What do you do if you're a mid-career professional in the film industry struggling with imposter syndrome?

Once you recognize that what you're feeling is imposter syndrome, please know that you're not alone. Even the greats get it so in your good company. Viola Davis has said, “When you’re creating art, you have to be a warrior because you have to live with fear you probably have to lead with pain, you’re gonna have the imposter syndrome. I don’t care what anyone says, the imposter syndrome does not go away…that’s what does not go away creating any sense of art is rejection, imposter syndrome...” And Viola is not just an actor, she’s an EGOT meaning she has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. As of 2023, only 18 people have accomplished this!

Take stock of your accomplishments and skills. Make a list of projects you’ve worked on, skills you’ve developed, and positive feedback you’ve received. This can serve as a reminder of your competence and expertise.

The Impostor Syndrome and negative beliefs are closely intertwined. The conviction of seeing oneself as a fraud is often fueled by deeply ingrained negative beliefs. Perfectionism leads individuals to set unrealistic standards and downplay their own achievements. Self-doubt causes them to dismiss their successes as luck or chance. Constant comparison with others reinforces feelings of inadequacy. The fear of failure leads them to anticipate being exposed soon. Overcoming this syndrome requires identifying and overcoming these negative beliefs to develop a healthier self-image.

Seek Validation from Trusted Sources: It’s essential to seek validation from trusted sources in the industry. This means seeking feedback, praise, and recognition from mentors, colleagues, or industry experts whose opinions you value and trust. When you receive positive feedback or recognition from these trusted sources, it can validate your skills, abilities, and contributions. This validation serves as external evidence of your competence, helping to counteract self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

Take time to reflect on your past successes and accomplishments. This reflection involves looking back at your journey, identifying key achievements, understanding the challenges you’ve overcome, and acknowledging your growth and development.

It is important to visualize and document what one has already achieved. This practice serves not only to acknowledge successes but also to boost self-confidence and combat impostor syndrome. By consciously recalling past achievements, we can remember that we are capable and feel more self-assured. Visualization also helps in setting clear goals and planning the path to achieve them. By documenting our successes, we can also track our progress and motivate ourselves to keep going, even when feeling challenged. Ultimately, it enables us to develop a positive attitude and strengthen confidence in our abilities, propelling us forward on our life journey.

Continuously invest in your knowledge, skills, and industry insights to build confidence and competence. This ongoing education and learning process can help you stay updated with industry trends, expand your expertise, and enhance your professional capabilities.

Establish achievable and meaningful goals that align with your skills, resources, and timeline. Setting realistic goals allows you to focus on tangible progress, measure your success objectively, and avoid unnecessary pressure or self-doubt.

Progressing steadily through small, consistent, and regular steps is a dependable strategy for reaching your goals. This approach enables you to gradually build momentum, thereby enhancing your likelihood of success. Conversely, setting excessively ambitious goals can frequently result in feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated, potentially leading to a loss of motivation and premature abandonment of your endeavors. By breaking down your objectives into manageable tasks and acknowledging each milestone achieved, you can sustain a feeling of accomplishment and remain motivated throughout your journey. Keep in mind, slow and steady progress is fundamental to achieving lasting success.