In the world of professional speaking and entrepreneurship, the journey is often fraught with self-doubt and the daunting shadow of impostor syndrome. Kris Kelso, a professional keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of "Overcoming the Impostor: Silence Your Inner Critic and Lead with Confidence," sheds light on this pervasive issue in a compelling conversation with Phil Gerbyshak. Here’s a detailed dive into their discussion, focusing on the concept of humble confidence and extracting insights from Kris’s expertise.
The Joy of Simple Pleasures: Dark Chocolate Peanut M&M’s
At the heart of Kris’s message is the appreciation for simple joys, like his fondness for dark chocolate peanut M&M’s, not just as a treat but as a necessity due to a milk allergy that affects his speaking voice. This preference underscores a deeper theme in his life and work: the importance of understanding and accommodating one’s unique needs and circumstances to perform optimally in professional arenas.
Confronting the Impostor Within
Kris eloquently describes impostor syndrome as the internal battle with a voice that undermines one's achievements and capabilities. He emphasizes, "That voice itself isn't real. There's nobody there; it is a fake. I'm not the fake; that voice is the fake." This perspective is empowering, suggesting that acknowledging and naming the impostor within is the first step towards reclaiming one’s confidence and authority.
From Proud Insecurity to Humble Confidence
One of the most striking insights from Kris revolves around the transition from proud insecurity to humble confidence. He articulates, "Humility and confidence are not opposites; they actually can go well together." This notion challenges the common misconception that humility equates to self-deprecation. Instead, Kris argues that true confidence is grounded in a realistic appraisal of one’s abilities and a focus on continual learning and growth.
The Power of Accepting Compliments
A practical takeaway from Kris is the importance of accepting compliments gracefully. He points out how deflecting praise can not only diminish one’s sense of self-worth but also disrespect the giver of the compliment. He advises, "Plant your feet, look them in the eye, smile, and just say thank you." This simple act can reinforce one’s self-belief and encourage a more positive internal dialogue.
**Embracing the Explorer Mindset**
Kris introduces the concept of the "Explorer" mindset as opposed to the "Tour Guide" mentality. Explorers, he explains, are those who "are very comfortable with the unknown...they welcome people on the journey to say who can add value as we go out and learn and explore." This mindset is crucial for overcoming impostor syndrome, as it embraces uncertainty and values the learning process over the need for constant expertise.
A Call to Action
In his conversation with Phil, Kris Kelso not only illuminates the contours of impostor syndrome but also offers a roadmap for overcoming it. His emphasis on humble confidence, the value of simple joys, and the power of a positive internal narrative provides a beacon for entrepreneurs, speakers, and professionals navigating the complexities of their careers.
In conclusion, Kris’s dialogue with Phil Gerbyshak offers profound insights into the nature of self-doubt and the pathway to genuine confidence. His perspective invites us to reflect on our own internal critics and to approach our professional and personal challenges with an explorer’s curiosity and a learner’s openness.
Some quotes from Kris Kelso
1. Kris Kelso on Inner Critic: "That voice itself isn't real. There's nobody there; it is a fake. I'm not the fake; that voice is the fake."
2. Kris Kelso on Humble Confidence: "Humility and confidence are not opposites; they actually can go well together. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."
3. Kris Kelso on Accepting Compliments: "Plant your feet, look them in the eye, smile, and just say thank you. I worked really hard on that, and it's so nice to know that my work is appreciated."
4. Kris Kelso on the Explorer Mindset: "Explorers are very comfortable with the unknown...they welcome people on the journey to say who can add value as we go out and learn and explore."
5. Kris Kelso on Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: "The next time someone pays you a compliment...just receive the gift and honor the giver of that gift. Over time, you'll start to accept those compliments and believe the praise that people are making observations about you."
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