How to deal with imposter syndrome
How to deal with imposter syndrome
How to deal with imposter syndrome
We’ve all been there before: we’re supposed to do something but we don’t feel like we are up to the challenge. We don’t feel like we’re up to the task. We feel like a total IMPSOTER. We don’t belong here. We shouldn’t even be here!
Feeling like an imposter is common for people who work in advanced or highly demanding fields. It can take on many forms. But the results of imposter syndrome are nearly always the same: we become frozen, crippled and unable to act.
This article will address the issue of “imposter syndrome” and how it affects our professional lives. Who is affected by imposter syndrome will be covered in addition to some of the most common characteristics of imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome’s effects will be reviewed in detail in addition to the types of people who are most affected by it. In the end, imposter syndrome is a state of mind that can be addressed by shifting our own mindset. Imposter syndrome in student affairs will be specifically reviewed in addition to action steps for overcoming your own imposter syndrome.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is not actually a disorder. The term was originally coined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978. They determined that what we know as “imposter syndrome” came about when individuals remained convinced that they didn’t deserve their own success despite evidence of accomplishments to the contrary.
The basis of this lies in individuals’ self doubt and insecurity. It manifests itself in people who take on challenges in life such as graduate students and new professionals: two large populations in student affairs. These two populations are extremely susceptible to feelings of inadequacy and perceived lack of professional abilities. As a result, these individuals often internalize this fear in addition to being exposed as frauds.
These feelings of inadequacy (despite evidence to the contrary) represent the bulk of imposter syndrome. As such, those who suffer from imposter syndrome don’t believe that they deserve their success and accolades. This can manifest itself into negative thinking which can actually result in a person sabotaging their own success – an issue known as “catastrophizing”
Simply put, imposter syndrome is the personal feeling of “phoniness” and the fear that at any moment you “will be found out.” As a result, you are constantly on edge and feel like you don’t belong.
Who is affected by imposter syndrome?
Graduate students and new professionals are often affected by imposter syndrome, but who else is also susceptible to this mindset? Turns out that anyone can be trapped by this including men, women, students, managers, actors, and executives. Anyone who performs at a challenging level, but still has self-doubts, are susceptible to imposter syndrome.
Graduate students in particular are especially vulnerable to imposter syndrome because they often work with and learn from others who are accomplished and established intellectually in their field. Because of this, they often feel that they may have been admitted to their field by mistake.
This is especially relevant for women in male dominated fields as well as first generation students and people of color. As a result these individuals often are too hard on themselves- even when accomplishing something significant. Because of this they feel stress sand often doubt themselves and their abilities when in adverse situations.
However, this doubt is often reflective of the kind of achievements that individuals THINK they should have rather than the ones that they already have. These markers of success are usually externalized and comparative; rather than internalized and reflective. Being humble is not necessarily a bad thing. However, too much humility can definitely handicap you.
This is naturally the case for individuals who teach, learn, or work with a population who are either much younger or much older than you. The disparate display of ages often goes hand in hand with your own skills, knowledge, background, and abilities. Naturally, the feeling of “not fitting in” can exacerbate these characteristics of imposter syndrome.
What are some characteristics of imposter syndrome?
Some of the most common characteristics include a sense of self-doubt and intellectual fraudulence. These often go hand in hand with overriding a person’s well earned feelings of success represented by their eternal accomplishments. This representation of chronic self-doubt leads to anxiety and low self-esteem in the process.
As a result, those that suffer from imposter syndrome often “feel like a fake” and believe that they don’t deserve the success that they have gained on their own merits. However, this is perceived fraudulence is entirely subjective. It’s also internally focused as an individual has trouble rationalizing how their achieved successes inform and confirm how qualified and capable they are.
This goes hand in hand with the aspects of high performing individuals as they often rely on a combination of self-monitoring and impression management. Despite their accomplishments, they believe it may be incomparable to someone who is more accomplished than they are. Because of that, they become even more self-critical. Those suffering from imposter syndrome then actualize that criticality by assuming that they are a “fraud” for not accomplishing as much compared to others.
This self-perpetuating cycle continues for an individual suffering from imposter syndrome as their own criticality downplays their success compared to others. This often comes about when they dismiss or don’t acknowledge accolades, compliments, or congratulations from peers and colleagues. This can even cause some individuals to attribute these successes to “luck” rather than to their own skills, knowledge, background, and experience in attaining the kind of accomplishments that they’ve earned.
