Fighting Imposter Syndrome

Sometimes, the fight of our lives is not with others but with ourselves... It is up to us to face this and overcome our own weakness with true courage and strength.

Muhammad Ali said, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”. It is a famous quote that everyone knows from this well-known boxer who had an amazing career in the 1960s. He was swift, strong, and skillful. When he entered the ring and put his dukes up, you knew what was in store. His fighting was impressive due to his techniques, but he was also known for analyzing his opponent and getting into their heads during a match. However, in life, our biggest opponents may not always be someone else. What happens when your opponent is the person staring back at you when you look into the mirror? What if you feel as though you are constantly at odds with yourself? There are times when we can be our own worst critics and our self-doubt leads us astray, even when we have achieved great successes in life. It may sound strange or it may sound familiar, but this is something that I've seen, read about, and witnessed. It's a phenomenon called imposter syndrome.

When encountering new positions/roles, schools, transitions, or experiences, sometimes we tend to question these newfound successes. A great article in the Harvard Business Review defines imposter syndrome as “a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. 'Imposters' suffer from chronic self-doubt and a sense of intellectual fraudulence that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence” (Corkindale, 2019). Essentially, although you have been successful, you still feel like you are inadequate and that you are a "fraud" who will eventually be found out. As a medical student, I have heard many times that students face this challenge of questioning if they belong. “Did the admissions committee make a mistake?” “Do I belong here?” “Everyone else seems to be doing well and I feel like I am always struggling. Maybe, this isn't for me”. I realized that we may focus on what our own flaws are, often wondering if we are truly fit for what’s in store for us. Everyone wants to have a sense of belonging and desires to fit in. This is absolutely natural. But a lot of times, it can become easy to feel pressure, wondering if you are so different from the others around you who seem to have it all together.

While this may seem impossible to beat, you can and will! Here are my top 10 tips for overcoming imposter syndrome:

1. Think Positive and Speak Positive

What we choose to meditate on and speak of has a huge impact on our daily lives. "What a man thinketh, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7. Any time you face negative thinking, quickly refute this with positive thoughts about yourself and the situation. Be more mindful of what you say by monitoring your own dialogue. For example instead of saying, "Maybe, I'm not good enough", say positive affirmations like these instead:

"I can make it, even if it takes time to get there".

"I can do this".

"I may have struggles right now, but I can overcome this".

Words are more powerful than you think. Even when I have faced negative thinking, I reminded myself to think positively and to make every effort to work at changing how I thought about myself and my situations every day. It may not come overnight, but with a little time and effort, you can beat it! Make it a habit to think and speak positively in all that you do.

2. Share Your Feelings with Others

Even if you think you are alone, I can promise you that you are not. Many people have been where you are. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Be sure to talk to a trusted friend, colleague, faculty member, or even a licensed counselor if you are experiencing these feelings. Talking with someone can help you feel relief. They can also help you positively readjust your focus. Don't suffer this alone, but have the courage to speak out and get the support you may need.

3. Celebrate Your Accomplishments

You earned that position! You started that new business! You made it to medical school! Whatever accomplishment you've had, you accomplished something incredible and no one can take that away from you. Be sure to celebrate the accomplishments you've had because it took much sacrifice and hard work to get there, which is why you should never doubt that achievement. Sure, you may encounter some struggles once you get there, but realize that this does not mean that this new experience is not for you. It's just an opportunity to grow. Celebrate your achievements and never lose sight of them!

4. Remind Yourself of the Obvious

Isn't it obvious? No one is perfect and everyone has their own struggles. While you may be focused on your flaws only, please understand that those around you are in the same boat. I know that for me, in medical school, it may seem like everyone around me is perfect, but no one is. They are intelligent, confident, and great all-around people. These aspects are true but remember, so are you! It may not seem like it, but everyone faces their own problems. Just think about it, you probably haven't spoken to anyone about what you're facing either. So just realize that while no one may ever blatantly discuss their struggles, it does not mean they don't have them. It's normal to want to keep it to yourself, but remember you don't have to.

5. Never Compare Yourself to Others

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are unique and that is a beautiful thing. It is easier said than done, but be sure not to compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own race to finish in life and as long as you reach the finish line, that is what matters! Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. So while you may think others are better than you, they may just have different strengths than you and that is okay. You have different strengths than they do too! Instead, choose to better yourself in the areas you struggle in and share your strengths with others. Don't compare, but admire and better yourself.

6. Be Patient with Yourself

This experience is new for you and transitioning into something different takes time! Be patient with yourself and never lose sight that it takes time to adjust. Remind yourself to approach this new experience with flexibility and an open mind. It'll save you a lot of frustration and confusion if you allow yourself to take your time.

7. Understand that Some Failure is Okay

No one wants to fail, but sometimes, failure is needed in order for us to grow. I'll admit that my first failed test was scary, but what did I do, I went back to the drawing board and ended up on top. Failure is not the end of the world and for some of you, it may be new since you may have never failed at anything before. However, it is nothing to be ashamed of. Take that failure and turn it into success by seeking help, advice, and by strengthening your skills. Through hard work and commitment, you will succeed and grow, becoming a better, more skillful person while you're at it.

8. Focus on Making Progress

One step at a time is how you reach your biggest achievements in this journey called life. Can you go the distance? Instead of focusing on what is at large, take it one step, one short-term goal, at a time. So many times, we get bogged down on the wrong ideas. Remember, as long as you are making progress, that is what matters.

9. Take Time to Enjoy Yourself

Life is not just about all work and no play. Maybe, you are experiencing those feelings about yourself because you are burned out. What you need to do is to take a break and take some time to relax. Step away from it all for a moment and regather your focus. Dive into a hobby or watch your favorite movie. Schedule some "me time" and refresh your mind. It is amazing how much better a person can feel once they are relaxed and more at ease.

10. Be Confident

You are an amazing person and it's time for you to act the part. Of course, do not be overly arrogant but confidence shows a true certainty and love for yourself like none other. Conquer that presentation, do well on that exam, and know that you can accomplish anything! A little confidence can take you further than you could have imagined when you have the courage to believe in yourself.

All in all, imposter syndrome can affect anyone, no matter your status, upbringing, or anything else that influences who you are. It's easy to doubt yourself, so instead, be strong! I hope that with these tips, you can beat imposter syndrome and feel a lot better about yourself. Here is a prayer for those feeling imposter syndrome:

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Prayer for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this day and for being here for me when I need you the most. Help me to stronger, wiser, and more confident. Help me to focus on the power of your Word and to remember that with You, all things are possible. You said that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Help me to believe this. Help me to know that you are with me and will never leave me. When I feel weak, it is You who can help me to feel strong. Be my strength and allow me to focus on your goodness in everything that I try to do. I can do this and I will no longer allow fear and doubt to rule over me. I can be confident in me knowing that my confidence comes from You. I trust in you and have faith that I can overcome this with Your love and guidance. In Jesus Christ, I pray, amen.

Corkindale, G. (2019, December 02). Overcoming Imposter Syndrome. Retrieved September 19, 2020, from https://hbr.org/2008/05/overcoming-imposter-syndrome