# Mastering Professional Preparedness in the Age of Impostor Syndrome
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Chapter 1: The Story of Admiral Hyman Rickover
In a pivotal moment of his career, Admiral Hyman Rickover faced an important interview before the American Congress, tackling challenging subjects. When a congressman inquired about his preparation, the Admiral humorously replied, “I shaved and put on a new shirt!” While this may appear trivial, it underscores a profound philosophy about readiness.
Admiral Rickover was inherently prepared; he possessed an in-depth understanding of his responsibilities and fully engaged in his work. His extensive knowledge meant that he did not require special preparation for such a significant event.
Rickover, renowned for interviewing over 10,000 candidates for the “nuclear navy,” approached hiring with great care. He believed in rigorously assessing not just skills but also character and composure under pressure. For instance, he occasionally used unconventional methods during interviews, such as placing candidates on chairs with uneven legs to observe their reactions to discomfort.
A notable incident involved an interviewee who, after studying a detailed ship model on the Admiral’s desk, smashed it on the floor after a few moments of contemplation. To his surprise, the Admiral offered him a position, recognizing the boldness and decisiveness displayed.
Mastering Flow: Rediscovering Passion and Focus
There are instances in our careers when we lose enthusiasm and question our purpose.
Rickover sometimes shifted interviews to a restaurant setting, allowing him to see candidates in a more relaxed atmosphere. He once declined a candidate who seasoned his food before tasting it, indicating an impulsive lack of patience.
When Rickover sought to give someone a second chance, he would confine them in a closet for a couple of hours, encouraging them to reflect on their actions and improve their presentation. His philosophy of preparation stems from continuous immersion and exposure in one’s field, ensuring that he was always ready for any circumstance.
He noted a concerning trend: “The sense of responsibility in a profession seems to be declining. The common response of ‘I’m not responsible’ is now commonplace.” This statement reflects a deeper semantic issue, suggesting that while individuals may not face legal repercussions, they often evade moral accountability.
What does it truly mean to be prepared? Benjamin Franklin famously stated, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail!” However, the essence of preparation can differ widely. The critical question remains: “How do you know when you are truly ready?”
Mastering Flow: Rediscovering Passion and Focus
A natural inclination leads us to believe that readiness equates to obtaining what we desire. A more insightful answer, in line with Rickover's thoughts on accountability, would be: “When you are confident you have done your utmost, regardless of the outcome.” This mindset allows for learning from failures and embracing vulnerability.
In “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, it is stated: “The battle is already won the moment you step onto the battlefield.” This reflects the idea of being completely immersed in your endeavors. When one is fully prepared—physically, mentally, and emotionally—confidence is heightened.
Sun Tzu further elaborates that a soldier trains with the intensity of an actual conflict, which diminishes fear during real battles. For him, the notion of preparation becomes a lifestyle; warriors engage in ongoing training, rendering them ready for any confrontation.
This metaphor emphasizes the importance of immersion in our daily pursuits. It’s essential to understand that “war” here is used symbolically.
In conclusion, I would like to share a thought from Emperor Marcus Aurelius that encapsulates the essence of being prepared through consistent engagement: “Be a boxer, not a swordsman. The swordsman must don armor and select his weapon before combat. The boxer’s skill is innate; he merely raises his fists.”
This quote, rooted in stoicism, resonates in today’s world, where many don masks and assume roles to navigate contexts. Perhaps it’s time to transcend these facades and embrace authenticity. By being true to ourselves, we can adequately prepare, free from haste or superficiality, and overcome the pervasive “impostor syndrome.”
When one rushes to arm themselves during a crisis, they have likely already lost the battle.
