Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace and School

Imposter Syndrome

Entering into university or any new chapter of life as you transition from being a teenager to an adult can be overwhelming. You’re dealing with new people, expectations, and environments, all while trying to figure out who you are as a person. It’s okay to struggle and it is certain you will at times, however it is important to build healthy habits and a support system to help you get through the ups and downs of life when they come. This section will offer practical approaches for the moments that your confidence flickers, goals feel foggy, or any challenges show up at the worst possible time.

Imposter Syndrome in School or the Workplace

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their own accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of their competence. It causes people to attribute their success to luck or circumstance rather than their own ability.

Imposter syndrome is something many of us have faced at one point in our lives, and is something that can get worse during periods of transition and uncertainty such as entering university or the workplace. I know in my first year of university, I was overwhelmed by everything around me. It seemed as if everyone had it all figured out or knew the answer to the question before I could even comprehend what was asked. I sat there feeling alone, thinking that I wasn’t cut out for university or the expectations that came with it. I felt like I didn’t belong.

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

For me, the first step to facing my imposter syndrome was changing my mindset to be more forgiving, patient and self oriented. Everyone learns at their own pace, and if you’re struggling to get good grades, meet deadlines, or find your people, the majority of people are too. Give yourself the time to adjust and figure things out in whatever way that looks for you. We are all more than capable, or we wouldn’t be in the place we are today. It’s important not to get caught up in what others are doing and simply focus on yourself. Although easier said than done it’s a great first step towards changing your mindset.

Once you’ve shifted your mindset, it is equally important to practice positive self-speak. The truth is nothing will ever go exactly according to plan, and your best effort is all you can give. In university or the workplace, your effort is not always reflected in the result, I know I struggled to understand that. I could spend hours and days studying for a midterm and still only barely pass. It can be mentally draining and easy to doubt yourself, but work on giving yourself the grace to appreciate the effort you put in and move on to the next thing. Life is not a sprint but a marathon, and if you continue to show that same effort, one day you will break through.

We are all human, and as humans we thrive on interaction and relationships. When we are struggling ourselves, it can be comforting to confide in others and spend time with those who take our mind off whatever it is that causes us stress. This can look like your family, friends, mentors, or anybody who you trust. Sometimes a little rant or crashing out to others is enough to release some of that stress or anxiety and allow us to keep going.

Finally, have fun. I don’t think this can be stressed enough. A midterm, assignment, quiz, although important are not the end all be all. If you just need a couple hours, or a day to yourself in order to recharge, let yourself have that and go have fun. Do the things that make you happy, whether it’s partying, watching a movie, or going to the gym. Life is too short to focus only on what stresses us out. When you allow yourself to have that balance, you learn to love yourself more and realize that nothing should feel that deep.