Battling Imposter’s Syndrome

The phenomenon known as imposter’s syndrome refers to the experience where students and professionals alike feel that their achievements and milestones do not reflect their work ethic or skill. People who experience imposter’s syndrome, no matter how accomplished or esteemed, relinquish their confidence to a perpetual fear and belief that their achievements are attributed not to their own talent or perspiration, but rather to arbitrary circumstances such as mere luck. This sentiment of displacement from one’s accomplishments can make people feel fraudulent since they are unable to take ownership of their milestones.

Imposter’s syndrome can make people feel as though they don’t belong in certain settings such as collegiate institutions or certain workspaces. It can also create a sense of estrangement from peers who, through the lens of imposter’s syndrome, can be perceived as more qualified. Dr. Bukosk, an associate professor of practice and co-program coordinator of higher education leadership in the College of the University of Texas at Austin, shared that while all identities experience imposter’s syndrome, some identities experience this phenomenon at a different degree.

“People with certain identities experience [imposter’s syndrome] more than others for the main reason that we have a dominant narrative that tells us that only certain people are capable of doing certain things,” Dr. Beth Bukoski shared. Dr. Bukoski acknowledged that for this reason, representation matters, but it is not the sole solution. Rather, it is representation coupled with the organizational structure where organizations strive to cultivate a more inclusive space are changes that might decrease imposter’s syndrome.

“Everyone in a new space feels like they don’t belong because it’s the first time they’ve entered that space. The severity, the magnitude of that experience, and exactly how it resonates for an individual based on their lived experience is going to be very different for people with different kinds of identities.”

Dr. Bukoski prefers to refer to imposter syndrome as “impostership”. She said that everyone will experience impostership, but that doesn’t mean impostership has to be a looming burden.

“It’s about having these tips and tricks in your back pocket and making sure people know these ways of helping yourself exist,” Dr. Bukoski explained.

Dr. Bukoski shared learning cognitive and psychological tools to combat impostership.

1. Learn How to Talk-Back to the Doubt and Learn What Triggers It

Self-Doubt can creep in with messages such as “you don’t belong here” or “you’re not good enough”. Dr. Bukoski shares that talking back to this self-doubt is essential. Taking an objective look at achievements is key to squashing unwarranted self-doubt.

“As you go through life, if you stay curious about those feelings that you're having, you'll start to notice patterns. You'll notice what triggers your impostership.” Dr. Bukoski said awareness about what can be a catalyst for impostership can help in recognizing what needs to be done to build oneself back up.

2. Normalize Mental Health Care and Talk About Impostership

“I think there's a lot of work that we can do as a society around mental health as well to normalize impostership,” Dr. Busoksi shared. “When people can be brave and say, ‘Hey, I'm kind of scared to say this, but I do not feel like I don't belong here’. and then 15 other people in the room raise their hands, they realize they’re not alone.”

Impostership is not talked about enough. For this reason, it can be a lonely and sometimes isolating experience. Some communities, such as people with minority identities, people with disabilities, and people of color, are more likely to experience mental wellness issues. Dr. Bukoski said more stigma surrounding mental health can exist in some communities. Dr. Bukoski acknowledged that while mental health resources are expanding, there is still a gap in the needs of students versus resources available.

3. Reframe

Dr. Bukoski shared an activity she learned from Brene Brown about reframing. The activity of reframing involves taking a piece of paper and writing down a list of people you trust (Brown calls these people your square squad). From this source list, call or reach out to these people in times when insecurity and doubt creep in. With these reaffirming voices, one can begin to internalize these positive affirmations rather than the self-doubting statements proposed by impostership.

“It's about being aware of the narratives we're telling ourselves and being able to counter those narratives with better ones that help us more. And then the more that you do that kind of thought work, the better you get at actually believing the narrative that’s real,” Dr. Bukoski said.

“Each stage of your life and career will present the imposter ship in a different way,” Dr. Bukoski explained. “Learning to cope with it is so vital, you get better at coping with it, you get better at recognizing it.”

Dr. Bukoski said that these tools can help remind us of our inherent value and worth. The next time self-doubt creeps in or tries to be limiting, don’t forget to apply these tips and tricks to be the best version of oneself!