they need to move forward. I empower them to face their fears head-on, enabling them to achieve new goals.
Because I committed to fostering the faith and courage required to embark on my new journey, despite the challenges, I am now proud to stand as a bestselling author, a top 2 real estate agent for 2024, and a sought-after speaker. To God be all the glory
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?
Throughout my journey, three fundamental insights have impacted my journey.
1. A Deeper Understanding of Living by Faith: I have come to realize that living by faith involves more than just belief; it requires action. As Dean Brown wisely stated, “Faith is believing to the point of action.” This revelation has empowered me to pursue my calling with renewed vigour. I am now more focused on setting goals and taking decisive actions toward fulfilling what I believe God has envisioned for my life.
2. The Principle of Tenacity: I have learned the importance of tenacity—the unwavering drive to persevere in the areas to which I feel called, even when faced with challenges. This principle has taught me that persistence is key. Just like repeatedly striking a tree with the right tool, I’ve discovered that my efforts may be met with resistance, but eventual success is possible if I remain committed and resolute.
3. The Power of Reading for Personal Growth: I have come to appreciate the transformative power of reading in shaping character and expanding knowledge. It is often said that “reading maketh a good man.” I now understand that personal growth hinges on the continuous increase of information and understanding. Engaging with the Bible and other enriching literature has become essential in my quest for self-improvement across various aspects of life, equipping me with the wisdom and insights necessary to navigate my journey.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most profound influence in my life has undeniably come from my parents, who made extraordinary sacrifices that opened up a world of invaluable opportunities for me. Their unwavering dedication to my education was evident in countless ways; whether it was their tireless efforts to ensure I had access to quality schools or long nights spent helping me with my homework, they laid the foundation for my academic success. This commitment allowed me to dive deeply into my studies and acquire a wealth of knowledge that has significantly shaped both my career path and personal growth.
In addition to this focus on education, my parents provided the opportunity for me to travel from a tender age and this broadened my horizons in ways I never imagined. Each journey introduced me to new cultures, diverse perspectives, and unforgettable experiences that enriched my understanding of humanity.
Most importantly, they instilled in me a strong set of values and morals that continue to guide my actions. Through their examples, I learned the importance of integrity, the power of compassion, and the necessity of resilience in the face of challenges. These core principles serve as my moral compass, shaping the woman I am today. I am profoundly grateful for their ceaseless support and the invaluable lessons they imparted, which remain a constant source of inspiration and strength as I navigate my journey through life.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://amzn.to/3ayFXTV
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- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@racquelambersley186
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