Professionals suffering from imposter syndrome think that they cannot do a particular thing because of this self-perpetuating cycle of criticality. They fear approaching the activity in general due to them being “found out” end exposed as a fraud.
These characteristics are largely driven by circumstances of individuals who find themselves in situations and locations where they may not get the feedback and support necessary to overcome some of these aspects of imposter syndrome. This is often tied to social anxiety in situations where they feel like they “don’t belong.” However, social anxiety alone isn’t the only effects of imposter syndrome.
What are the effects of imposter syndrome?
The most common effect is the internal thoughts of your monologue that constantly play inside of your head. Some of them are self-detrimental – but most of them focus on one key concept: self-consciousness.
These self-conscious feelings often affect individuals negatively. That’s because it comes at the cost of constant anxiety. These feelings of anxiety often come about from situations or scenarios when someone feels inadequate. This can occur in graduate programs when required to present or teach a class. It can come about from a professional setting when required to communicate or present before top executives or decision makers. Other times it could include being referred to as an “authority” or an “expert” in a knowledge area.
These anxious feelings that come about from these scenarios are common. However, they are also necessary for professionals and academics to continue to grow. But these feelings often come at the cost of preventing someone from actively contributing to a field in a meaningful way. This comes about from the afflicted person’s desire to “not be found out” and because someone doesn’t want to appear “dumb.”
This constant anxiety is an effect of imposter syndrome. As such, they fuel feelings of incompetence, rejection, and self-doubt. These are often exacerbated when professionals compare themselves against their peers and mentors who they feel are more accomplished. Because of this, those suffering from imposter syndrome often fail to reach out and discuss their feelings based on their internalized fear that the will be discovered as someone who doesn’t belong.
This effect is multiplied when those suffering from imposer syndrome purposely make career and professional decisions that don’t make use of their actual skills and competencies. These ill fated decisions often lead to burnout in both their academic studies as well as their career. Therefore these afflicted professionals will continue to write, act, present, and achieve. In the end, no amount of success can sway their internal self-doubt.
Likewise, the afflicted may even over compensate for their self-reflection by pressuring themselves to never fail. Such a high expectation is difficult and challenging to accomplish as it brings added pressure that is unnecessary for performing their everyday duties and responsibilities. This is often related to personality traits where individuals who suffer from imposter syndrome pursue perfectionism in everything they are involved with.
Types of people with imposter syndrome
One of the most common types of professionals who suffer from imposter syndrome is the perfectionist. The perfectionist sets exceedingly high standards and is often distraught whenever they fail to reach their goal. As such they prefer to be in control because they are worried about failing to measure up against their peers.
Another type of individual is the “super human” who often pushes themselves to work harder, faster, and longer than their accomplished colleagues. This is reflective of their insecurity as they cannot equate their regular accomplishments with those of their peers. In the end, their continuous desire to keep working harms their own mental and physical health as well as their relationships with others.
Those who feel that they can “master” different areas quickly compared to their peers are also susceptible to imposter syndrome. These individuals judge their own process on their “natural genius” to know and accomplish things quickly. When they don’t, they often feel shame.
This type of person is closely related to “lone wolves” or soloists who feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness. As such they feel that it is unnecessary to ask for help – even if it helps demonstrate their own prowess and self worth.
Lastly, the “expert” bases their own self-confidence and self-worth both on what and how much they know. Because of this, they feel incredibly pressured to know as much as possible for fear that they might be exposed someone who is both unknowledgeable an inexperienced.
State of mind with imposter syndrome
Overall the impact that imposter syndrome can have on individuals is due to a state of mind. This occurs because the only difference between someone suffering from imposter syndrome and a true imposter is someone who actually lacks the requisite background, knowledge, skills, and abilities to rise to the challenges presented to them.
This is why those afflicted by imposter syndrome should realize that there are times in their lives when they can reflect and feel like an “imposter.” This is a critical period and part of the self-reflection process. However, it’s okay to have moments when you feel like an imposter versus being an imposter.
This kind of doubt is okay and natural to have. That’s because some doubt allows someone to refine, test, and experiment within their own knowledge base. It makes someone want to improve themselves in order to perform better and achieve. A negative self-reflection forces someone to freeze and not take any action at all.
