There’s a phrase that sneaks into virtually each actor’s thoughts in some unspecified time in the future:
“I’m not ok.”
It creeps in throughout quiet durations between jobs, after a troublesome audition, or when evaluating your self to others. The doubter in your head likes to amplify fears, whispering that you just’re not gifted sufficient, that you just’ll by no means work once more, that “I’m not ok.”
However right here’s the reality: ideas will not be details. And similar to any script, they are often rewritten.
Why the Doubter Will get Loud
That inside voice tends to shout the loudest if you’re between tasks, ready for an audition, or feeling caught. It thrives in uncertainty. Whereas self-reflection may be worthwhile, unchecked damaging considering can spiral into limiting beliefs that maintain you again.
And if the thought “I’m not ok” retains repeating, it’s straightforward to begin believing it. However earlier than you let that thought settle in, take a step again and analyse it—similar to you’ll with any line of dialogue.
At the moment’s Problem: Write It Down, Self-Edit the Script
✍️ Step 1: Seize the Thought
Write down what the doubter in your head is saying. It could possibly be:
❌ “I’m not ok.”
❌ “I’ll by no means work once more.”
❌ “I don’t have what it takes.”
🧐 Step 2: Label It for What It Is
Remind your self: It is a thought, not a fact. Simply because one thing seems as a press release of reality doesn’t make it actual.
💡 Step 3: Problem It with Proof
As a substitute of accepting “I’m not ok,” counter it with a fuller perspective:
✔️ “I’ve confronted challenges earlier than, and I overcame them.”
✔️ “I is probably not the place I need to be but, however I’m studying, bettering, and rising.”
✔️ “I’ve expertise, resilience, and willpower—and that issues.”
The identical applies to any limiting perception. If you happen to’ve had breaks between jobs earlier than, you’ve additionally landed jobs earlier than. If you happen to’ve struggled with self-doubt earlier than, you’ve additionally pushed by way of it earlier than.
Like several season in life, this one will move too.
Rewrite the Narrative
Actors edit and refine their performances on a regular basis—slicing what doesn’t serve the story and making stronger decisions. What in case you gave your personal ideas the identical remedy?
Your mindset is a script you’re continuously performing. So, self-edit the elements that don’t serve you. Form your inside monologue into one thing that pushes you ahead, slightly than holding you again.
As a result of the reality is, you are ok. You all the time have been. 🎭