How Serving a Cause Bigger Than Me Silenced My Inner Critic

Have you ever walked into a room and thought, I don’t belong here?
That was me, not just once, but every time I stepped into a meeting, event, or leadership role.

I didn’t have the degrees. I didn’t have the “perfect” résumé. And I definitely didn’t feel qualified to lead anyone.

But when I started advocating for Alzheimer’s awareness, something shifted. Suddenly, it wasn’t about me. It wasn’t about credentials. It was about the caregivers, the families, and the people fighting this disease every single day.

Advocacy allowed me to speak up, not just for myself, but for others. In doing so, I discovered my own voice.

In this post, I’ll share how showing up for a cause bigger than myself helped me overcome impostor syndrome, build real confidence, and connect with my community in ways I never imagined.

The Weight of Impostor Syndrome (and Why It Stuck)

Growing up around the dental and medical world, I always admired professionals in white coats. But when I stepped into rooms with them as a community advocate, my inner critic screamed: You’re not enough.

Impostor syndrome isn’t about lack of skill, it’s about believing you have nothing to add. Volunteering flipped that script for me.

Advocacy Put the Focus on the Mission, Not Me

When I speak about Alzheimer’s, I’m not selling myself. I’m sharing stories of my dad’s journey, my mother-in-law’s battle, and the families I’ve met along the way.

That shift from “What will they think of me?” to “Who can this help?” quieted the voice in my head. It made showing up feel natural.

Advocacy Built My Confidence Muscle (One Event at a Time)

Confidence isn’t a lightning bolt, it’s a muscle. Every walk I helped organize, every caregiver I comforted, every time I got on a mic… I grew stronger. Slowly, advocacy turned me from a shy participant to a trusted leader.

The Ripple Effect: Personal Growth Beyond the Cause

That newfound confidence bled into everything: running my business, networking with doctors, even parenting. Advocacy gave me proof that I could do hard things and that I belonged in every room I walked into.

Conclusion

I still have moments where I feel that old whisper of doubt. But now I know how to answer it: This isn’t about me. This is about the mission.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, I hope you hear this: you don’t have to be “perfect” to make an impact. You just have to show up. And sometimes, the very act of serving others is what heals you, too.

Let’s keep the connection going.

I believe the most powerful relationships start face-to-face, but they grow when we nurture them consistently. That’s what social media makes possible, and that’s what I help mission-led leaders like you do every day.

You can find me on
⚡️ LinkedIn – my favorite space to build meaningful connections
⚡️ Instagram – for a peek into life, purpose, and social visibility
⚡️ Facebook – for insights, updates, and a growing community

Want to explore how Higher Social can support your nonprofit or private practice? I offer done-for-you social media management with a focus on real visibility, the kind that builds trust, not just trends. Book a consult and let’s see how we can grow together.

Contact me here.

Because your impact deserves to be seen online and in person, and you don’t have to do it alone. 

In Christ’s Love and Light,

Shalini Mikos ⚡️