Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever feel as though everything you do will never be enough?  

Feelings of self-doubt linger in many minds when embarking on the prodigious expedition that is graduate school. Prodigious (which means huge) is just one of the many SAT words I have heard from a peer while studying at Syracuse University. For some, a lack of understanding of such terms can lead to self-doubt and questioning their worthiness of being in a graduate program. While this may seem like an exaggerated reaction to a single word, it is a very common feeling relating to something called “imposter syndrome.” 

Let us explore the journey that many individuals undertake in overcoming this persistent and prevalent challenge. 

What is imposter syndrome? 

According to Psychology Today, imposter syndrome is a “psychological pattern experienced by many high-achieving individuals.” Despite their successes, these people often feel like they are not as competent or intelligent as others perceive them to be. They doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds, even though they have earned their achievements through hard work and talent. They believe their accomplishments are undeserved and that they’re fooling everyone. 

A study done in 2020 by the National Cancer Institute evaluated the prevalence of imposter syndrome, showing 56% to 82% in graduate students, college students, nurses, medical students and other professions.

“For many graduate students, imposter syndrome manifests itself in negative comparisons to other students, a sense that they aren’t cut out for graduate coursework or don’t belong in the academy, or that they only got into graduate school by luck and don’t deserve to be there,” states an article on imposter syndrome from Arizona State University’s (ASU) Graduate College. Imposter syndrome may be a persistent issue for many, but providing appropriate support can help students and trainees navigate its challenges. 

How can it affect you? 

Imposter syndrome can significantly impact your well-being, going beyond feelings of guilt or discomfort. It often coexists with depression and anxiety, intensifying these conditions.

For graduate students, persistent self-doubt can lead to “avoiding opportunities and challenges, fear submitting work for review, participating in team projects, and failing to initiate for fear of being judged or found out,” writes Steven. R Shaw in Psychology Today. Shaw is an associate professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University.

Imposter syndrome thrives in an academic setting because of the constant assumption that graduate students are expected to be super genius know-it-alls. The common myths and misconceptions about how to be successful and the unfair treatment of some students can make it hard for them to feel good about their abilities. 

Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome 

While reading the article from ASU, I kept coming across the word “resilience.” This means “the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” As a graduate student, you are faced with many adversities that you are forced to overcome. By weathering these challenges, you are developing resilience to help you in your future career. To help you overcome the inevitable setbacks of imposter syndrome, here are three strategies I practice that have eased my nerves significantly:   

1. After reading a blog from a former Newhouse student Emily Newman, I realized talking to trusted peers and mentors, or seeking professional counseling, can help you realize that these feelings are common and can provide validation to help you through it.  

2. Creating a list of accomplishments and areas for improvement can help individuals focus on their positive attributes and identify areas for growth. 

3. Setting realistic expectations and avoiding perfectionism is another important strategy by recognizing that progress is often incremental, individuals can reduce the pressure to be flawless and focus on continuous learning 

Conclusion 

Conquering imposter syndrome requires a combination of self-awareness, support and intentional strategies. By acknowledging how common these feelings are, seeking support from peers and mentors, recognizing your strengths and setting realistic expectations, you can challenge the self-doubt that causes your imposter syndrome. Remember, your journey in graduate school is a testament to your abilities and potential.