We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin Lewis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.
Justin, 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.
It’s hard to deal with imposter syndrome. I can relate, because I have it too. Sometimes I doubt that I earned the praise and success that I receive for my work. I used to feel that I wasn’t good enough, and that I had to work more and harder to validate myself. But that only caused me to burn out and stress out. I learned that I had to change my perspective from “my value is based on my accomplishments” to “I am valuable and I make things happen.”
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I could easily brag that I’m the top barber in San Diego, with skills that no one else can match. You’d be crazy to miss out on JLthafader, the most talented artist in Southern California with a service so exclusive. But, I don’t even believe that. I’ve never been the most talented, highest favored, or “special.” Just hungry… I Just want it all. The most special thing about what I do has nothing to do with barbering to begin with. I don’t let nothin stop me from chasing my dreams or ambitions. I enjoy supporting others pursuing their dreams with extreme confidence. I like to share ideas, knowledge, and positive vibes every day. I learn from people who have different journeys and backgrounds, all with the aim of improving ourselves. And we look fly as hell while doing it. I want to make a place where dope people can connect and create. To build a palace where we bring our values, knowledge, and ambitions together. I got a side project I’m working on right now that if you keep up with my Instagram you’ll find out about soon enough.
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?
I always strive to improve myself and achieve my goals by hustling, learning socially, and networking..These are the values that guide me in life, inspired by a quote I heard once: “The reasonable adapt themselves to the world, and the unreasonable persist at adapting the world to themselves. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable.” I don’t settle for mediocrity, I challenge myself in as many ways possible..
Here’s how I apply these qualities in my life. I hustle by working hard and smart, not wasting time on things that don’t matter or don’t bring me closer to my goals. I learn socially by seeking mentorship and feedback from people who have achieved what I want to achieve or who have skills that I want to learn. I’ve come to learn that people are the best books you could ever read, and way more exciting too. I network by building genuine relationships with people who share my vision, values, and interests, and who can support me and challenge each other to be better. These three qualities help me to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and create value for myself and others. I’m not afraid to speak my mind, to ask for what I want, and to take risks. Always remember that closed mouths don’t get fed, and the meal on the table will be eaten by somebody else if you don’t first.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
As wild as it sounds, but I enjoy being flooded. Sure, I trip sometimes and need to calm down. But having my mind go in all directions is dope if I convince myself it is. I realized that this means “I’m hot right now, I’m eating. I’m about to level up. This is growth and I want it.” I said before that I’ve faced some tough situations. This is what ‘s going to make you harder to contend with, you can’t run from it. Accept it, take the feelings in with open arms and run at it head first. My best advice is take your power back internally. Your problems have to deal with YOU, not the other way around. Stand on all 10 toes and put yourself in position to win, what other option is there? None.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-justin-lewis/
- Instagram: JlthaFader
- Yelp: Mecca Barbershop
Image Credits
@Givaens on Instagram