While simple to acknowledge in passing, imposter syndrome is much harder to deal with in practice. That’s because imposter syndrome is largely caused by personal beliefs: beliefs on one’s own self-efficacy, competency, and abilities. Changing those beliefs can be incredibly challenging because we are often called upon to trust the one person who can consistently let us down: ourselves.
Imposter syndrome in student affairs
Imposter syndrome affects and impacts student affairs professionals on a regular basis. This includes graduate students and new professionals alike. This happens most frequently with individuals starting their first full time positions after conducting a lengthy and exhausting search. These moments are often full of reflection and self-doubt.
Starting a new position is already stressful. This is exacerbated when also taking on new responsibilities that may not have been part of the professional’s past experiences. However, these new roles (like any new job) often come with learning curves that are mitigated over time.
This is especially relevant for new professionals who may not have worked directly in student affairs facing roles before. They might have come from other parts of the university’s administration such as the registrar, athletics, or even finance. However, these new roles represent a professional and personal change in their direction. One that will inform and help them shape their career trajectory for years to come.
What you can do to mitigate imposter syndrome?
There are many reasons and ways that professionals can be afflicted with imposter syndrome. It is possible to overcome these feelings even though it may seem both challenging and daunting.
One of the first things to do is to recognize your feelings of imposter syndrome and reflect on how it is affecting your work and activities. After doing so, it’s best to collect and revisit positive feedback that you’ve received over time. Those who suffer from imposer syndrome often discount or forget about positive feedback, accolades, and congratulations they’ve gotten in the past.
I’ve addressed this by getting into the habit of saving every piece of positive feedback that I’ve received in a “Thank You” folder that I read and revisit from time to time. Doing this helps reinforce your abilities, competencies, and effects on other people as well as reducing your own anxiety.
Additionally, recognize that it is okay to have “imposter thoughts” without actually being an imposter. This means acknowledging that it’s okay to have these thoughts. However, having these thoughts alone doesn’t make them true or relevant. Remember: thoughts are not facts. This is important to note because one of the ways of overcoming imposter syndrome is to first separate your thoughts from facts.
One of the biggest steps you can take to recognizing and overcoming imposter syndrome is to reframe how you recognize your individual thoughts and activities. Doing this means that you take control of and create your own internal narrative instead of the narrative dictating how your actions will ultimately play out.
At this point you should also consider reaching out and connecting to other trusted colleagues and peers. Doing this ensures that you are not harboring imposter feelings alone. You can even take this one step further and discuss your imposter feelings with a therapist who can help you understand and process shame and anxiety that often accompanies imposter syndrome.
Know that reaching out and connecting with others has positive benefits that will mitigate the negative impacts of your imposter syndrome. Simply having a trusted person to discuss your feelings with was already associated with observed lower levels of imposter beliefs.
Finally, consider your typical working philosophy when addressing these imposter feelings. One of the ways to begin this is to take large projects and tasks and begin breaking them down into smaller, discrete, and simple steps. If you already do this then consider celebrating each time you cross a simple milestone. During your celebration consider what you’ve invested in order to accomplish that task and how you’ve progressed towards the final end goal of your project.
You may not like each step of the way. However, recognizing that each step is part of a process that helps you get towards the ultimate end goal and finished product is worth remembering. Doing so recognizes that your individual steps and contributions are part of a final goal. This reflection helps you develop greater confidence in addressing the project as a whole.
Finally, remember that overcoming imposter syndrome means that you must recognize the abilities of your own skill set; promote your own accomplishments; and convince yourself that you’ve earned your position. To do otherwise would be to ignore the truth of your competencies as a professional.
Takeaways
This article addressed the issue of “imposter syndrome” and how it affects the lives of professionals. Specific individuals who are affected by imposter syndrome were addressed in addition to some of the most common characteristics of imposter syndrome. The syndrome’s effects were covered in detail in addition to the types of people who are most affected by it. Remember: in the end, imposter syndrome is a state of mind that can be addressed by shifting your own mindset. Imposter syndrome in student affairs was specifically addressed in addition to action steps for overcoming your own imposter syndrome.
I hope that you found this article useful! If you need some additional help on your student affairs job search, then check out the eBook The Student Affairs Job Search: A Comprehensive Guide available here.
