You just started a new job, position, school, or program. You’ve worked countless hours, manifested it in your journal, and took small steps to get to where you are now. It all sounds so great, but one thing is holding you back from celebrating the hard work that you’ve done to get there...imposter syndrome. We hear this word tossed around many times, but what does it even mean? Imposter syndrome can be defined as having self-doubt in yourself and your ability to do something, and feeling like you don’t belong in this new environment. Imposter syndrome can sound like: “I don’t think I belong here. Everyone around me seems so knowledgeable. I don’t think I’m ready for this. I don’t feel smart enough to be apart of this company. I’m getting all these good grades, but I don’t think I deserve them.” 

You can experience imposter syndrome due to many reasons, but family background and your own personality traits can be a large factor. In addition, imposter syndrome can also affect high-achieving individuals who aren’t able to recognize their own accomplishments because of the pressure of wanting to make someone else proud. This can be common in first generation students. Many times they want to make their families proud for their sacrifice that has allowed them to get an education that landed them a new job or position. Imposter syndrome can also occur when you are in a field or an environment where your gender, ethnicity, social class, or race isn’t seen as much as others. It’s important to remember that you might be outnumbered or the only one, but you are paving the way for others. There are so many like you that are inspired by your journey. When it’s their time, they will join you in paving the way. 

I personally have experienced imposter syndrome throughout my time in college. There were  many times where I placed my success on other factors when I should have celebrated them as the result of hard work. I felt like a fraud and still feel like that at times. My negative thoughts will start to spiral, but I’ve had other educators share their own experiences with imposter syndrome with me. This may never go away completely, but one needs to learn how to recognize it when you’re experiencing it. Here are five ways that you can handle imposter syndrome in your own life. 

1. Recognize that you are experiencing this fear

Like I mentioned before, in order for any change to occur, you must recognize that you are experiencing imposter syndrome. When those feelings of fear and self doubt start coming in, be able to name them for what they are. Once you gain control of your thoughts, you take the power back in where your thoughts wander. 

2. Celebrate your accomplishments 

Start celebrating the small wins in your life. Whether you went to class, shared an idea at the team meeting, or published your research study, celebrate those victories! This will help your internal motivation and self confidence. You will be more focused on being in the present moment and enjoying the journey. One shouldn’t just celebrate the end result, but instead the person that showed up yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  

3. Be okay to say “I don’t know, but I’m willing to learn” 

When entering a new environment, you find yourself comparing your ability and skills to those around you, but it’s important to remember that no one knows everything. This new job or position is an opportunity to learn and grow from the person that you were. Be okay with asking questions. In the end, you will only gain more knowledge than you had coming in. 

4. Talk to your support group  

If you aren’t able to personally change your thoughts or are experiencing imposter syndrome at a higher spectrum, talk to your circle. Share how you are feeling and how they can help you during this time. Your support group are the ones that know you the best. They are your number one cheerleaders and hype crew. They will remind you that you are capable and you do belong.

5. Journal your accomplishments along with the struggles you faced along the way and what you learned throughout the journey 

Sometimes you just need to visually see your accomplishments on paper to remind yourself who you are and what you are capable of doing. By journaling a few of your accomplishments and reading them when you feel like a fraud, it will help you remember the journey that you went through in order to reach those goals. Also document your struggles, they will help you remember what you learned from it. The end result result of a goal is always rewarding, but the journey is where you experience personal growth.

Overall recognize that you aren’t alone. There are so many people who experience imposter syndrome, but they may not always share it. The most important thing about imposter syndrome is how you will react to it. Take control of it before it takes control of you. With these five tips, I hope it helps your managing imposter syndrome, so you can continue working towards the person you’ve always wanted to be.

By: Darlyn Magaña