Transitioning to college is difficult for everyone. For many, it’s harrowing. College is enormous in comparison to high school, and getting lost in your head is common. Many end up feeling a phenomenon known as imposter syndrome, which is characterized by doubting their accomplishments and abilities with a persistent fear that they will be exposed for being a fake who doesn’t deserve what they have earned. Imposter syndrome isn’t an actual mental health condition, but its effects are still detrimental to mental health. It especially emerges when transitioning into something new, like going to college. Here are a few tips and reminders to help ease those feelings:
Everyone has different goals. In college, you meet all sorts of people from different walks of life with other passions and aspirations. You do yourself a disservice by comparing yourself to others who envision a different future for themselves than you do — Even if they’re in the same program or major as you. Just a slight distinction will eventually set you down separate paths.
Focus on your progress. The only person you should be competing with is yourself. Look back on how far you’ve come until now. At the beginning of the semester, maybe you weren’t sure if you’d be able to pass a class, but now you have gotten a hang of the work and can confidently handle it. In a few months from now, you may look back and cringe over how you acted or handled something. However, that means that you have grown. College is a prime time for growth, so try new things that could help you improve!
Learn from your mistakes. When adjusting to a new environment like college life, you will experience both common and unique hurdles that can be embarrassing to recount in the future. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome come hand-in-hand. Holding yourself to that impossible standard will only hinder your improvement. Reframe your thinking — Failure isn’t a monster that will expose you as a fraud, it’s an opportunity to grow.
Celebrate your accomplishments. A common side effect of imposter syndrome is downplaying your achievements and abilities. Humility is admirable, but must be exercised in moderation. Otherwise, you’ll spiral into thinking that what you do is never enough. You deserve to feel proud of yourself! Every win is important, big or small.
Accept it. Maintaining a positive attitude is an excellent way to combat imposter syndrome. However, some days you won’t feel as strong to fight against it. We all experience shifts in our lives that can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t up to par. Growth and healing are never linear and bad days happen. What matters is that you keep going.
You’re not alone. Imposter syndrome can feel isolating because it feels like everyone else knows what they’re doing while you’re a fraud tagging along. However, up to 82% of the population has faced feelings relating to imposter syndrome. Don’t be afraid to share how you feel when confronted with these feelings. There will be someone else in the room who feels the same way as you.
It’s human nature to wonder if you fit in during times of transition. It’s also natural for these emotions to spiral out of control from time to time. Be kind to yourself as you work your way through it. The world is large, and finding your place in it will take time. Everything you encounter is for a reason. Wherever you end up, you belong there.