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What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome describes a range of experiences and feelings that make us feel like we do not fit in or belong somewhere. This might make us feel like we are not as good as the people around us. We might feel this when we start university, when we begin a new module or project, or even a new job.
It can also leave us with a feeling that not only do we ourselves not feel ‘good enough’, but that other people might feel that too. We might feel scared that other people will ‘find out’ that we are ‘imposters’ or not worthy of belonging to a particular class, group or place.
Why do we get Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is not rare – most of us will experience it from time to time. However, for some of us it can be really destructive and actually stop us from achieving our true potential.
As human beings, we are very sensitive to difference. We notice more things that make us different from other people that things that make us the same. And many challenges in life – such as starting university or beginning a new module with a new group of students – can make us feel extra sensitive to negative feelings. We develop a ‘negativity bias’. This means that not only do we over think difference, but we also over associate negative ideas. This means that when we feel a bit different to people around us (and let’s face it, we are all really different people, so we are bound to feel this difference), we might also assign this difference a negative connotation. And when we start looking out for negatives, we are really good at spotting things and viewing them in a negative light.
We might imagine that we are less prepared than other people, less fashionable, less knowledgeable, less skilled, less likeable …
But it is important to remember that these just things that we think and feel – they are not the real truth about who we are.
How can we tackle these feelings and start to feel better about ourselves and our studies?
These are the top five things that we can do to tackle imposter syndrome.
- Recognise these feelings as being part of imposter syndrome and access resources to learn more about why this might be happening (see below)
- Try to separate feelings from facts – for each negative thing that you feel, try to think about why you feel this way, and what evidence there is to suggest that it might be true – or more likely – not true
- Talk our friends, colleagues tutors and lecturers about these feelings –
- you might be surprised to find that people you think are really confident also experience these same feelings
- other people can help you decipher whether your feelings are true or not (hint – they’re not true!)
- Celebrate all the positive things we achieve every day – whether it is a good grade, a fun conversation with a friend or learning something exciting in a lecture or class – acknowledge and make a note of these positive moments in a journal, on a calendar or in whatever way is meaningful to you
- Recognise any negatives or failures as normal – we all struggle with new things or get things wrong from time to time – that is a part of life. These moments are just stepping stones to growth and learning.
What resources are there to help with these feelings?
You can read books such as Mindset: How you can fulfil your potential by Carol Dweck, available in the library. This book talks about the difference between a fixed and growth mindset and helps us to understand how many ups and downs are involved in good learning and success.
You can talk to your tutor or lecturer about these feelings. Any Change Makers student is welcome to talk to Dr Hauke (e.hauke@imperial.ac.uk) at any time – in fact, you don’t even have to be a current student. If you’ve ever taken a Change Makers module – we consider you a Change Maker for life, and you’re welcome to get in touch.
There are resources available in the Student Success Guide as well – check out the section on Imposter Syndrome here.
Finally, you can access counselling and support from the Imperial Counselling and Mental Health Service – find out more here.
Last Updated 3rd October 2023