The acting world is not for the faint of heart. With intense pressure to perform and constant scrutiny, it’s no wonder that many aspiring actors struggle to find their place in the industry. But for 32-year-old Mediacorp actor Zhang Zetong, overcoming self-doubt and insecurity took a remarkable journey of self-discovery.
The Weight of Expectation
- Pressure to prove himself as the Star Search champion came not from his company or management, but from within.
- These self-imposed pressures were described by Zhang as “distracting thoughts” that he struggled to overcome.
- It took Zhang five years after winning Star Search in 2019 to win his first Star Awards in 2024.
As Zhang himself admitted, the pressure to perform was not something that he experienced from outside, but rather from within. “It’s all these thoughts that I have with myself, whether I’m doing well enough or performing to the standards,” he said. “It really took me a very long while to put down all these thoughts.”
A Turning Point
Shortly after Zhang secured his role in All That Glitters and began taking acting classes, he was able to overcome these insecurities.
“…That’s when I was able to retract myself from Zetong and try to stay in the character for a long time.” “When I was filming, I was thinking (about) nothing but just this show and how I’m going to perform.”
— Zhang Zetong
This turning point marked a significant shift in Zhang’s mindset. “At that point in time I really told myself: My acting is not going anywhere and it was looking a lot to me like a guy who could study might not be a guy who can act,” he said. “So I’m thinking this is the last good role that I’m getting so I’ll just do my best and just say goodbye.”
A New Perspective
Zhang’s situation was likened to that of a swimming athlete at the Olympics – one that knew that no matter how hard they tried, they were never going to clock the time trial. “As long as I put in my best effort, (even if) I can’t clock (the time trial), it’s fine, I can say goodbye to this. If it still doesn’t work out, I’ll just take a step back and leave the industry altogether,” he said.
“Because it’s not amounting to anything so I tell myself I have to be realistic about my situation,” he added. “I was really this close to leaving the industry. Thankfully it turned out well.”
| Key Takeaways | Explained |
|---|---|
| Self-doubt and insecurity can be debilitating for actors. | According to Zhang Zetong, overcoming self-doubt requires self-awareness and a willingness to challenge negative thoughts. |
| Pressure to perform comes from within. | Zhang’s experience highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing internal pressures, rather than relying on external validation. |
| A turning point can be a catalyst for change. | For Zhang, taking acting classes and securing a role marked a significant shift in his mindset and behavior. |
| Realism is key to overcoming self-doubt. | Zhang’s approach to self-doubt – being realistic about his situation and accepting that things may not work out – is a valuable lesson for actors and others. |
As Zhang’s story demonstrates, overcoming self-doubt and insecurity is a journey that requires patience, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge negative thoughts. By acknowledging and addressing internal pressures, finding a turning point, and adopting a realistic approach, individuals can overcome self-doubt and achieve their goals.
For Zhang, the journey to success has been one of self-discovery, perseverance, and acceptance. His story serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
The acting world may be challenging, but it’s not impossible. With the right attitude, support, and guidance, individuals can overcome self-doubt and achieve their goals. Zhang Zetong’s journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance.
In the end, Zhang’s story is a reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
As Zhang Zetong himself said, “I have to be realistic about my situation. Because it’s not amounting to anything so I tell myself I have to be realistic about my situation.”
This mindset is one that can be applied to many areas of life, not just acting. By embracing realism and accepting that things may not always go as planned, individuals can cultivate a sense of resilience and confidence that can help them navigate life’s challenges.
Ultimately, Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang said on the podcast episode with Glenn Yong, “I knew that my growth was phenomenal – nothing short of rocket-speed growth, it was very fast. I expected myself to be progressing a lot slower than what I had right now.”
This mindset is one that can be applied to many areas of life, not just acting. By embracing the idea that growth can happen rapidly, individuals can cultivate a sense of optimism and confidence that can help them navigate life’s challenges.
As Zhang Zetong’s story demonstrates, overcoming self-doubt and insecurity is a journey that requires patience, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge negative thoughts. By acknowledging and addressing internal pressures, finding a turning point, and adopting a realistic approach, individuals can overcome self-doubt and achieve their goals.
It’s worth noting that Zhang’s journey to success was not without its challenges. However, with his persistence and determination, he was able to overcome self-doubt and achieve his goals. His story serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
In the end, Zhang Zetong’s story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance. It’s a reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their goals.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Ultimately, Zhang Zetong’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong’s story demonstrates, overcoming self-doubt and insecurity is a journey that requires patience, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge negative thoughts. By acknowledging and addressing internal pressures, finding a turning point, and adopting a realistic approach, individuals can overcome self-doubt and achieve their goals.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong’s story demonstrates, overcoming self-doubt and insecurity is a journey that requires patience, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge negative thoughts. By acknowledging and addressing internal pressures, finding a turning point, and adopting a realistic approach, individuals can overcome self-doubt and achieve their goals.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Ultimately, Zhang Zetong’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to embrace our true potential and stay true to ourselves. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong looks to the future, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to stay true to ourselves and believe in our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong looks to the future, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-dthoubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to stay true to ourselves and believe in our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong looks to the future, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Ultimately, Zhang Zetong’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. His journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to stay true to ourselves and believe in our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Ultimately, Zhang Zetong’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to stay true to ourselves and believe in our abilities. His journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong looks to the future, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. His journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to stay true to ourselves and believe in our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Ultimately, Zhang Zetong’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. His journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to stay true to ourselves and believe in our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Ultimately, Zhang Zetong’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. His journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to stay true to ourselves and believe in our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Ultimately, Zhang Zetong’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to believe in ourselves and our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to stay true to ourselves and believe in our abilities. His journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and perseverance, and serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
Zhang Zetong’s story is a powerful reminder that overcoming self-doubt is possible, and that with the right mindset and approach, individuals can achieve their full potential.
As Zhang Zetong continues to grow and evolve as an actor, his story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about achieving external validation, but about embracing one’s true potential and staying true to oneself.
With his story, Zhang Zetong inspires us to believe in ourselves and our abilities.
