Have you ever gotten a job opportunity or a great mark on a test and felt like you didn’t really deserve it?Do you ever feel like you’re not as qualified to do a task as you really are? Do you think all your accomplishments were a product of just plain luck? This might be a case of imposter syndrome! This psychological phenomenon that can make you feel insecure, depressed, and anxious is common in many people.For me, it began to surface when I started university!
The term “imposter phenomenon” was coined in 1978 in a study called “The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention.” Two female psychologists studied if women with many achievements believed they were actually deserving of these achievements. Out of the 150 women who participated, many of the women thought they had achieved all they had through luck, or that other people were giving them more credit than they were due. The article suggests that women are more likely to experience imposter syndrome because of gender stereotypes, or sexism in places such as academic institutions or the workplace.
Since then, more studies on this “imposter phenomenon” have been done. While imposter syndrome is more common amongst women, anyone can experience it. Imposter syndrome is a vicious cycle. Low-self esteem and self-confidence can lead to imposter syndrome, and experiencing imposter syndrome can lead to even worse self-esteem or belief in your own achievements. I found that imposter syndrome increased in me when I began university. Now, more than ever before, my grades, job opportunities, and volunteer experience hold more weight than ever as I enter the “real world.” When I’m given an amazing opportunity, or am awarding with scholarships recognizing my academic excellence, I sometimes feel like I’m not actually cut out for it, that I just happened to get the opportunity because no one else applied for the position, or because I appeared more impressive in the job interview than I actually am. In reality, while different levels of privilege play a role in all our lives, and I am really privileged to be in the position I am, I deserve what I’ve been given because of the hard work I’ve put in and because I am qualified to get these positions. I wouldn’t have gotten them if I wasn’t!
In the article, the women suggested a few ways to manage imposter syndrome. They suggested that group interactions with other people experiencing imposter syndrome can help them feel less alone. Reframing negative thoughts is also helpful. For example, instead of thinking “I probably just got this job position because I’m the only one who applied,” think to yourself “I got this job position because I fit all the requirements and am qualified to take on this position.” It will also be beneficial to focus on building confidence and self-esteem in other areas of your life. You can use mantras that you repeat to yourself in the morning or before bed, such as “I am deserving of all the good things in my life” or “I am capable of working past any difficult task I am faced with.”
Imposter syndrome can be hard to deal with, but if you try incorporating these simple tricks into your life to combat it, you should be able to manage it in no time!
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