Growing up with a twin, comparisons were inevitable. It felt like everything I did was constantly measured against my sister's accomplishments. This naturally placed me in a position of feeling like I was always in second place. Even when I finally found my passion in creating videos, those feelings of inadequacy lingered.
Someone once told me I wouldn't make it in this business, and that really hit me hard. It felt like both internal and external factors were trying to convince me that I wasn't good enough. This self-doubt was amplified by an accident I had, which left me feeling even more isolated and alone.
For a year, I tried to hide the scar on my hand with a self-made glove. It was a futile attempt to hide my insecurity, and it only drew more attention. Thankfully, with the help of friends and especially my wife, I was able to overcome this. She pushed me to lose the glove and, more importantly, to stop caring so much about what others thought.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: the power of support and the importance of self-acceptance.
But let's be honest, it's not easy. As a creative, you naturally crave validation for your work. You want people to like and appreciate what you put out there. You pour your heart and soul into your projects, and it can be discouraging when you don't get the recognition you feel you deserve.
That's why I'm so grateful for the support I've had in pursuing my passion. I started a video production company, and I quickly realized that if you love what you do and you can communicate that passion to others, people will take notice. Confidence comes from being comfortable in your own skin and refining your craft. The more you learn and practice, the better you become, and that naturally translates into confidence.
Do I still struggle with comparing myself to others, especially on social media? Absolutely. It's a constant battle. But I've come a long way. I've learned that comparison can be a double-edged sword. It can motivate you to push yourself and grow, but it can also be destructive if you let it control you.
This journey of self-doubt is something I fight every day. But there's a fire that keeps me going: the moments of pure joy when I create something truly special, something that resonates with people. It's incredibly fulfilling to see comments on older videos, years after they were posted, knowing that my work continues to connect with people and make a positive impact.
The same goes for capturing a client's vision and bringing it to life through my lens. That positive feedback is like fuel for my creative fire. It's the feeling of connection, of creating something special that moves people, that makes it all worth it.
This isn't about sugarcoating things. It's not always easy. There will be days when you feel like giving up. But I'm here to tell you that you have the power to create something meaningful, something that inspires others. Don't let self-doubt hold you back. Believe in yourself, because I believe in you. And if you're ever feeling discouraged, remember my story. Remember that even someone who constantly struggled with self-doubt like me was able to find success. You can too.
