In this post I will be giving tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome. First, what is it? According to Psychology Today, imposter syndrome is “a psychological term referring to a pattern of behavior where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud”. It is not an official clinic diagnosis but psychologists do recognize it as being a very real thing.
I can honestly say that I have felt like an imposter many times.
For me, it has happened on more than one occasion. It’s rare for people to actually talk about it. However, I’m finding that discussing my feelings is extremely therapeutic.
There are two areas where I have felt the effects of imposter syndrome. I mainly felt this way while I was in school. I talk about my journey to obtaining my PhD quite often on my other platforms. What I don’t talk about is how it is as a Black woman in my field. For those who may be wondering, my PhD is in biomedical sciences with a focus in biochemistry and cancer biology. From the day that I stepped foot onto my graduate school campus I felt like an outcast. Realistically, I think my feelings of being an imposter really started in undergrad. That feeling heightened once I started my PhD journey.
Both my undergraduate and graduate institutions are HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). When I left to Atlanta for undergrad I felt like I didn’t fit in because I’ve always been quiet and I tend to keep to myself. Beyond that though, I wasn’t as “hip” as some of my counterparts. I grew up in Seattle, WA. Living in ATL was a serious culture shock. It was also my first REAL experience in a place filled with people who looked like me.
When I started graduate school and joined my lab, the feeling of not belonging intensified. Don’t get me wrong, I truly enjoyed working with the folks around me. So much so that they became like family to me. However, I often felt like one day someone was going to come up to me and say “you’re fake, get out of here”. It sounds silly but the feeling was real. To put things in perspective, I was the only Black woman in my lab and the only Black woman scientist in my building. In addition, I was also the youngest and only student. Due to these things, I often found myself wondering what the heck I was doing. On paper it’s clear to see all of my accomplishments. There was just something inside that wouldn’t let me accept them.
Now that I live in a new country, I feel like an imposter all over again! I don’t know the language here, I’m unfamiliar with the culture and traditions, and I’m currently unemployed. Moving to a new country in itself makes me feel out of place a bit. But not being able to find work in my field of interest makes things even harder. There are some days I still have the slightest thought of will I ever overcome imposter syndrome?
I’m here to tell you things get easier with time!
Although it is still a work-in-progress, I can say that I’ve gotten much better with working through my feelings. I’m learning to accept myself for the amazing, outstanding, creative, and top-notch woman that I am. Lately I’ve just been taking things a day at a time. I’ve also been more vocal whenever I feel out of place, or like an imposter. Below are some ways to help you overcome imposter syndrome that have been crucial for me. These tips can be applied to anyone in any field or career.
- Talk to your mentors. This was probably the one thing that changed things for me. One day I had a conversation with one of my mentors and I admitted to her that I was dealing with imposter syndrome. She reassured me that I do belong, that I am here for a reason, and that out of everyone I have the most experience in my research topic because I’m the only who has done the research. She’s right. I am the only one who has been on MY journey and I have worked my ass off to get where I am. While I still struggle with my feelings, I am able to recognize and accept my accomplishments.
- Remember your abilities. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t know or what you can’t do yet, reflect on those things that you can do. There is always time to learn what you don’t know but dwelling on them in a negative way will only add to your feeling of not belonging. Write down the things that you do very well and the things that you wish you could do better. This will allow you to set goals to make improvements on the latter.
- You ARE an expert. I’m sure that there is at least one thing that you do exceptionally well. To help build on that you could try teaching or tutoring. This will help you to show your expertise, remind you that you have put in the work to do something well, and will also allow you to continue perfecting your craft.
- Appreciate your hard work. It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough but stop, take time and smell the roses. Take the time to reflect on what you have done and appreciate it. Nine times out of ten you are many steps ahead compared to where you were this same time last year. If you are, pat yourself on the back. If you aren’t, think about the things that you’ve done well, appreciate them but also think about the areas in which you could’ve done better, then do better!
- Talk to someone who can help. It’s not always easy to tackle imposter syndrome on your own. Talking to someone who understands you and what you are feeling will truly make a huge difference. They can help you identify where your feelings stem from and how to tackle them head on. If necessary, seek help from a licensed mental health specialist. There is NO SHAME in seeking mental help.
- Remember you are not alone. You’re not the only one who has or is dealing with imposter syndrome. Though it will take some effort, it is something that can be and should be dealt with.
Just a friendly reminder…
If you’ve ever dealt with imposter syndrome or have tips on how to overcome it, be sure to let me know in the comments!
You have a purpose, you are here for a reason, the world needs you! Recognize your greatness and share it with the world.
P.S. As a Black woman, it is important to me to talk with someone who truly understands my experiences. Here is a link to a website called Therapy for Black Girls . It contains a list of Black women who are mental health professionals.
