We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah , 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.
Ah yes, imposter syndrome, that voice inside telling you that your not good enough, that feeling that you are a fraud; that your pretending to be an artist, business owner ect, and that sooner or later you will be exposed.
Honestly, overcoming such feelings has had a lot to do with taking better control of what I allow myself to focus on. With the world of social media and an ever present personal desire for perfection, the never-ending comparison game really makes finding satisfaction in personal development difficult. It has taken a serious and concerted effort to remind myself that I’m not pretending, I don’t have to be perfect and if what I see, listen to, instead of serving as inspiration makes me start comparing myself, then it is best that I no longer view, listen to or focus on said thing. A rose does not compare itself to another, rather it blooms beautifully where it is planted with singular focus.
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 sister and I have created our brand Renee Originals 1, with the goal of taking the vintage skills of knitting and crocheting and using them to create timeless pieces that serve there intended purpose while maintaining a classic, put together look.
This year we have really expanded our “Natural Warmth collection ” which is a collection of handknit/crocheted items using natural fibers. This collection focuses on durability, as well as the use of better for you and better for the enviroment materials, while not sacrificing coziness and style.
We have also updated all of our shipping procedures to include recycled and reusable materials in an effort to do our part in creating a more sustainable brand that leaves everyone feeling satisfied.
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?
Looking back, I would say one key has been to stay disciplined. No matter how much you enjoy your field or chosen path, there are going to be days when you just don’t feel like networking, handling the tedious administrative stuff or even creating. This is when having an outlined routine is so important. You know what you need to do and why, which can help when you don’t want to.
Secondly, I would say developing an appreciative attitude is essential. It allows you to stay balanced, to see how far you’ve come and to enjoy each stop on the journey without comparing your journey to someone else’s. You get to spend time doing something that you love, even if no one else ever feels the same way about what you do, you’ve already won.
Lastly, I would say, don’t procrastinate! Getting into the habit of scheduling when things need to be done and then keeping that schedule as much as possible saves so much stress and makes it possible for you to say YES! When that amazing opportunity you’ve been awaiting finally arrives.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Have you ever started naming all of the things you have to get done while simultaneously looking at your watch and feeling more and more stressed with every passing moment?… Me too!
My sister and I like to tell each other “Breathe, one step at a time”. It’s a reminder to pause and take stock before allowing the pressure to overtake you.
Some practical things I like to do are first and foremost write it all down. I take a few minutes to take a piece of paper (I prefer to do this in my planner so nothing gets lost) and write down everything I need to check on, accomplish or look into; then add deadlines. Afterwards, review what can be handled quickly and what can be broken down into smaller activities or delegated. This effectively gets it all off my brain and helps me to think logically about what truly needs my attention and how I can get everything handled.
I’ve found that what’s often overwhelming is not so much what we have to do, but the feeling that we are not able to do it all. Thus, I try to do a little something towards the end goal every day versus trying to find big chunks of time. If I can’t sleep because I’m worried about a project, instead of laying there awake worrying, I’ll get up, spend 30 minutes working on it and then, if I’m able to, go back to bed.
Lastly, one of the hardest things to do when I’m feeling overwhelmed, but also something that helps a lot, is to make sure that I am taking care of myself. Eating, drinking water, exercising, taking a few moments for self-care, getting sleep. These things make it possible for me to effectively take advantage of my time and use my energy in a way that is productive and keeps all the demands on my time under control.
Contact Info:
- Website: Reneeoriginals1.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/reneeoriginals1?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D
Image Credits
Sarah and Rebekah Jones
