Impostor Syndrome Zeitgeist II

While catching up on the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, I reached the middle of Season 5, Episode 4, and this scene happened…

Steve Martin: “How could a writer of your talent have impostor syndrome?”
Selena Gomez: “Actually, I get it.”
Writer: “Really? You’re not an impostor.”
Selena Gomez: “Sometimes I feel like one.”
Writer: “That’s crazy. You’re my inspiration. It’s what drew me to your podcast. You never pretend to be anything other than what you are. Amateurs—”
Steve Martin: “Hey, hey, whoa.”
Writer: “I was going to say, amateurs flailing their way to success.”

This scene speaks to two realities at once. First, even the most talented and accomplished people grapple with impostor feelings. Second, the perception of success often looks vastly different from the experience of the person living it.

Meta Meets Reality

This scene mirrors Selena Gomez’s real-life struggles with impostor syndrome, which she discusses in her 2022 book My Mind and Me: The Not-So-Secret Diary of Selena Gomez.

It’s a meta moment: Selena’s character articulates the same feelings she has experienced off-screen. And it captures a powerful truth—impostor syndrome is pervasive and affects people regardless of success, talent, or accolades.

As a coach and mentor, I see clients wrestle with these feelings every day. These doubts don’t stem from a lack of ability. They often come from the unrealistic expectations that society—and we ourselves—place on success.

The Creative Pressure Cooker

Impostor syndrome can be especially potent for creative people. The pressure to produce something meaningful, original, and well-received is relentless. And creative work is constantly subject to subjective judgment by audiences and professional critics alike.

But there’s something we can learn from our creative counterparts.

A Lesson from the “Amateurs Flailing Their Way to Success”

In moments of self-doubt, remember what makes you unique and valuable—your perspective, your perseverance, your talents, and the impact you make. And if you don’t know, get help figuring out what makes you unique.

Success often looks exactly like “amateurs flailing their way to success.” We are all figuring it out as we go.

Embrace the journey. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Understand that feeling like an impostor doesn’t mean you are one.