“That won’t fly in college,” is something every college student ever has heard at least once in their life. Going from high school to college is a period of time in anyone’s life that welcomes a lot of change. Change can be good, but it can also be a time that increases anxiety and a lot of strong feelings. Some might start to feel as though they do not deserve the opportunities they get presented with at college. They might walk into a class and feel as though they do not belong there; that they are not competent enough to be successful as other people think they are. When someone starts to go through these overwhelming feelings, they are suffering from Imposter Syndrome.Â
Imposter Syndrome simply put is the persistent, internal belief that you are a fraud despite physical, tangible evidence of your success. Instead of acknowledging their capabilities, skills, time, and effort, those suffering from a period of imposter syndrome often differ their successes to external forces. This can look like blaming ideations such as good luck, timing, and more.Â
So how does one combat Imposter Syndrome? There are several different ways one can avoid these feelings, but the single most effective way is to get yourself into a secure mentality; you need to change your mindset about your own capabilities. Acknowledging your successes, achievements, and hard work is key to showing your subconscious that you are able to accomplish amazing things when you put your mind to it. As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” When you get it into your head that you are not enough, you make yourself act and think as such. However, when you sit with yourself and say “I am enough and I am capable,” you teach yourself healthy, positive self-affirmation.
This behavior and belief is the number one best way to combat imposter syndrome, but also leave you with life-long skills that can only help you, not hurt you. Ultimately, do not live your life telling yourself that you are less than. You are enough as you are.