You Don't Suck! Why Imposter Syndrome is a Lie
Screenwriter Imposter syndrome Carole Kirschner.jpg
“Sure, you finished a screenplay, but no one’s going to buy it.”
“You sold one script, but big deal, you’re probably just a ‘one hit wonder’.”
“You managed to land a rep. But they’ll most likely drop you once they read your next story idea.”
Sound familiar? If you ever feel like your work will never be good enough, or that you don’t deserve success (even when you achieve it) - you’re probably suffering from Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome can kill your confidence, take a toll on your mental-health, and seriously affect your writing. Plus, now that most of us are (still) working from home, it’s even easier to fall victim to those negative voices in our heads.
Imposter syndrome THRIVES on isolation!
A lot of my clients – even the most successful – can struggle with imposter syndrome - and sure, there are some writers who feel this way because they just don’t have it. But for the vast majority of writers, defeatist thoughts and a low self opinion just isn’t true… and isn’t healthy!”
Here are five things I tell them to consider to help them re-think and overcome it:
1. You are just like Serena Williams
Imposter syndrome affects millions of people from all walks of life and is actually found most in highly successful, driven individuals (meaning, you are not a “loser” for feeling it). Plenty of big-name writers, with TV and film awards lining their Malibu beach houses feel like frauds from time to time. Even Lady Gaga, Maya Angelou, and Serena Williams have struggled with Imposter Syndrome. So, if some of the most successful people on the planet can fall victim to extreme self-doubt, than no wonder emerging writers can too! One writer I know keeps pictures of “famous people with Imposter Syndrome” on her desk to remind her to push through those negative feelings and keep going. Remembering that you’re not alone is a great way to get your optimism (and your writing) back on track.
2. Talk about it
I’m willing to bet, at some point, most writers you know have experienced feeling like an ‘imposter’. So get on a Zoom and talk to them about it. Yes, knowing celebrities who have achieved huge success also experience imposter syndrome can be hugely affirming - but knowing your friends and peers feel just like you do can help even more. Plus, most people with imposter syndrome internalize it. Talking about your feelings, and getting your fears off your chest (especially with someone who has experienced those exact same feelings) can help you regain your self-belief. So find your fellow ‘self doubters’ and help each other find strategies to stay positive - whether it’s weekly check in’s with each other, journaling, or just a daily deep breath and five minutes of silence.
3. Remind yourself WHY you deserve the success you have
Whether you’re a seasoned writer who’s staffed on a show, or a newbie who’s trying to finish their first screenplay - I’m willing to bet it took you a LOT to get where you are now. If imposter syndrome is creeping in - reflect on all the steps it took to achieve the level of success you have today: the endless hours you spent pouring into your latest screenplay, or the countless General Meetings you had before someone invited you to pitch on a project, or the courage it took to move to LA and get into this crazy business in the first place. If you take a moment to think on all that hard work, passion, and dedication, chances are the ‘unworthy feelings’ will start to go out the window. Rather than doubt your achievements, try to congratulate yourself for them. You’ve earned it.
4. Buy into positive feedback
A great way to combat negative thoughts is with positive ones. Dig up any positive feedback you’ve been given in the past - emails from producers or executives praising your samples, glowing Vimeo reviews on your short film, letters from script competitions, or even positive texts from writer friends. This might sound like a purely ego-boosting exercise (and yes, it definitely will boost your ego) but it’s also a reality check. No one in Hollywood has the time to write positive feedback unless they really REALLY mean it. Part of overcoming Imposter Syndrome, is finding a way to accept the positive things others are saying about you as truth. Any written affirmations of your talent can be great reminders that you are a real writer (maybe even an incredible one) who deserves praise and success.
5. One day at a time
Unfortunately, there is no permanent “cure” for Imposter Syndrome. But if you can find ways to combat it when it does rear its ugly head, you’ll be able to get into a positive mindset and back on track faster. So surround yourself with an encouraging community, keep a folder on your desktop (or even on your phone) of past positive feedback you can reflect on when you need a boost, find ways to ground yourself (meditation, yoga, even a cup of tea and a few moments of silence), and remember that if you’re lucky enough to work in this town - it’s for a damn good reason and luck has very little to do with it. Also - keep writing. Sometimes the best way to debunk feelings of being a fraud is to just write: keep creating new stories, improving your skills, and moving forward.
Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? How do you combat it? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!