How to Fight Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome is an increasingly common experience that impacts people from all walks of life—from students to the most educated scholars and professionals. It’s that nagging feeling of self-doubt that often makes a person question his or her abilities and accomplishments, coupled with the false fear that one day, others will discover how much of a fraud one is.
Sufferers of impostor syndrome often attribute their successes to external factors or luck instead of internal factors such as ability, education, or skill. And left unchecked, impostor syndrome can lead to deeper issues like procrastination, a lack of self-confidence, and even anxiety or depression.
Fortunately, there are several tools and tactics a person can use to overcome it. Here are just a few:
- Identify and challenge your negative thought patterns. At its very core, impostor syndrome starts in your mind. Learning to recognize those thoughts is the first step to making sure they don’t spiral out of control.
- Celebrate your accomplishments. Take time to reflect on your successes and triumphs and the hard work you put in to get there. By acknowledging and affirming your journey—especially by writing it down—you can start to combat your self-doubt.
- Seek out support from others. Impostor syndrome thrives in isolation. When it hits, talk to a classmate, family member, friend, mentor, or therapist. Chances are, the people in your life have struggled with impostor syndrome as well and can share the strategies they’ve employed in their own lives to address it, as well as remind you of your giftings, strengths, and successes in life.
Here's a helpful video reflection from Dr. Matt Nelson, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, on what to do when impostor syndrome strikes. Whether you’re a new graduate student or a seasoned professional, know that you are not alone, and impostor syndrome does not have to take root in your life.