Welcoming the next semester is supposed to be exciting, right? New beginnings, new classes, new faces, perhaps new organizations, apartments, or jobs… the opportunities seem endless.
However, for many students, with every well-deserved fresh start comes the cycle of self-doubt and anxiety. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I’ve tried keeping up with the Joneses, or immediately questioned my abilities or felt lonely when trying a new opportunity, even in situations when merit did not necessarily matter. I am no stranger to imposter syndrome, and have had to learn ways to effectively combat these feelings long before becoming a college student.
Backgrounds
While it does feel isolating, this is no lonely experience. If comparison can be of any comfort, the American Psychological Association reported that 82% of people struggle with imposter syndrome (coined in 1978 by Pauline Rose Clance, PhD, ABPP, and Suzanne Imes, PhD) in 2020.
However, the APA as well as Stanford University also stated that while imposter syndrome is a matter of personality and upbringing, women, people of color, queer people, and those from poorer backgrounds experience these feelings at a disproportionally higher rate. Tell me about it! It ain’t easy being just about first-gen everything. Neurodivergence is also something to be considered; perfectionism is an unfortunate but common coping mechanism among those with ADHD.
These factors absolutely come to the forefront in college settings, but there is nothing fraudulent about having a seat at the table.
What’s your type?
A meaningful step in crushing your beginning-of-semester anxiety, beyond just “getting organized,” is finding out the narrative your brain is telling you. In my research, I found an awesome website solely dedicated to this phenomenon that lays out the 5 different types of imposter syndrome! Perhaps you loathe asking for help, flopping on the first try, or think you know everything. It’s not a bad thing! You are embarking on a journey of simply accepting that no one, including you—yes, you—isn’t perfect.
I actually realized that I’m the ‘superhuman’ type. I’ll say it. Seeing how many things that I can juggle at once makes me feel smart. That is, until I start going a little crazy and, for lack of better words, get lost in the sauce semester after semester.
(I’m getting better at this. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the thrill, though.)
Who knew that working hard actually meant gradually getting better at a few things and not hearing colors over a million?
Address the inside
Methods associated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are both beloved and effective. I’ve been challenged to unlearn negative trains of thought a few times myself. Please see my March article, fellow rule-followers and perfectionists! Send me snaps for my growth once you’re done, too!
Though it’s easier said than done, one of the simplest changes can be jump-started by identifying those patterns of negative self-talk as well as your personality type. The North Jersey Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy highly suggests “reframing internal scripts” and celebrating your actions themselves instead of perceptions of them.
On a more lighthearted note, inspiring media always seem to be a big help, especially films such as “Hidden Figures” or “Legally Blonde.” Music always does the trick. I even have a playlist inspired by Ms. Woods when I, too, wonder if I am serious enough and need to challenge my ambition.
Appreciate the Outside
If you still aren’t totally convinced about changing your internal point of view, change your outward perspective! Take the energy from feeling underqualified and turn it towards learning from those who are. It may lead you to finding amazing friends or mentors.
To be more practical, literally write down each and every one of your accomplishments, big or small. They could be as simple as “I got a B on a paper,” or “I turned in my article this week!” Toot your own horn!
Choosing to manage imposter syndrome is an act of compassion towards yourself. However, being compassionate requires one to see things as they really are. The “things” could vary by situation.
Maybe it’s your first time trying something new, you’re in one of those predisposed groups, or it’s just been a rough day.
One thing is certain, though.
At least one person saw you, as well as your qualifications and room for growth.