You're There for a Reason (Even If You Don't Know What It Is Yet)

The Moment I Almost Stayed Silent Forever

I was on a work call, completely overwhelmed by imposter syndrome. I was the youngest person there by far, convinced I didn't belong. For most of the call, I stayed quiet except for nodding and throwing in the occasional "yeah, uh-huh."

But then, with just a few minutes left, I had a thought that completely changed my mindset.

The Realization That Shifted Everything

Here's what went through my mind in that moment: "You're here, you've made it. You're in the position, you're on the call. You were actively filling one of the four Zoom boxes and you were hired for a reason."

Whatever that reason was, I was there. What I did with that opportunity was up to me.

The Question That Mattered

Instead of continuing to doubt whether I belonged, I asked myself: "Will you show everybody on that call why you're there or will you just stay silent nodding and adding in your 'uh-huh, yes'?"

The choice was mine to make.

Why This Simple Truth Is So Powerful

When you're deep in imposter syndrome, you forget the most basic fact: You didn't accidentally end up where you are.

• You're in that meeting for a reason

• You got that job for a reason

• You were included in that conversation for a reason

• Someone saw something in you that made them think you should be there

Even if that reason isn't clear to you, even if you can't see it yourself, it exists.

What "Being There for a Reason" Actually Means

This doesn't mean you're the most qualified person in the room. It doesn't mean you have nothing left to learn. It doesn't mean you won't make mistakes.

What it means is simple: Someone believed you could add value in this position, and that belief was based on something real.

Maybe it was:

• Your unique perspective

• Your potential they saw

• A skill you demonstrated

• Simply the fresh energy you bring

The specifics don't matter. What matters is that you earned your spot somehow.

How This Changed My Actions

Armed with this reminder, I finally spoke up and shared the comment I'd been holding back all call. The response was pretty standard, but that wasn't the point anymore.

The point was that I had chosen to show why I was there instead of sitting silently and making people wonder what I was doing in that room.

Why We Forget This Basic Truth

When imposter syndrome hits, it's easy to convince yourself that you somehow fooled everyone into thinking you're qualified. You start believing you're a fraud who got lucky.

But think about it logically: How likely is it that multiple people made the same mistake? That entire hiring processes, interview panels, or selection committees all got fooled simultaneously?

It's far more likely that they saw something real in you that you're having trouble seeing in yourself.

The Choice You Always Have

Every time you're in a professional situation and start doubting whether you belong, remember: You are there for a reason. Whatever that reason was, you are still there for a reason.

Now you get to choose what you do with that opportunity:

• Will you show them why they made the right choice?

• Or will you stay silent and make them wonder if they made a mistake?

When the Reason Isn't Clear

Sometimes you won't know exactly why you were chosen. Maybe you're still figuring out what unique value you bring. That's okay.

The reason doesn't have to be obvious for it to be real. Your job isn't to understand every decision that got you there - your job is to make the most of being there.

Moving Forward

The next time imposter syndrome tells you that you don't belong, remind yourself of this simple fact: You're there for a reason.

Then ask yourself: What are you going to do now that you're there?

This insight comes from a larger conversation about overcoming imposter syndrome as a young professional. Want to hear the full story? Listen to this complete episode on the Guyset podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.