When I started creating weekly video content, I was gripped by fear and doubt. It wasn’t just the camera staring back at me—it was the self-doubt. Who was I to present these topics? What if no one found value in what I had to say?
For years, I’d been comfortable writing stories, letting my words do the talking. Video, however, felt like a whole new world. Every time I pressed ‘record’, I could hear that inner voice: “What if you’re not good enough? What if no one listens?”
It wasn’t long before I realised what I was battling wasn’t just nervousness—it was impostor syndrome. That nagging belief that, despite my experience and skills, I didn’t truly belong in this space. I mean, everyone else seemed so natural, so confident. And here I was, second-guessing every word.
But despite the hesitation, I decided to push through. And surprisingly, each video I released received positive feedback—people engaged with the content, they found value in my insights. The more I showed up, the more I started to realise that my fear was just that—fear. It didn’t define my ability or the value I could bring.
If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, you’re not alone. Here’s how I learned to push past it.
1. Start before you’re ready
There’s a myth that you need to feel 100 percent confident before taking on something new. The truth is, you’ll rarely ever feel completely ready. If I had waited for the “perfect” moment to start, I’d probably still be stuck in my head. You build confidence through action. Every video, every story, every step forward chips away at the self-doubt.
2. Focus on your strengths
Impostor syndrome has a way of magnifying all the things we think we lack, making us forget what we actually bring to the table. I used to obsess over how I looked or sounded on camera, but over time, I realised that what mattered most was the content itself. Your strengths—your knowledge, your experience, your unique perspective—are what people look out for. The more you focus on progress over perfection, the less power impostor syndrome holds.
3. Community is key
One of the best ways to combat impostor syndrome is to surround yourself with supportive people. Early on, I found colleagues and friends who encouraged me to keep going, even when I doubted myself. They helped me see my strengths and reminded me why I started. Whether it’s colleagues, mentors, or friends—lean on your community when self-doubt creeps in. Their belief in you can help reinforce your own.
Looking back now, I’m glad I didn’t let impostor syndrome stop me. Creating video content has not only helped me grow as a journalist but also pushed me to embrace new skills.
Have you experienced impostor syndrome in your career? How did you push through?
#ImpostorSyndrome #Journalism #Media #ContentCreation #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingFear
