When Being in the 'Wrong' Line Teaches the Right Lesson

'Ma'am, you'll need to step out of line.'

Those eight words at the airport CLEAR airport checkpoint while traveling to a client recently triggered every anxiety I've ever had about being in the wrong place. As I felt dozens of eyes on my back (at least in my mind), I realized this moment perfectly captured a larger truth about leadership and success.

Let me back up.

I have what might seem like an irrational fear: being in the wrong line. Yes, really. It's not just about wasting time. Even though I'll admit I've invested in CLEAR primarily to avoid lines altogether. It's about that dreaded moment when someone tells you that you don't belong where you're standing.

Sound familiar? If you've ever felt imposter syndrome in your career, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

When the CLEAR scanner flagged my profile for a routine facial recognition update, my first thought wasn't 'This is a simple technical issue.' Instead, that familiar voice crept in: 'See? You're not supposed to be here.'

But here's what actually happened: I stepped aside, got my profile updated in two minutes, and was back on my way. No judgment. No catastrophe. Just a minor detour on the path to my destination.

This got me thinking about how often we let small setbacks convince us we're on the wrong path entirely. Whether it's:

• A project that hits an unexpected snag

• A promotion that requires additional preparation

• A business goal that takes longer than planned

  
  

We're quick to interpret temporary detours as permanent roadblocks.

The truth? Sometimes being asked to 'step out of line' isn't about being in the wrong place. Sometimes it's about getting better equipped for where you're meant to be.

Remember: A dream deferred is not a dream denied.

Next time you encounter a setback that makes you question your path, ask yourself: Is this really evidence that I don't belong, or is it just part of the journey to belonging more fully?

After all, the only truly wrong line is the one you abandon when success was just two minutes away.

What 'wrong line' moments have taught you valuable lessons about persistence? Share your story in the comments below.