As humans, we fixate more on the negatives than the positives. Within the arts industry, we as a collective aim to promote freedom, creativity, to escape the negatives. However, sometimes the negativities and doubts sneak up on you, making you question your abilities, feel isolated and fear exposure of being a “fraud”.

Change your mindset. 

You are there for a reason, or else you wouldn’t be where you are. Name your imposter thoughts, begin telling yourself why you think you feel it. Remember:

You are only human, and can only do so much.

Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed or begin overthinking about what my future holds, the only thing that helps me is to dance. Music is a universal language, music can distract, heal, communicate. It allows me to fixate on the lyrics, the melody, the beat… rather than focusing on my overthinking brain. Just for a moment, my worries disappear. The best thing about it, afterwards, I have a clear mind to think realistically. To focus on the facts: my accomplishments and the reality that I am ONLY twenty-one. A whole life awaits me.

• Take time out to allow yourself to process all your accomplishments. 
• Concentrate on five small wins of the day. 
• Take a five minute break to listen to your favourite song, dance the feelings out and release endorphins, then focus back on the task at hand. 
• Journal your feelings – look back on your journey. 

We are always learning, changing and shaping our destiny.

I can’t sit still for long. Since finishing university, there has been this hole for learning that has been missing. A lack of development… which causes me to once again, overthink. As well as being fascinating, it  also unintentionally adds content to my CV. When I focus on the online courses or research or books I have read that advance my learning, it gives me a sense of achievement and joy. Of course there are some days where all I want to do is sit in front of a binge-worthy Netflix series all day… but moments of learning make me feel active and proactive.

• Take action in learning something new. Constantly build your skillset to feel more in control.
• Trial a new style of art, research a new genre of film, go watch a new play. Take time to learn.
• Keep making and creating, prove yourself wrong.
• Journal your achievements from each past month – witness how much you did.

Imposter Syndrome is universal and natural.

Lately, the podcast by Mel Robbins has benefited me massively in terms of mindset. A 56 year old American author has somehow managed to experience the same emotions as a twenty-one year old Brit who she has never met. She explores her own daughters’ emotions and worries that are exactly the same – neither of whom are a part of the arts industry. It is universal!

• Ask anyone: friends, family, coworkers – they might have experienced the same feelings.
• Listen to Mel Robbins’ podcast, especially her episode named “Things I wish I’d known in my 20s” – suitable for all ages but aimed more at those in their 20s.

Talk to other creatives 

Since joining Connecting Notts, I have seen how different those within the arts community can be, how skills can range and vary. It excites me, and scares me. It’s natural to compare, but you provide skills that maybe someone else doesn’t. The only way you can know someone’s journey is by asking. You’ll most likely find that your paths are similar. Every journey differs, no path is straight forward. There is no clear yellow-brick road to take you to that successful arts career. 

• Even those with more experience may feel the same way
• Surround yourself with like-minded, artistic people to bounce inspiration and wisdom onto and from. Share ideas and skills.
• Be inspired!

Start saying “I’m growing, learning and developing” rather than “I’m not good enough”

Remember the journey that has got you to where you are now. The failures, the success, the path you have taken. Personally, I often forget I am ONLY twenty-one, that I have my whole future ahead of me to learn and develop. My overall reflection: when feeling overwhelmed, take time out to write down all your own personal and professional achievements, big or small. You’ll see how far you’ve come – diminish those fraudulent emotions!

• Say it three times in front of a mirror. Shout it aloud. Write it in your notes app, on your hand, around your house. 
• Say it every morning. Make it a part of your morning routine. Each day is new and exciting. You can’t predict what will happen. 
• Channel that positive energy into your life. You have only got one. 

Continue writing down your achievements whenever they appear in life. In your old age you can look back and see the amazing life you had – but don’t forget to be proud of yourself in this moment. 

If you read this far, I want you to grab a pen and paper (or notes app of phone), and write “I’m growing, learning and developing”, “I am where I am for a reason”, then your most recent accomplishment. Start your list. Keep coming back to that list whenever the imposter syndrome sets in, add to it.

Good luck,

Jess x

To find opportunities and events for young creatives in Nottingham, follow @connectingnotts on Instagram or join our mailing list.