Tips to Combat Imposter Syndrome

“I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.”

Maya Angelou

Since I started working in college settings, especially at a medical school, I often hear students doubt their own abilities and accomplishments or feel anxious about constantly comparing themselves with their peers. As you can imagine, they are quite brilliant and humble—perhaps too humble. This study confirms that the impostor phenomenon is highly prevalent among medical students, especially in first years and females, with 65% experiencing clinically significant levels. Impostor feelings are linked to transitional life stages, perfectionism (also elevated expectations and rates of perfectionism found in medicine), anxiety, and fears of failure or negative evaluation.

The truth is, these feelings don’t reflect your actual competence! Here are some tips to address imposter syndrome:

1. Separate feelings and fear from facts

2. Track your accomplishments with supporting evidence

3. Be mindful of comparisons to others

4. Talk to someone you trust

5. Seek supportive mentors

More resources:

• How to deal with imposter syndrome in graduate and professional school

• More tips on overcoming imposter syndrome

• Why imposter syndrome hits women and women of color harder

We can be our own hardest critics. Sending you compassion and love. You are more than enough!