By Ella Stone
Imposter syndrome is real, and sometimes your accomplishments seem fake. But it is important to know that you deserve everything good that you get out of working hard. Many times, even with awards you’ve earned and tangible things to be held to show you that you are deserving, you still feel like a fraud. Whether you are tutoring classmates or a doctor, these feelings can really hold you back.
Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon in which you are high-achieving, but you find it difficult to accept your success. This can lead you to not take risks, or work to your fullest potential because you are afraid of failure. You may give credit where credit isn’t due, and not get the praise you deserve. Oftentimes, people overwork themselves, only trying to prove themselves to themselves. If you continue to not give yourself credit, you can turn into a perfectionist or procrastinate and not improve.
Many times in fields of medicine, women tend to feel ganged up on, or that they haven’t put in the same time and effort as the men working around them. In stereotypes, men are often doctors, and women are often nurses. According to the National Library of Medicine, the ratio for doctors is 7:1, 7 being men. Older generations also seem to prefer male doctors, but younger generations tend to prefer their gender as their doctor.
It is important to acknowledge you are feeling this way and accept it. Remind yourself that many people feel this way and you are not alone. Imposter syndrome thrives on negative talk and negative ideologies of yourself. Try to keep sticky notes around your environment with daily affirmations to let you know that you are trying your best. If you journal, write down some of the things you got done, in order to remind yourself. Take mistakes not as failure, but as an opportunity to grow. Life is all about improvement and continuous learning. If you were born knowing all, life would seem pointless. Talk to people whose opinions you value. Surround yourself with people who are positive and have goals. It has been shown that it improves your mood and overall happiness.
Talking to a counselor isn’t for everyone, but it is for some. Sometimes having someone you don’t know to share your feelings with can be very helpful. Someone to listen can take a weight off your shoulders, and many times they can relate. I’m sure in their career they have felt less than their peers. They may be able to make you feel as though maybe your situations aren’t all that different.
It’s okay to make mistakes in life, as long as you take it as a reason to keep going and not a reason to quit. Know that you have to practice to be the best at what you do. So keep practicing, you’re doing great.
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