Ever feel like a big fish in a small pond—the go-to person in your circle, the most talented in your niche? Or maybe you’ve stepped into a bigger pond, only to feel like a tiny fish surrounded by sharks?

This is a question every creative eventually faces: Do you stay where it’s safe, or do you step into deeper waters where real growth happens?

I’ve been there. More than once.

My Journey from Big Fish to Small Fish (and Back Again)

In high school, I sang in the choir, played first-chair trumpet in band, and was voted most talented my senior year. I was at the top of my game. A big fish. Then I went to a small college, and I was still one of the most talented musicians in the room.

But when I transferred to a large university to study music, everything changed. Suddenly, I was surrounded by the most talented musicians I had ever met. Small fish. Big pond. And it was humbling.

At first, it was overwhelming. I had two choices: stay small and safe, or grow into this new environment.

I chose growth.

The same thing happened when I left television to compete in the digital space. I went from feeling like an expert to realizing there were a lot of talented video creators out there.

And you know what? It’s easy to let that intimidate you, to make you feel like you don’t belong.

But here’s the truth: Every big fish was once a small fish.

The Danger of Staying in a Small Pond

For many video creators, staying in a small pond feels good.

•  You’re the best videographer in your city.
•  You’re the go-to editor for your clients.
•  Your work gets recognition.

But here’s the danger: the small pond can make you comfortable.

•  You stop pushing yourself.
•  You stop learning.
•  You stay where it’s safe.

And before you know it, you’ve capped your potential without even realizing it.

The Challenge of the Big Pond & Imposter Syndrome

Stepping into a bigger pond is intimidating.

Suddenly, you’re competing with people who have bigger budgets, better connections, and years of experience.

It’s easy to let other, more talented people intimidate you—to feel like you’re not good enough.

This is imposter syndrome at its worst. You start doubting your skills. And wonder if you even belong.

But here’s what you need to remember: The top directors making movies, shooting commercials, and creating content for Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube Originals?

They started as small fish years ago.

They weren’t directing blockbuster films on day one. They were making indie projects, shooting spec work, struggling for recognition.

But they kept going.

And now? They’re in demand because they didn’t quit when they felt small.

How to Go from Small Fish to Big Fish

If you’re feeling stuck in a small pond—or overwhelmed in a big one—here’s what you can do:

1. Keep Showing Up. Growth takes time. The more you put in the reps—filming, editing, storytelling—the better you get. The only way to get better is to keep creating.

2. Learn from Those Ahead of You. Instead of comparing yourself to top creators, study them. What are they doing differently? What skills do they have that you can develop?

3. Leverage What Makes You Unique. Your background, experience, and creative voice—they all have value. Even in a bigger space, you have something that sets you apart.

When I transitioned from TV to digital storytelling, I felt like I was starting over. But I realized—my experience in television storytelling gave me an edge.

You have that too. Your perspective and experiences make you different.

And different is what gets you noticed.

So, Where Are You Right Now?

Are you a big fish in a small pond? Or are you stepping into a bigger space and feeling like you’re swimming upstream?

Either way, growth is inevitable if you keep moving forward. Don’t stop. Keep creating. Keep pushing. Because today’s small fish? They’re tomorrow’s big fish.

Let’s Talk

Struggling with imposter syndrome? Feeling like a small fish in a big pond?
Trying to figure out your next step as a video creator?

Let’s talk. I’m offering a free 15-minute coaching call for video creators like you—no pressure, just real talk about where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there.

Go to: paulstevenforrest.com to book your free call today.

Final Thoughts

If this post resonated with you, let me know in the comments: Where are you in your journey? Are you playing it safe in a small pond or stepping into something bigger? And if this helped you, share it with another video creator who needs to hear this today.

See you in the big pond.