Reflecting on Imposter Syndrome

With the year coming to a close. It’s time to write down all your hopes and dreams that you want to accomplish in 2023. That comes with reflection of what you’ve done, what you regret, and what you are proud of. Everything in between. Here’s some of my thoughts: 

The past few years I’ve really focused on my career as a writer and trying to “make it.” I’m really proud of myself for what I’ve accomplished but I can tell the devil on my shoulder tells me that I didn’t do enough. But I know (and have to remind myself) that every year, I get stronger as a writer and as a person. My writing and my life experiences are unique and anyone would be blessed to have me in their writer’s room or development office. 

And saying that, reflecting about my past year in my personal life and career brought me to think about the societal pressure of needing to succeed at a certain age or time in their life. Anyone can succeed at any age. “Making it” is not a race. It’s a marathon. You have to keep going and the people at the finish lines are the ones with grit who never gave up. It’s all about persistence. 

Recently I’ve been talking to my friends about “Imposter Syndrome” because of a TikTok about a conversation that Quinta Brunson and Oprah had about never having it.. The TikToker, Aaron Aceves mentions that he’s never had it either, because of the work that he’s put in. He said “finally!” and knew he was good at what he did but he was being ignored. That STRUCK ME! I always struggled with not feeling good enough and hesitations of if my scripts are good. But once Yokai started getting good feedback and placing in contests this year, I told myself FINALLY. I put in work. I know my pilot is good. I am READY for the next step. But society is so stuck in its ways that as an Asian American writer, the doors are few and far between. I realized the hesitations or the imposter syndrome that I was having was not because I was doubting myself or my writing. It was because society does not make room (Trying but not by much) to find diverse writers and voices. So by doing so, it made me feel like my writing was not enough. My writing is worth it. I am worth it. 

With all of that said, I hope you find 2023 to be your year. However you want it to be. As long as you take steps (even if they are little) to achieve your goals, you are doing something and you should be proud of that. Throw the pressures of making it at a certain time and imposter syndrome out the window. You can do anything!!!

Happy Holidays!