Stop Prefacing Yourself

I have recently realized that I have spent a lot of time in my life “prefacing” myself.

In the exam room as a doctor with the door closed, I owned my spot as a wise expert. No prefacing.

But outside the pediatric exam room doors, I preface myself.

I was “just” a pediatrician.

I sit in the back of the classroom. I never thought I belonged in the front.

I deflect compliments and praise.

I rarely own my successes.

I preface the wisdom I share by adding how I am still learning.

I hide pioneering and often herculean effort.

I habitually and expertly undermine accomplishments.

I minimize and/or don’t share wins…sometimes even with loved ones.

Sharing because I know many of you reading this are like me.

You work hard to change the world and bring light to others and you then minimize yourself.

I have always thought and said that under the radar was better.

Because that’s where I thought I belonged.

Only recently have I begun to dip a toe into the spotlight.

It’s been a deliberate, intentional, and uncomfortable choice to stop prefacing myself.

To stop attending to why I don't belong and instead notice how and why I do.

To notice with intention why I am qualified, usually overqualified.

To stop prefacing.

When you stop focusing on and arguing for your limitations and perceived inadequacies, their impact fades away.

It’s then that you make your fullest impact.