Imposter Syndrome

By Kaitlin McDowell

Edited by Taylor Morgan

As a college senior, I find myself spending a lot of time considering my identity. As I apply to different jobs, I am forced to consider my qualifications and what roles I “can,” and “cannot” do. These same thoughts follow me as I make other decisions for myself, such as redefining my personal style, picking up hobbies or setting goals. I, as many others, have preconceived ideas about myself and where I belong, or how others perceive me, and if I venture out of the box I have put myself in, I fear I may be labeled a fake or a phony. The thing about these ideas is that they are made up.

These fears of being discovered as a fraud are known as imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is not a reflection of one’s credibility or success; it boils down to a lack of confidence. This fear is most associated with trying new things or stepping out of your comfort zone. Those who struggle with imposter syndrome could be the most successful people in the world and still question if they are worthy or capable of all their achievements. 

It manifests as the doubt that rushes through one’s brain after submitting a paper, expecting something to be wrong with it. It manifests as the uncertainty in doing new tasks at a new job. It even manifests in wearing new clothes or styles that one would not typically wear. 

While imposter syndrome is often labeled as doubt in one’s ability to perform their job, this fear of failure can also hold individuals back from trying new things and ultimately achieving their goals.

Personally, I attempt to counteract this self-doubt with the motto and Taylor Swift lyric, “Babe, you gotta fake it till you make it, (and I did).” If you do not think you are talented enough to do something, put on an Oscar-winning performance and pretend. 

DESDEMONADESD / @desdemonac on Pinterest

Another tactic to counteract imposter syndrome is every time you find yourself thinking you could not do something, take a second and ask yourself, “Why the hell not?” 

Do you ever scroll through Instagram and think, I wish I could do that—but then immediately tell yourself you are not an influencer? Or maybe you take workout classes and imagine leading one yourself, but quickly dismiss it because it does not fit the version of what you think you are capable of.

Pause for a second and ask yourself: why not?

Start posting on Instagram just for fun without worrying about followers or likes. If becoming a fitness instructor interests you, look into a certification program and take that first step. More often than not, the biggest barrier is not lack of ability; it’s the limits we place on ourselves. Take this as your reminder that we all have free will, and you can do literally whatever you want. 

Maybe you are focusing on overall self-improvement. Imagine what your dream life holds, what you wear or how you act. Then the next time you are faced with a decision or a moment of self-doubt, think “what would the best version of myself do?” There’s no better feeling than looking up and realizing you have achieved your goals almost without noticing. Becoming the person you once imagined and developing the skills you have worked on for years.

Another thing about imposter syndrome is that it’s so common. To be honest, no one really knows what they are doing. There was not some day in school that you missed, and now all your peers are collectively ahead of you. While everyone’s lives take different paths, we are all taking them one day at a time. The only thing between you and your favorite influencer or workout studio instructor is that they had the gumption to try. I also bet that they still wake up some days and think they are a fraud as well. 

At the end of the day, people are going to think whatever they want to think about you, but we cannot live our lives in fear of others' opinions. I would rather live a life of trying and failing in things I love than one defined by playing it safe and never trying at all. So disregard the fear of being an imposter; it’s just a feeling, choose a better one. Only you can decide where you belong or what you can do, so do what you love and reach for the stars.