Happy searching,
References
Abrams, A. (2018, June 20). Yes, Impostor Syndrome is Real: Here's How to Deal With It. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://time.com/5312483/how-to-deal-with-impostor-syndrome/
Barker, E. (2020, January 25). This is how to overcome imposter syndrome: 4 secrets from research. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/this-is-how-to-overcome-imposter-syndrome-4-secrets-from-research
Bayes-Fleming, N. (2018, August 31). How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.mindful.org/how-to-overcome-impostor-syndrome/
Bennett, J. (n.d.). How to Overcome 'Impostor Syndrome'. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/guides/working-womans-handbook/overcome-impostor-syndrome
Breeze, M. (2018, January 30). Imposter Syndrome as a Public Feeling. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-64224-6_9
Corkindale, G. (2008, May 07). Overcoming Imposter Syndrome. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://hbr.org/2008/05/overcoming-imposter-syndrome
Cox, L. (n.d.). 9 Ways to Deal With Imposter Syndrome Before It Hinders Your Success. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/impostor-syndrome-tips
Cuncic, A. (2020, May 01). How to Stop Feeling Like an Outsider When You Have Social Anxiety. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469
Dalla-Camina, M. (2018, September 03). The Reality of Imposter Syndrome. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/real-women/201809/the-reality-imposter-syndrome
DiMuzio, K. (2020, May 05). How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome at Work. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://quarterlifecenter.com/how-to-overcome-imposter-syndrome-at-work/
Eng, D. (2018, October 19). Why does the student affairs job search take so long?. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.jobhakr.com/blog-1/2018/10/19/why-does-the-student-affairs-job-search-take-so-long
Graduate Students - Imposter Syndrome. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://caps.umich.edu/article/graduate-students-imposter-syndrome
Hardy, T. (2020, February 4). Strategies for Navigating Imposter Syndrome as a Graduate Student and New Professional. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.naspa.org/blog/strategies-for-navigating-imposter-syndrome-as-a-graduate-student-and-new-professional
Joseph, R. L., & Harris, A. Y. (n.d.). The Imposter Syndrome. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://grad.uw.edu/for-students-and-post-docs/core-programs/mentoring/mentor-memos/the-imposter-syndrome/
Kolligian, J., & Sternberg, R. (2020, June 10). Perceived Fraudulence in Young Adults: Is There an 'Imposter Syndrome'? Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327752jpa5602_10
McMillan, B. (2016, April 18). Think like an impostor, and you'll go far in academia. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.timeshighereducation.com/blog/think-impostor-and-youll-go-far-academia
Mirgain. (n.d.). Tips to Overcome Imposter Syndrome. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.uwhealth.org/health-wellness/tips-to-overcome-imposter-syndrome/52943
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome. (2019). Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://academicpositions.com/career-advice/overcoming-impostor-syndrome
Quaglia, S. (2019, November 21). A Reality Check for Imposter Syndrome. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brainstorm/201911/reality-check-imposter-syndrome
Revuluri, S. (2018, October 4). How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.chronicle.com/article/how-to-overcome-impostor-syndrome/
Schock, G. (2019, December 18). How Imposter Syndrome Affects Students and Instructors - Today's Learner - Cengage. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://todayslearner.cengage.com/how-imposter-syndrome-affects-students-and-instructors/
Trehan, D. (2020, May 13). Imposter syndrome is a growing problem for young people. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.themandarin.com.au/133395-imposter-syndrome-is-a-growing-problem-for-young-people/
Walters, K. (2015, November 23). Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Student Affairs. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://studentaffairscollective.org/overcoming-imposter-syndrome-student-affairs/
Wilding, M. (2020, June 19). 5 Types of Imposter Syndrome and How to Stop Them. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-different-types-of-imposter-syndrome-and-5-ways-to-battle-each-one
Young, V. (2020, October 05). 10 Steps You Can Use to Overcome Impostor Syndrome. Retrieved December 14, 2020, from https://impostorsyndrome.com/10-steps-overcome-impostor/
Cite this Article
Eng, D. (2020, December 28). How to deal with imposter syndrome. Retrieved MONTH DATE, YEAR, from https://www.jobhakr.com/blog-1/2020/12/28/how-to-deal-with-imposter-syndrome
Internal Reference: JHKRTGASQ0U8T