How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as An Artist and Filmmaker

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as An Artist and Filmmaker

Hey there, passionate creators and bold storytellers! Today, we're opening up about a topic that's close to our hearts – imposter syndrome. This term describes a form of intellectual self-doubt, prevalent among 70% of people, and it often manifests as a fear of being exposed as a fraud. In creative fields, this feeling is even more common due to the inherent vulnerability in our work​​.

Our Personal Battles with Imposter Syndrome

We (Keylee and Micah, the duo behind Bob Billiams Productions) want to share a personal insight: we've grappled with imposter syndrome too. It rears its head time and again, challenging our sense of accomplishment and worth. We've realized that at the root of these feelings is fear – a natural companion on the journey of any artist. This fear stems from the vulnerability we embrace in our creative expressions. Remember, it's okay to feel fear; it's a sign that you're pushing boundaries and exploring new territories. The key is not to let fear control you. Embrace it as a part of your journey, but don't let it steer the ship.

Why Creative Fields Are Vulnerable

In creative roles, especially for multihyphenate filmmakers and first-time filmmakers, imposter syndrome can feel overwhelming. The unique pressures of these fields, where personal and public perceptions are intertwined, amplify feelings of inadequacy​​.

Identifying Types of Imposter Syndrome

Recognizing the type of imposter syndrome you're experiencing can be enlightening. Dr. Valerie Young's research identifies five types: the Perfectionist, the Expert, the Soloist, the Natural Genius, and the Superhero. Each presents unique challenges and understanding your type can help in addressing your specific issues​​.

Societal Influences and Overcoming the Syndrome

It's crucial to understand that societal biases and stereotypes play a significant role in fostering these feelings, especially among marginalized groups. Recognizing the systemic roots of these issues is important in both personal and collective efforts to overcome imposter syndrome​​.

Strategies to Combat Imposter Syndrome

Overcoming imposter syndrome involves acknowledging your feelings and reframing your mindset. Celebrate your achievements, however small, and embrace the journey of continuous learning and growth. Remember, perfection is a myth, and everyone is a work in progress​​.

Stay Positive and Acknowledge Your Achievements

We've all been there, playing down our wins, chalking them up to "luck" or "just good timing." A dash of humility? Great. But too much can actually backfire, especially if you're already battling those self-doubt gremlins.

Dr. Young recommends practicing mindfulness, specifically a mindful awareness of our own skillsets and personal/professional wins. By staying in the now, rather than fretting over the past or future, we can see our reality more clearly and let go of those anxious thoughts more easily.

For instance, imagine your boss hands you a big project that feels way out of your league. Instead of spiraling into doubts about why you were chosen or fearing all that could go wrong, ground yourself in the present: Your boss trusts you and believes in your capabilities. That’s a fact.

Embrace a “Monthly Wins Tracker”

Another gem I’ve discovered comes from life coach Tiwalola Ogunlesi, founder of Confident and Killing It. She suggests using a “monthly wins tracker” to celebrate your progress. It’s simple: create a spreadsheet with two columns – one for the type of win (big or small), and another for descriptions (the actions you took).

While doing this, ponder over questions that help uncover your strengths, like “What have I done that makes me feel capable?” or “What would my younger self be proud of seeing in my life now?” (And hey, Ogunlesi even offers a free tracker template on her website).

This idea springs from psychologist Martin Seligman’s Theory of Wellbeing, which shows that reflecting on past achievements can bolster our hope for the future. Ogunlesi puts it beautifully: “Imposter syndrome is just temporary memory loss, where you have forgotten all the amazing things about you.” So, by regularly revisiting our strengths, we can keep imposter syndrome at bay.

Join the Brave Open Beings Collective

If imposter syndrome is something you're wrestling with, consider joining the Brave Open Beings Collective. We offer a supportive community, mentorship, and resources to help you navigate and conquer these challenges. As seasoned creative coaches (and artists who are so familiar with imposter syndrome ourselves, we wrote, produced, directed and starred in a whole show about it - watch the first full season of HOME on YouTube!), we understand the complexities of this journey and are here to support you. Book a free 15 minute call with us, and let's embark on a path of empowerment and artistic fulfillment together.

Your unique voice and vision are invaluable. Let’s harness them and create something extraordinary. You are not alone on this journey. Let's embrace our fears and turn them into powerful tools for creative expression. 🎥✨