Ever get a callback or book a role and start to feel like you don’t belong or know how you got there? Imposter syndrome is all too common, especially for those in creative fields like acting.
Even the best performers sometimes feel like they’re not good enough, worrying that their success is just luck or something else. Self-doubt can kill your creativity, confidence and career. If you’re dealing with imposter syndrome, you’re not alone and there are ways to overcome it.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
First coined in 1978 by psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes, imposter syndrome affects people across many industries but is especially common in creative fields like acting, where public scrutiny is high, rejection is a part of the process and success can sometimes feel subjective. According to a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, people at all levels of experience have reported feeling imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, even when they reach the top.
As actors, you’re putting yourself in a vulnerable position to be judged constantly. Many times you won’t know the real reason behind booking (or not booking) a role, and this can easily lead you down a mental spiral.
Recognizing the Signs
Imposter syndrome shows up in different ways. Some signs to look out for include:
- Constantly questioning your abilities, even when you’ve achieved great things (that you know took a lot of work, sacrifice and discipline).
- Trying to be perfect, setting impossible standards and feeling like a failure if you don’t reach them.
- Missing out on opportunities because you’re scared of failing publicly. Also known as, self-sabotage.
- Giving credit to luck, timing or other external forces for your success instead of your abilities.
Being aware of these patterns is the first step to overcoming imposter syndrome.
How You Can Manage Imposter Syndrome
1. Acknowledge It
The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is to recognize it. Actress Emma Watson has spoken openly about her struggles with imposter syndrome, despite her success. “It’s almost like the better I do, the more my feeling of inadequacy actually increases,” Watson said in an interview.
Once you name the feeling, try to reframe your thinking. Instead of saying, “I’m not talented enough to land this role,” shift to, “I am learning and growing in my craft every day, and I deserve to be here.”
2. Build a Support Network
Talking to others who understand the unique challenges of acting can be a helpful approach to minimizing imposter syndrome. When you surround yourself with support, it can help put self-doubt into perspective.
Tom Hanks has said, “No matter what we’ve done, there comes a point where you think, ‘How did I get here? When are they going to discover that I am, in fact, a fraud and take everything away from me?’ Everyone feels that way.”
3. Celebrate Your Wins—Big and Small
Start keeping a success journal where you document your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem at the time.
Did you get a callback? Did you have a great audition? Write it down. Celebrate your wins. Seeing tangible evidence of your progress can counterbalance feelings of inadequacy.
According to Dr. Valerie Young, an expert on imposter syndrome, “It’s important to internalize success and own your achievements. Otherwise, the positive feedback will always feel like it’s happening to someone else.”
4. Redefine Failure
For actors, rejection is a routine part of the job. Many successful actors have spoken about the importance of reframing rejection as a part of the process and path to success.
Michael B. Jordan has shared his approach to auditions, stating, “You’ve got to understand you’re not going to get every role. When I auditioned for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, I didn’t get the role. But that wasn’t the end of the road for me. I went on to do other great things.”
5. Practice Self-Compassion
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Self-compassion involves recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and experiences self-doubt.
Dr. Kristin Neff, an expert on self-compassion, suggests focusing on your humanity. “When we realize that suffering, failure and imperfection are part of the shared human experience, we become less judgmental and self-critical,” she says.
Embrace the Journey
Managing imposter syndrome is an ongoing process, but, with the right strategies, actors can build resilience and thrive. By acknowledging self-doubt, seeking support and embracing every experience as a learning opportunity, you can overcome the impostor within and focus on what truly matters—your growth as an actor.
As Emma Watson reminds us, “The more I’ve learned to embrace and understand my own feelings of insecurity, the more I’ve come to realize that I’m not alone.” Every actor’s journey is unique, but imposter syndrome doesn’t have to stand in the way of success.
As an actor, there are unique challenges you may face when submitting for roles and looking for the next booking. When navigating your emotions, particularly negative or self-doubting ones, it can help to speak to a professional. That’s why we offer our Thrive program as part of our Premium membership to provide flexible, affordable access to therapy, mental health resources and other healthcare benefits to support actors in maintaining their well-being. Investing in your mental health is not just about preventing burnout; it’s about thriving in both your career and personal life.
Enroll in Thrive today and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.
You may also like:
