Unless you are building a wall around your garden to protect your delicate flowers you probably don't want to be out there picking up bricks and a trowel any time soon.
The personal wall
I was chatting with a colleague recently during our mid-year reviews and they mentioned this idea of "the wall". In this context, it was a reference to a fabricated idea that we sometimes impose on certain situations.
As professionals, it's normal that we will, at some point in our careers, suffer from some level of imposter syndrome. This topic has been well-discussed across many forums so I won’t digress on that.
The idea of “the wall” takes a similar angle but I found that after my colleague shared this analogy it resonated much more as a concept. It feels clearer in identifying what the problem is — maybe it's because I'm a visual thinker. For me, visualising imposter syndrome is much more challenging and abstract.
In that discussion with the colleague, we spoke about how people create a sense of stagnation, that they cannot be involved in certain projects, or feel that they shouldn't. In those circumstances, we need to take a step back and ask ourselves "Why?".
Through a simple pause and a quick reflection, we may come to understand that the only thing that is holding us back from progressing or getting involved in something is in fact ourselves. We have built a wall around us.
Unless many people have repeatedly told you not to get involved or contribute to something, then perhaps that wall is nothing more than a mirage that you can simply walk through.
Where's my sledgehammer?
Next time you find yourself facing a wall, doubting your ability to take on a new challenge or to get involved in something, ask yourself: “Who built that wall?”. If the answer is you, reach for your metaphorical sledgehammer and do yourself a favour.
Take one big swing and smash a hole through those misinformed beliefs that you “can't” or '“shouldn't” do something. Save your energy, and punch a hole just big enough for you to walk through, no more. Don’t overthink it or worry about cleaning up that mess of bricks on the floor — save your energy for any future walls that you may find along the way.
It's your growth
I know some statements have been made flippantly — like it's just that easy — but sometimes it is. When it's not easy, at least pausing to identify the source of friction or perceived blocker is a great first step in moving through the problem and coming out the other side stronger.
Maybe that first hit of the wall doesn’t punch a hole through it, but simply acknowledging there is a wall and taking a strike will begin to weaken it, and that too is a good step towards removing the wall.
As a junior designer in my career, I felt that it was my manager’s role to make me grow. In hindsight, this was a very flawed stance to take. Of course, my manager was there to support my growth, but it's not in their control what I do, or do not do, with each passing day. Sure, they can ask questions, and coach you along the way but it is ultimately you that takes the steps.
So, next time you approach a wall, take a pause and reflect on where that wall came from and see what's in your power to get around it.
Powering this week's thoughts
Music plays such an important role when I am thinking, working, and reflecting. I also find it interesting to see what others are listening to. It's a gateway into an aspect of their personality. That's why I'd like to share, with each article, an artist or playlist that I have been listening to that week. Here's this week’s: