Why “I Don't Know” Is a Superpower

I said it, and I'll say it again with conviction — there's nothing wrong with not knowing something.

We all start our journeys, whether they’re personal or professional, like a blank page, ready to fill up with new experiences and everything we learn along the way. There’s grace in starting from zero because every bit you learn feels like a triumph. But then, boom, there's that steep hill we all have to face: the big, scary “I DON’T KNOW.”

Embracing Failure as a Path to Growth

This is where the path splits. We can stick to what we know or boldly step into the unknown. I was right there a few years ago when the whole content creation thing called out to me. I had no idea what I was doing, but I embraced the unknown, and it paid off. Not only did it become a key part of my marketing strategy, it is now the core service I offer.

Don't get me wrong — I'm not saying that you should jump into everything blindly. Of course, preparation, and knowledge are crucial for success. But there comes a point when we have to acknowledge our limited knowledge, capacity, and expertise. And that’s okay.

Shedding People-pleasing Perfectionism

As a child, I thrived on being the one with the answers, the one who got it right the first time. A mini-perfectionist in the making, I was scared of being wrong and making mistakes. Being right was not just satisfying; it was my identity. So, saying I didn't know something felt like I was losing face in public, setting off a ton of anxiety. The reality that I received praise when I was right only reinforced this mentality, and I placed a lot of pressure on myself to always know the answers.

I remember a moment during my university years, a time when this self-imposed pressure was at an all-time high. My father, bless him, saw me as a tech wunderkind. This undeserved reputation became a source of undue pressure, to the point that I took a first year computer science course because he insisted I'd be good at it. In all fairness, I probably would have done well had I had any interest in the subject, but I didn't. And when I had to study for finals (or even attend lectures), I studied for my Linguistics and Psychology exams instead. Predictably, I failed miserably at the course.

At that moment, I had to come to terms with the fact that I simply had zero interest in excelling at or diving into a field I didn't care about. And that was okay. It was liberating to accept I didn't have to be good at everything, and it wasn't worth sacrificing my own interests and passions for the sake of others' expectations.

Rather than retaking the class, I dropped it in favour of Political Science, which I had a genuine interest in. And while it may have been a tough conversation with my father, it was worth it to pursue my own path and passions. Also, my grades were much better because I was truly engaged and invested.

On one holiday break during my second year, my dad, as always, asked for my help with his computer. Only this time, I was armed with a new-found boldness. With a deep breath, I uttered the words, “I don’t know how to fix that.” He followed up the request saying that I'm so good with computers, I should have no problem figuring it out. But instead of feeling pressured to live up to his expectations, I simply replied with a smile and said, “I'm actually not, but if it's something simple, I can give it a try.” It was both a confession and an assertion. I tried, failed, and suggested he call an expert. Yet, in that failure was liberation, not defeat.

He was disappointed and frustrated, but it was a turning point for me. My dad passed, still convinced that I should have pursued computer science, something my brother has done and excels in. But I have no regrets.

To this day, when my mom calls with a tech issue, I send her to my brother. When she has a problem with anything remotely Microsoft related, he goes, “Tag, you're it.”

Learning to Say “I Don't Know” as a Form of Growth

Finding resilience in that “I DON'T KNOW” moment really shifted my view and has been a game changer in my freelance career. Every knowledge gap becomes an opportunity to learn something new or accept that I have no interest in pursuing that particular skill. It's given me the freedom to explore and choose my adventure without feeling guilty or pressured to conform to external expectations or trends.

In fact, my experience has taught me that failure can be a powerful tool in personal growth and self-discovery. It's often through our failures that we learn the most about ourselves, our passions, and our strengths.

Today, I'm excellent at something pretty specific, and I got here by not having all the answers at first. There's something beautiful about knowing a lot about a little — it shows depth, expertise, and commitment.

The Beauty of Niche Expertise in a World Obsessed with Knowing Everything

It's super easy to feel swamped with all this pressure to keep innovating and stay on top of the latest trends. But you know what? Instead of trying to juggle everything, I've figured out it's better to just zero in on what I'm good at, LinkedIn.

Just like Hector from “The History Boys,” I've really leaned into what I'm good at. Ask me about TikTok tricks or how to nail a Facebook ad, and I might trip up. But when it comes to whipping up awesome LinkedIn articles, creating how-to books, or putting together an engaging carousel post — that's when I really shine.

The more I embrace my zone of awesomeness, the better I'm able to serve my clients and produce high-quality work that showcases my strengths.

Crafting Your Path to Success

If you're ready to discover your own zone of awesomeness and carve out a niche that allows you to thrive, reach out.

Together, we can explore your strengths, tackle your fears, and build a roadmap to success that feels entirely your own.

Don't wait to start your unique adventure—connect with me today , and let's transform your potential into reality.