We all have a favorite hat. The one that just somehow fits us perfectly and is our go-to on a sunny day or those “bad hair” moments. I was never one for hats; they always fit my big head (read: brain) awkwardly. However, this summer something magical happened. While at Camden Yards in Baltimore, watching an Orioles game, I found the one. I stumbled upon this off-white fitted Orioles bird cap that felt like it was made for me. Ever since, it has been my go-to, and I suddenly evolved into a cool mom who can effortlessly pull off wearing a hat.

So where am I going with this? As marketers, we’re forced to wear a lot of hats. Oftentimes we find ourselves in a similar situation as I was in. The various hats we’re wearing aren’t always the right one for us. The fit is a little wonky… it feels forced and we’re never quite confident. Unlike most roles within our organization, our scope of expertise is expected to reach beyond marketing and extend into other areas of focus. While an accountant deals with numbers, handling payroll and revenue analysis, and a CAD operator designs homes and submits plans for permitting, a marketer is expected to be a:

This is why I love marketing so much – our ability to adapt, much like a chameleon, and step outside the confines of a single role. The reality is, however, it's also the reason why burnout can be so real when we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves.

It’s time we face the truth. We cannot be all these things at 100%, 100% of the time. Discover your strengths within each, and lean into the special spark you bring to the role. As you try on hats, don't put unrealistic expectations on yourself to become an expert in every area. Instead, focus on strengthening your skill set, staying curious, and, when necessary, managing those whose expertise lies outside your comfort zone. Over time, you'll find the hat that fits just right, aka your superpower, the area in which you shine the most as a marketer. Cherish that hat and put it on when you’re feeling overwhelmed or lacking confidence. And while you may not wear your perfect hat every day, you’ll know it exists and you can find others to add to your team (or create partnerships with) that fit perfectly in the other hats.