Living in America, or more specifically California, I have really gained confidence. I’m a Scottish lass who grew up in a traditional household and while my parents were incredibly supportive and encouraging, there’s nothing like living in America to give you confidence. The British (by the way that includes Scotland for those of you who don’t know) mentality is pretty negative. The environment you grow up in is one where you are not commended for succeeding, in fact you are often put down. Furthermore, failure is THE biggest no no if you live in the British Isles. People don’t care if you tried, all they care about is that you’ve failed. Over here on the otherhand, there is no ceiling. The world feels like your oyster…the American dream is still very much alive and kicking. Now I feel like if I am not failing on a regular basis then I’m not pushing the boundaries..I’m not living on the edge and not finding my limits. The thing is, you need to not give a shit. You can’t let your ego get in the way…I’ve learned way more from my failures than my successes so that’s the mantra I live by now.
When I moved here, I felt like everyone knew where they were going and what they were doing. Everyone always told me how they were the best and an expert in everything. I soon found out that for the most part, it was a load of old bollocks, but somehow that confidence was infectious to me. I started talking in the same way…I started embellishing on the truth or at least talking up my expertise and experience. The funny thing is, by doing this, I started to believe in it and by believing in it, it started to happen….
In Scotland, you never talk about your successes, you’re supposed to be modest. Nothing is ever good enough and there is ALWAYS someone better. So, I have grown to appreciate modesty but at the same time have gained confidence from living over here in California. This is ultimately helping me to excel way more than if I had stayed at home. I’m a Scot’s lass at heart but love living in America too 🙂
