Itâs safe to assume that at some point in almost all college careers, every student has felt like an imposter. Iâve seen my peers commit themselves to and succeed at a million things throughout the years, yet still along the way they question every move they make. That, in a nutshell, is imposter syndrome.
Self-doubt creeps into the unlikeliest of moments and causes you to begin to feel that youâre not good enough and donât deserve any of your successes. You know, those moments where youâre on top of everything â youâre making it to class on time, youâve completed all your assignments and havenât called in âsickâ yet â but something still isnât quite right, whether itâs academically, socially or professionally. Â
I feel this often; it creeps in after Iâve submitted an article, or when I self-identify as a writer. However, Iâm trying to get better at combating those feelings. Even though they are normal, thereâs no need for them to be in the back of my mind after every written word. Moreover, as one wise professor told me, âYou write because you love it and because youâre damn good at it.â
Here are tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome, for writers and beyond.
Talk to someone
It might sound simple, but expressing your feelings to someone you trust can make a difference on how to view a situation.
Remind yourself of your achievements
Even if you question your achievements, you have to remind yourself of how you got there. It wasnât by pure luck or magic – it was your hard work and determination.
Stop comparing yourself
Theodore Roosevelt has been quoted as saying, âComparison is the thief of joy,â and itâs the truth. As difficult as it is not to compare yourself and your work, itâll be a weight lifted off your shoulders once you do.
Remember that nobody is perfect
Perfection isnât possible. You can get close, but there will always be that .01 percent left, and that is OK â at least you tried.
Remember that others feel this way, too. Youâre qualified and amazing at what you do, no matter what.