Episode 108: Am I an Imposter?

Last week, I talked about whether we should follow the money. This week, I'm reflecting on something that can show up even when things are finally starting to go right: imposter syndrome.

As my books continue to reach more readers, generate consistent sales, and receive encouraging reviews, I find myself asking a question I never expected to ask: Do I actually deserve this? Instead of simply appreciating the progress, I catch myself refreshing rankings, checking reviews, and wondering if it's only a matter of time before everything slows down.

Success doesn't automatically silence self-doubt. In many ways, it can make those doubts even louder. Whether you're a writer, entrepreneur, or someone who's recently reached a personal or professional milestone, you've probably questioned whether you truly belong where you are.

In this episode, I share my own experience with imposter syndrome, why it's been affecting me as an independent author, and how I'm learning to separate honest self-improvement from constant self-doubt.

In this episode, I discuss:

What imposter syndrome is and why it can affect anyone

Why success doesn't always feel as satisfying as we imagine

The habit of constantly checking reviews, rankings, and sales

Growing as an independent author without paid advertising or a large social media following

Choosing to write the stories I enjoy instead of only chasing my most profitable genre

Why asking readers to support my work still feels uncomfortable

Using AI tools as part of my creative workflow while remaining accountable for the finished product

Learning to appreciate progress without letting fear define it

Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn't reaching a goal—it's believing you've earned the opportunity to stand where you are. Growth often comes with uncertainty, and learning to trust your own work can be just as important as creating it.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome after achieving something you worked hard for? How did you work through it?

The Books By Josh Audio Immersion is a reflective podcast focused on perspective, growth, and the quiet lessons we often overlook. Each episode is an invitation to slow down, think differently, and explore ideas that don't always fit into neat categories.

Episode 107: Follow the Money?

Last week, I talked about what happens after reaching a goal you’ve been chasing for a long time. This week, I’m looking at a different question: should we follow the money, or should we follow something deeper?

Money matters. It pays bills, creates stability, and can give us the room to build the life we want. But money can also pull us into jobs, businesses, trends, and choices that don’t align with who we are.

In this episode, I reflect on moments from my own life where I had to decide whether the money was worth the cost. From sales and security work to side hustles, writing, and creative decisions, I talk about the difference between using money as a tool and letting money become the thing that controls your direction.

In this episode, I discuss:

Why chasing money alone can lead you away from your values

The importance of integrity in work, sales, and business

Knowing when a higher-paying opportunity is not the right opportunity

How burnout can happen when money becomes the only reason you stay

The difference between using a job as a stepping stone and letting it trap you

Why side hustles and trends are not always as simple as they appear

The danger of copying someone else’s path just because it looks profitable

Building a financial foundation without losing sight of the life you actually want

Sometimes following the money makes sense for a season. But the goal should be knowing what you’re building toward, so the money serves your life instead of becoming your life.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever taken a job, opportunity, or side hustle just for the money? Was it worth it?

The Books By Josh Audio Immersion is a reflective podcast focused on perspective, growth, and the quiet lessons we often overlook. Each episode is an invitation to slow down, think differently, and explore ideas that don’t always fit into neat categories.

# Episode 106: Hit My Goals, Now What?

Last week, I talked about finally seeing meaningful progress from my writing after years of effort. This week, I find myself facing a different question: what happens when you actually reach a goal you've been chasing for a long time?

After earning as much from my writing in the first week of June as I did during the entire previous month, I started reflecting on the strange feeling that comes after achieving something you've worked toward for years. It's not life-changing money, but it's enough progress to make me stop and think about what's next.

In this episode, I discuss:

- The unexpected emotions that can follow reaching a long-term goal

- Why achieving a milestone doesn't always bring the fulfillment we expect

- The difference between creating what sells and creating what you're passionate about

- How goals evolve as we grow and change

- The importance of having a strong reason behind your ambitions

- Lessons from fitness, finances, travel, and creative work

- Why success often creates new questions instead of final answers

- Building a creative life that can eventually support greater freedom and flexibility

Sometimes the hardest question isn't how to reach a goal—it's deciding where to go after you've arrived.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What do you do after you hit a major goal?

The Books By Josh Audio Immersion is a reflective podcast focused on perspective, growth, and the quiet lessons we often overlook. Each episode is an invitation to slow down, think differently, and explore ideas that don’t always fit into neat categories.