Why you don't need to know everything



As we continue to live in this parallel universe to ‘normality’, I thought that I’d throw in a few ‘bitesize blogs’ along the way.  Blogs that might help with everyday struggles related to work life, home life, health, exercise, nutrition, whatever topics that might pop into my head.


This week it’s a topic that has followed me throughout my life in certain work situations and I’m determined to conquer it this year.


Following a recent conversation, I had to admit to having an irrational fear of not knowing enough, of looking stupid is what it really boils down to I suppose.  That in itself was painful enough but then having to discuss it in more detail made it sound even more irrational.


I’m not entirely sure where this fear came from in the first place. I don’t remember anyone saying to me “how come you don’t know that you stupid little twerp” Unless I’ve blocked it from my mind of course!


I’m sure we all have moments of feeling like this, perhaps even more so now that many of us are trying to stay ‘visible’ at work or maybe looking for another job,  trying a new hobby, perhaps even thinking about starting our own business and don’t feel like we know enough to be able to do so.


How this ‘fear’ can affect you:

  • you avoid certain situations if you feel you will be asked questions, or do your utmost to avoid them at all costs
  • you prepare so much that you can’t actually focus on the meeting or situation you are in
  • you don’t ask questions for fear of looking stupid (this is definitely me, usually to discover that someone else asks the same question I was going to ask just 5 mins later and no-one bats an eyelid!)
  • you don’t put your views and ideas forward for fear of being laughed at (yep me again, and as above!).


What can you do?

  • focus on the things you do actually need to know, for example, what’s important / specific to your role - become an expert in your own field  
  • in the case of starting a new job, focus on knowing the basics of the business to begin with, ie, what is their mission / vision statement, objectives, goals etc and what do your immediate colleagues do in their roles.
  • use other ‘experts’ within your business to find out the things you don’t know and fill in any gaps
  • get ‘comfortable’ with feeling ‘uncomfortable’ - if someone asks you a question and you don’t know, simply admit you don’t know and say you will take it away and check
  • remember that other people often like to be asked questions, it’s a compliment to them if you’re asking for their advice, so go for it
  • take one small step TODAY - take a deep breath and step out of your comfort zone, even if it's only for 5 mins.

Although I’ve related this to a work situation, you can apply these tips to any situation.  For example, have you started a new hobby and you’re frustrated because you feel you don’t know enough?  The same principles apply as above, speak to the experts, join online communities for tips and advice etc.


As a bit of extra motivation, I'll leave you with this fabulous line from an 80's rock classic (great running song!): 


'If life is a radio, turn up to 10'



#2021


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