We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamar Cleary a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jamar, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been quite a journey for me, and one strategy that really made a difference was adopting the mindset of being a fly on the wall. Picture yourself in various situations, not as an active participant burdened by self-doubt, but as an observer seeking to understand and learn.
In those moments of self-doubt, I’ve trained myself to step back mentally and imagine being that fly on the wall. Instead of immediately succumbing to negative thoughts, I focus on observing the people around me. I watch how they handle challenges, their moments of vulnerability, and the effort they put into overcoming obstacles.
This perspective shift allows me to appreciate the diversity of experiences and struggles everyone faces. It became evident that even the most confident individuals have their share of uncertainties. As I witness their journey, I find common ground and a shared human experience, realizing that we’re all navigating our unique paths.
Moreover, being that fly on the wall helps me recognize my own strengths and accomplishments. By objectively observing situations, I identify areas where I excel and contribute value. It’s a reminder that I bring something unique to the table, just like everyone else.
This personal stance of observation, rather than constant comparison, has contributed significantly to my journey of overcoming imposter syndrome. It has become a tool for self-reflection, allowing me to see myself as a capable individual with room for growth, rather than someone who doesn’t measure up.
So, the next time imposter syndrome creeps in, try taking a step back and being that fly on the wall. Observe, learn, and appreciate both the journeys of others and your own. It’s a powerful way to shift your mindset and build the confidence needed to overcome those nagging feelings of inadequacy.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Jamar Cleary, the brainchild of Clear Editz Studios, specializes in concert, travel and business photography. Born into a family of published writers, he discovered since childhood his innate passion for capturing intriguing stories through his lens. With the mentorship of Romaine “Luigi Society” Brown, he has showcased memorable moments from events such as Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica Rum Festival, Unruly Fest, rebel Salute and Best Weekend Ever. This feat has earned him recognition from international and local icons like Quavo formerly of the Migos, Ashanti, Skinny Fabulous, Nailah Blackman, Popcaan and Bounty Killer. While at Yaad Boiiz Films, he has shot videos for several music stalwarts including Vybz Kartel, Tommy Lee Sparta, Munga Honorable and Teejay. Additionally, he contributed to the production of the award-winning Caribbean film Joseph in 2020. As a result of these experiences, he is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s in Film Production at the University of the West Indies.
Among his present projects is his Youtube series The Reasoning Jamaica, which interviews major and upcoming players in the entertainment industry. Though Kingston-based, Jamar has completed assignments in Panama, Barbados, Dominican Republic, United States and Colombia – becoming known for his precision and innovativeness. He is planning to explore West Africa and the Dutch Caribbean this year while continuing to share Jamaica’s beauty and culture on global platforms.
For the year of 2024, I plan on creating a studio space for Clear Editz, working being more integral in a Jamaican Culture Magazine and completing more international assignments.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Consistency: Consistency is the hallmark of reliability and trustworthiness. It involves the steadfast adherence to a set of principles, actions, or behaviors over time. In any aspect of life, whether personal or professional, consistency fosters predictability and stability. It’s the bridge between intentions and outcomes. Being consistent not only helps build a positive reputation but also cultivates discipline and accountability. Whether in work projects, relationships, or personal development, the ability to consistently deliver on commitments is a key factor in achieving long-term success.
Maintaining Standards:
Maintaining standards is about upholding a set of predetermined criteria or benchmarks in various aspects of life. This could relate to ethical standards, quality standards, or personal standards of conduct. Setting and adhering to high standards demonstrates a commitment to excellence. It creates a framework for decision-making, ensuring that actions align with established principles. Whether in a professional setting, where high-quality work is essential, or in personal relationships, where ethical and moral standards guide behavior, maintaining standards contributes to a sense of integrity and purpose.
Being Kind to Everyone:
Kindness is a universally valuable trait that contributes to positive interpersonal relationships and a harmonious community. Being kind to everyone involves treating others with empathy, respect, and understanding, regardless of differences. Kindness is not only a virtue but also a powerful force for creating a supportive and inclusive environment. It fosters goodwill, builds trust, and often inspires others to reciprocate. In both personal and professional spheres, practicing kindness can lead to more positive interactions, increased collaboration, and a sense of shared humanity.
In summary, consistency builds trust, maintaining standards promotes excellence, and being kind to everyone creates a positive and inclusive environment. Balancing these three aspects can contribute to personal growth, successful endeavors, and fulfilling relationships.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am actively seeking a dynamic and creative collaborator to join forces with on exciting projects. Here are the key qualities I’m looking for:
Creativity:
I value innovation and fresh perspectives. I’m searching for someone with a creative mindset who can bring unique ideas to the table. Whether it’s in problem-solving, ideation, or project execution, a creative partner will help us stand out and make a meaningful impact.
Energy Alignment:
Energy is a driving force in any collaboration. I’m looking for someone whose energy aligns with mine – someone enthusiastic, passionate, and committed to achieving our shared goals. A positive and proactive attitude will not only enhance our work but also make the journey enjoyable.
Future-focused:
Success is a journey, and I’m seeking a collaborator who envisions a successful future as much as I do. Together, we should be forward-thinking, with a shared understanding that our collaboration has the potential to lead to mutual financial success. This involves setting clear goals, being adaptable, and working towards sustainable growth.
Mutual Benefit:
Collaboration should be mutually beneficial. I believe in creating opportunities where both parties can thrive and succeed. If you’re someone who shares this vision and is excited about the prospect of making money together in the future, let’s explore how our skills and aspirations complement each other.
If you resonate with these qualities and are ready to embark on a creative journey with an eye on future success, I’d love to connect. Let’s not just collaborate; let’s build something extraordinary together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cleareditzja.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamarcleary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamar.cleary/
- Linkedin: https://jm.linkedin.com/in/jamar-cleary
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12251527/
Image Credits
CEZ6343 – Popcaan CEZ2223 – Skinny Fabulous CEZ2426 – Bounty Killer CEZ3706 – Chris Brown CEZ7823 – Burna Boy CEZ8533 – Bounty Killer IMG4219 – Ashanti IMG4220 – Quavo IMG4221 – Nailah Blackman
