How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome in a Cutthroat Industry

Blyth
Aug 4
3 min read

Updated: Aug 12

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Article Cover 2025

Being a storyteller is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes the world seems to kick us to the margins, and it's up to us to speak up if we want to be noticed. So, how do you feel good enough to stand out from the crowd? When does your work scream, "I am good enough"?

What is Imposter Syndrome?

According to Merriam-Webster, imposter syndrome is defined as a psychological condition that is characterized by persistent doubt concerning one's abilities or accomplishments, accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one's ongoing success.

Despite the hundreds of hours we dedicate to our crafts, it still never seems like enough. We're afraid that someone is going to call us out for not "doing enough" to be "worthy of being great". Deep down, we know that we deserve greatness but are equally terrified of obtaining it. Is it because we're afraid of who we'll become once we get what we crave? Or do we feel dirty for even wanting anything more than what we already have? Whatever the answer is, here are a few things to remember while sifting through your emotions.

Being Selfish Isn't Evil

We often associate the idea of being selfish with being a bad person. If you are consistently inconsiderate of others, then sure, you may reek of "the bad kind of selfish". But if you put in the work and dedicate yourself to your craft, you deserve to pursue your goals with both hands. The superstars of the history books didn't get where they wanted to be by being timid. They made an unshakable decision to obtain what they wanted, no matter what. To commit to a goal isn't selfish. It's a gift of free will. Use it to the fullest.

Storytellers Need Tough Skin to Survive

Actors. Writers. Dancers. Animators. Lawyers. Historians. We all share the same destiny to weave stories throughout our work and carry the ancient torch of storytelling into the future. We are a dying breed who endure an insane amount of criticism of varying degrees. Budgets get slashed overnight, and funding for decade-old projects evaporates without a valid reason other than "it's just how things are". Many believe that those who follow the storyteller path are doomed to a life of poverty and ridicule, while others see your talent as a one-way ticket to stardom. When you are weary and bleary-eyed from the craft, just keep in mind this final tip.

Know Your Why & Commit To It

Like I said, being a storyteller isn't for the faint of heart. You will learn to work a plethora of trades that you never imagined you'd learn. Each one will teach you lessons and possibly break your spirit. But despite it all, be crystal clear about your why.

Why are you doing this?
Why are you a storyteller?
Why is it worth fighting for?
Why haven't you given up on it despite the backlash?

The answers to these questions will fuel you on days when you want to give up and quit your part-time job. Commit to the process and tweak as you go forward. There's no one-size-fits-all for the eclectic nature of storytelling. Find your path and stand on it with both feet firmly planted. The rest you'll learn along the way.

I wish there were a magic potion I could hand out to erase the dreaded feeling of imposter syndrome. The best I can do is remind you how special you are and how much we need your stories in the world. Earthlings have the power to change their fate through storytelling and inspire others to break the shackles that bind them. Stay the course, be brave, and have fun. You're supported by thousands of storytellers who have walked before you. Make them proud.