The Power of Imperfection: A Lesson from Raygun's Olympic Performance

Remember Rachel Gunn, the breakdancer who's performance at this year's Olympics went viral?

As someone who grew up watching breaking, and as a die-hard fan of hip-hop, I was taken aback by and quite frankly laughed along side of countless others at the many memes and remixed videos that mocked her redention of "breaking".

While her performance undoubtedly had many of us scratching our heads, I think it’s also important to note that she did what so many people fail to do in their professions: she stepped into the spotlight - whether she felt qualified or not.

So if you're an ambitious Black woman who's been hesitant to "put yourself out there", or waiting for the perfect moment to shine, consider this your reminder that NOW is the time.

But why do so many of us hesitate?

• Imposter Syndrome: We internalize messages that downplay our accomplishments, leading us to feel like frauds.
• Fear of failure: The fear of rejection or falling short can paralyze us from even trying.
• Lack of visibility: Seeing few Black women in leadership positions creates a sense of isolation and fuels self-doubt.

But here's food for thought: What if the secret to success lies in simply showing up, even when we feel underqualified?

It's easy to be paralyzed by self-doubt. We question our abilities, fear failure, and grapple with the feeling of being an imposter. But these obstacles shouldn't define us. Instead, they should fuel our determination.

Here's how you can SHOW UP - even when doubt creeps in...

• Embrace imperfection: Understand that no one is perfectly prepared. Growth happens outside of our comfort zones.
• Focus on your value: Your unique perspective and experiences are your superpowers. Don't let self-doubt overshadow them.
• Take calculated risks: Stepping outside your comfort zone doesn't mean being reckless. Assess your situation, weigh the risks, and then take action.
• Build a supportive network: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and lift you up.

Rachel Gunn's story isn't about perfection; it's about courage.

Own your space, sis...unapologetically.

What steps are you taking to overcome self-doubt and step into your leadership role at work or moving into a better space in your business? Share your experiences in the comments below.

If you're ready to own your brilliance, join me at Brunching & Branding, my live personal branding experience where I'll show you how to come out of the shadows both online and offline.

The Aligned Life is a newsletter published by Dionne Watts-Williams. Dionne is a brand messaging consultant and personal branding coach, who helps brilliant Black women CEOs & corporate climbers hone in on their brand, find their voice, and communicate with prospects in the marketplace so they can finally earn what they're worth, and live the extraordinary life that God's destined for them. Book a call with Dionne at www.workwithdionne.com/call.