We recently connected with Michelle Barrera and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, 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.
Imposter syndrome is a common experience that many individuals face. As entrepreneurs, we can get caught up in a cycle of comparison, especially when we are venturing into new ideas we may not be familiar with. Personally, several strategies have worked for me.
1. Practicing meditation: By engaging in meditation, I ground myself in my purpose and motivations. This practice allows me to pause and gain clarity.
2. Seeking support from others: Recognizing that I cannot accomplish everything on my own, I reach out to friends and family for support. Having a trusted circle of individuals who can serve as sounding boards during moments of anxiety has been invaluable to me.
3. Embracing self-compassion: I remind myself that I am human and prone to imperfections. By cultivating a gentle and understanding attitude towards myself, I alleviate the pressure to be flawless. As long as my intentions are genuine and aligned with my values, everything will be okay.
4. Shifting thought patterns: A significant aspect of overcoming imposter syndrome for me has been practicing neutral thinking. I strive to observe my actions without attaching excessive emotions or narratives to them. By adopting a more objective perspective, I can reframe “bad situations” and find gratitude in the lessons they offer.
These approaches have been instrumental in my personal journey of conquering imposter syndrome. However, it’s important to remember that each individual may find different strategies effective, and it’s worth exploring various techniques to find what resonates best with oneself.
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?
In 2017, I made an abrupt and random move to the central coast of California, where I started a curated event calendar called EnjoySLO. EnjoySLO became a popular platform within the community, and in 2021, amidst the pandemic, I noticed that restaurants were suffering and in need of support. Fate would have it that the pandemic would inspire me to found a new organization called At Her Table.
At Her Table is dedicated to showcasing the thriving hospitality and culinary scene that flourishes along California’s Central Coast. Our main focus is uplifting and celebrating women-owned and co-owned establishments in the food, beverage, and lodging sectors. Through valuable assistance, promotion, education, and networking opportunities, we strive to create a more inclusive and diverse industry, empowering women every step of the way.
We are thrilled to announce that we are expanding our 7-day festival to an exciting 10-day event, allowing the community ample time to immerse themselves in the experience of celebrating and supporting women-owned businesses on the central coast. While we have future plans for expansion into Santa Barbara County, our current priority is perfecting and enhancing our offerings locally.
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?
Knowledge of my “why”: Throughout my upbringing, I never questioned the expectations placed upon me by my parents. However, as I entered adulthood, I began to feel a sense of unhappiness and wondered about the purpose behind my actions. It struck me that I had never taken the time to pause and reflect on my motivations. This realization prompted me to delve into understanding my “why” and the reasons behind my choices.
Knowledge of “what I want”: I firmly believe that self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal growth. It is tempting to seek advice from others, consulting Google, friends, or family members and asking, “What should I do?” while disregarding our own unique experiences. However, recognizing that we are the experts of our own lives empowers us to trust our own judgment and make decisions aligned with our true desires.
Knowledge of others: I strongly encourage everyone to embrace the opportunity to meet individuals from diverse backgrounds, even those we might not have considered engaging with before. By engaging in travel and actively seeking to understand different perspectives, we open ourselves up to transformative experiences and personal growth. Expanding our knowledge of others fosters empathy, broadens our horizons, and deepens our understanding of the world.
By focusing on these three areas of knowledge, I have found tremendous value in my personal journey of self-discovery and growth.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz has been an incredible catalyst in shaping my life. I find myself returning to its profound wisdom time and again, as it empowers me to lead a more fulfilling existence both for my own well-being and in my interactions with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
athertable.com - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/athertableslo/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/athertableslo/ - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/company/at-her- table/
Image Credits
Caili Wilk Photography – https://www.cailiwilkphotography.com/
