“ Not this Door”

✧Rejection, Imposter Syndrome & the Courage to Keep Going

Recently, I applied to attend the TED Women’s Conference.
I was excited. Inspired. Ready.
Then the email came:

“Due to an overwhelming number of applicants…”

I wasn’t chosen.

At first, I felt the sting of rejection.
But then I noticed something more profound:
It wasn’t the “no” that hurt most—it was the story I started to tell.

“I’m not good enough.”
“What should I change to fit in?”

That’s the voice of impostor syndrome.
It turns a moment of disappointment into a belief that something’s wrong with you.

✧ What Changed

This time, I didn’t spiral.
I let myself feel disappointed. That’s all.
And in doing so, something opened:

Maybe we don’t avoid risk because we fear failure—
We avoid it because we fear the feeling if it doesn’t work out.

And if we can feel the sting and keep going?
We stay open to what we want.

✧ A Reframe That Helps

I wasn’t longing for TED—I was longing for connection.
That desire didn’t disappear with the rejection.
I just got attached to the form.

And that’s how it works in our careers too:
Sometimes, we don’t get the job.
Or the client says no.
Or the door closes.

But if you stay with the feeling—
You might hear your more profound desire whispering:

“Keep going. It’s still yours.”
“Try another door.”

✧ What If You’re Not an Imposter?

What if rejection isn’t proof you don’t belong?
But a redirection toward the place you do?

You’re not behind.
You’re not a fraud.
You’re on your way.

✧ Ready to Reconnect With What’s True?

👉 Book a Clarity Session