Self-Doubt: Even the Most Successful Struggle With It

Margot Robbie once admitted-

“I have many moments of self-doubt, everybody does … Even when I came off Wolf of Wall Street and had three months of unemployment, I thought I’d never work again, which was crazy.”

What comes up for you when you hear that? Relief? Recognition? Maybe a little shock?

Self-Doubt Is Universal

It’s easy to think self-doubt is something only inexperienced or under-achieving people face. But the truth is far different.

Even Joel Edgerton, one of Australia’s most respected actors and directors has said that every time he gears up to direct, the same fears flood in:

“Am I gonna be able to do this? I’ve done it before, I’ve made a movie before… Surely, I should have felt the confidence to go, ‘I’ve been through this.’”

And it’s not just actors.

Recently, I coordinated a full day of Compton Learning workshops at RMIT, hosting reflective conversations with four of Australia’s top producers, writers, and directors. Each one spoke openly about imposter syndrome and self-doubt. Even Tony Ayres — one of Australia’s most prolific and celebrated filmmakers admitted to dreading the thought-

“What if I’ve forgotten how to direct? What if it’s all been a fluke and I actually suck?”

We laughed, because of course he doesn’t. But the laughter was mixed with recognition. Success does not erase self-doubt.

Behind the Masks of Success

I’ve also seen this in my clients. One, a business affairs executive for a television production company experiences such severe self-doubt at the start of each new project that it can derail her life for months.

And me?

People often see me as relentlessly ambitious, a high-achiever who’s “done it all.” I’ve walked Hollywood red carpets, produced award-winning films, and even had a film reviewed by David Stratton as Best Australian Film of the Year.

And yet — my Achilles heel has always been self-doubt. For years, others believed in me far more than I believed in myself. Today, I’ve come to accept it as part of human nature. The difference is that I now know how to accept it without use it as fuel instead of letting it derail me.

So, What Can You Do About It?

Madonna, in her Billboard Woman of the Year speech, captured it perfectly

“In life, there is no real safety except self-belief.”

Actually, she said a lot more ... here is a snippet

As you can imagine, all these unexpected events ( read the full article ) not only helped me become the daring woman that stands before you, but it also reminded me that I am vulnerable. And in life, there is no real safety except self belief.

 And an understanding that I am not the owner of my talents. I am not the owner of anything. Everything I have is a gift from God. And even the totally fucked up things that happened to me, that still happen to me, are also gifts. To teach me lessons and make me stronger.

Instead of playing small or holding back, try these few shifts:

1. Accept and acknowledge that self-doubt is part of the human experience.

2. Build your self-belief and if you struggle to do this alone - don't! Get coaching, engage with people who support you and remind you of your intrinsic worth, and who you have the potential to become.

3. Engage in honest conversations surround yourself with people who drop the mask and tell the truth about their struggles.

4. Separate your identity from your work. You are more than your latest project or achievement. If this attitude is good enough for Madonna - surely it is good enough for us?

   
   

You Don’t Have to Walk This Path Alone

Do you have a community of people who believe in you, will champion and encourage you through your moments (or long periods) of self doubt?

Do you have a community where you can share stories, interrogate your beliefs, say it as it is, explore reality including challenges and solutions, and not always have to appear 'together'.

That’s exactly what Life, Art & Wellbeing is about. Yes it is informative, educational, inspirational, but even more than that, it is a community, where you are welcome.

This Wednesday 20th August 2025 at 12:30pm AEST, we’ll explore how to turn self-doubt into strength, and explore the reality of who you think you are.

There are so many lessons that can be learned from the creative industries and the movie business, where ‘normal’ human challenges are exaggerated, amplified, and highlighted because of the nature of these industries - where uncertainty, competition, failure, and fear of judgment are par for the course,  but also where resilience, creativity, and courage thrive.

You are welcome to join us, even if you are not a creative industry person, but would love to engage with and share experiences with tenacious, brave and bold souls willing to walk a path of their own making.

You don’t need to be in film or television to benefit, you just need curiosity, honesty, and the willingness to grow.

👉 Register here for Life, Art & Wellbeing

Come join a community of tenacious, bold souls who are daring to create a life on their own terms.