“In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.”
— Laurence J. Peter, The Peter Principle

You need to be able to recognize whether or not you’re lying to yourself.

Sometimes you’re allowed to move forward before you’re ready. For one reason or another, it happens.

But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:

“You need to be able to look directly in the mirror and give yourself the cold, hard truth.”

It’s not always easy. And sometimes it’s one of the hardest things you can bring yourself to do. But it’s always going to be the best thing for you.

We’ve all seen someone get promoted who is objectively isn’t the right person for the job. Sometimes it’s not be that big of a deal. I’ll take you back to my first job.

I worked at Stater Bros, a local grocery store. I spent the first year or so bagging groceries and rounding up carts from the parking lot. The next step was getting promoted to checker. That job came with more responsibilities, like handling money, ordering product, and stocking shelves.

Are there negative consequences to having someone in that position before they’re ready? Of course there are. The question is, to what degree? I’d argue a grocery store has a lot more room for error than most places.

Now imagine someone who isn’t ready taking a major role at a financial firm. Whether they don’t understand the software, lack time management and organizational skills, or are simply terrible at making important financial decisions, it could spell disaster. Millions of dollars could be lost, and a countless people could be affected.

Keep in mind that just because you aren’t ready now, doesn’t mean you won’t be ready in the future.

When I graduated the Basic Fire Academy at 22, I thought I was fully prepared for the job. There I stood: a wide-eyed kid, sure he was ready to be a fireman.

I had my first interview shortly after graduation and went in “knowing” I was ready for the job (spoiler: I wasn’t being honest with myself). I failed the interview. Miserably.

The oral board clearly agreed I wasn’t there yet. The interview was necessary for both me and the organization, and it did its job for both of us.

Fast forward a few years, I finally got hired. With more life and job experience behind me, I was better prepared for the position. Looking back, I’m not sure I would have made it through the drill tower or probation the first time around.

Like I said, I simply wasn’t ready at the time.

Although it may be difficult, being honest with yourself is one of the best things you can do. It sets you apart, and people notice. Whether it be your supervisor or an interviewer, you’re eventually going to meet someone who can see through the lies you’re telling yourself.

Be the one who is humble enough to acknowledge when you aren’t ready. And be disciplined enough to prepare yourself for when you are.

Imagine sitting down at an interview for a position you really want.