Tackling Imposter Syndrome: Don't Doubt Yourself

Written by: Aditi Sharma, Pre-Health Peer Advisor 

You may have heard of the term “imposter syndrome” or even felt it yourself. A quick google search offers a wide array of articles, blogs, and research papers on this common phenomenon. Basically, it’s feelings of doubt in your capabilities, maybe even attributing your intelligence to luck or chance. 

As someone who’s chosen the long and challenging path of becoming a physician, I still have moments of doubt in my abilities and feelings of inadequacy. Coming to a large university from a relatively small school can be a shock. Some of you may have been at the top of your school, spent little time studying, and were constantly praised for your intelligence. MSU offers a much different setting with thousands of students from various backgrounds. It’s easy to compare yourself and wonder how you made it this far. 

I’m here to tell you that those feelings are normal, whether you’re an incoming freshman or well into a graduate program. While it’s normal, these feelings aren’t always accurate or reflective of your situation. You’ve made it this far and that’s proof of your accomplishments. In times of doubt, below are some ways to help you out of this situation: 

 

• Don’t compare yourself to those around you - everyone’s journey is different! Just because a classmate is achieving highly, it doesn’t take away from your abilities.

 

• Think about all the things in your life, apart from school, that you value. Maybe it’s your family, close friends, pets, your health, working, or even expressing gratitude for the bigger picture that makes the worries about college seem smaller. 

 

• Surround yourself with people who can uplift your strengths but offer constructive criticism when needed. If someone is extra critical of you, some space away from them may be the key. 

 

• Question your thinking: Is it reasonable? Remind yourself of past successes that have gotten you where you are. Try writing down all your past accomplishments that you’re most proud of. Put it somewhere where you will see it often. Allow it to serve as a reminder that you’re more than capable of whatever life or school throws at you. 

 

• When faced with challenging assignments, reach out to professors. They’re best equipped to guide your process, enhance your current skills, and build up new ones. Opening up a line of communication as soon as trouble is near will make all the difference.

 

• Take a step back: Getting stuck in a bubble can multiply feelings of doubt. Go for a walk, watch a funny show, hang out with your friends, grab a coffee… a short break to clear your mind can do wonders. 

 

• Seek help at CAPS: When faced with too much pressure, never be afraid to seek professional help at MSU’s Counseling and & Psychiatric Services. 

 

I hope this blog post has given you some comfort in the fact that you’re not the only one who’s questioned their abilities, but has also equipped you with some ways on how to fight back those feelings of self-doubt.