We ended up in Warwick, the university of the Russell Group. congratulation! You made friends, got to class on time and got good grades the first time. Why can’t I shake off the feeling that time is short?
Sound familiar? If so, you may be experiencing “impostor syndrome” along with 70% of men and women. , school children, etc., can experience feelings of “spoofing”. First identified by her two American psychologists 40 years ago, “impostor syndrome” describes the false, devastating belief that one’s achievements are the product of luck or deception rather than skill. A term used for
Due to the amount of pressure and testing college students face, the need to be self-critical and introspective, and the constant need to show the best of themselves to their peers, teachers, and future employers, many students You experience impostor syndrome. It’s not uncommon to have an entry error that allows you to “skip the net” and feel that your success so far has been nothing more than a fluke. As a result, some students make a stronger effort to meet the expectations that people around them assume they have of them. Some students may even consider dropping out of college.
Helpful Tips for Managing Imposter Syndrome
If you struggle with these feelings and thoughts, the following can help.
write down your achievements
It’s easy to see other people’s achievements. It’s all around us on TV, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more. Make a list of your achievements. No achievement is too small. write them all down. Write with pride! Maintain and update the list. Look at the list whenever you have doubts. This helps you visualize, train and remind your mind that your negative thoughts do not define you.
don’t be afraid to make mistakes
If you make a mistake or don’t know the answer, you may worry that others will prove you’re an impersonator. If you were a “real” student, you would know the “right” thing to say or do? Wrong! We all get things wrong sometimes. nobody knows everything. Sometimes the only way to express your opinion is to risk making a mistake. Your ideas may be received differently than you might expect.
find “group”
Having negative thoughts about yourself can prevent you from taking advantage of the opportunities college offers. Being part of a “group” helps you feel a sense of belonging. Doing things you love with people who enjoy the same things gives you the freedom to be yourself, relax, and stop overthinking things. It builds your confidence. Think of your confidence like a muscle in your mind. Strengthen your mind muscles by enjoying your confidence, sharing that confidence within your group, and spreading that confidence to new places/different people.
Seek feedback from people you trust
The fear of being “known” will push you away from others. This risks reinforcing the feeling that you don’t belong. Remember that the way you see yourself may not always reflect the way others see you. Try sharing your concerns with someone you trust . You might find that they had similar feelings, and it might give you a new perspective.
Recognizing What Imposter Syndrome Is
To overcome imposter syndrome, we must first recognize it and admit that we feel it.
The next time you feel a creeping self-doubt:
i) write down your worries
for example I can’t ask that question – everyone will think I’m stupid.
ii) why do you feel that way
for example They are so smart that everyone else will know the answer
iii) Then write down the causes and consequences of that particular concern
for example But if I don’t ask that question, I can’t stop wondering about the answers.Maybe some others are wondering too?
iv) And finally, flip it over to a positive perspective!
for example If I ask this question I will stop worrying about it and I have the answer! I think we are all here to learn from each other, right?
Remember: Ultimately, imposter syndrome is a fear. If you have it, recognize it.Once you recognize it, take action, no matter how small or large, that will lead you to more confident actions. Warwick Wellbeing Site
Writer Sam Brown is a Senior Career Consultant at the University of Warwick.
