LIFESTYLE
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LIFESTYLE
How graduates can slay the impostor syndrome
By: Refiloe Legoale 16 May 2018
it is important to identify and understand the signs of impostor syndrome early in one’s career.
“According to a study conducted by UK career development agency Amazing If last year, as much as a third of millennials – young people between the ages of 18 and 34 - suffer from Imposter Syndrome at work,” says Dr Gillian Mooney, Dean: Academic Development and Support at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest private higher education institution.
“Impostor syndrome is commonly reported by recent graduates who are starting to formally work for the first time,” she says.
“Many high achievers make external attributions about their success, for instance that they have been ‘lucky’ and that their success has little to do with who they are and what they know, or hard work and intelligence. This means that these people believe that they are not intelligent or capable enough, in spite of the objective evidence to the contrary.” Dr Mooney adds that there is no clear pattern or type of person who may suffer from imposter syndrome.
So how does one tackle Impostor Syndrome?
Recognise and acknowledge what you are dealing with
When these destructive thoughts and feelings emerge, recognise them as such. It will be easier to manage these feelings and thoughts once you know what they are. Note negative self-talk, such as ‘I can’t do this work’ or ‘I don’t know how to do this presentation’, and determine whether your insights are based on fact, or fear.
Change your mental programming
Think about whether or not there is any real evidence for your feelings of inadequacy. Are all these feelings and thoughts just in your head? Actively rephrase your thoughts. Substitute ‘I don’t know anything’ for ‘I don’t know everything, but that is to be expected because I am still learning’. Nobody is ever expected to know it all – only to try their best and work on areas that need attention.
Pay attention to your achievements
Make a list of both your strengths and your weaknesses. Focus on the areas that you need to develop. Focus on how you can capitalise on your strengths. Keep a running list of tasks completed well, no matter how big or small.
Know that you're not alone
Approach the Career Centre or counsellors at the private higher education institution or public university where you studied. A good institution will be well equipped to put your feelings into perspective, and to assist and guide you to set out on your path with renewed self-assurance.
Build confidence
Action is the antidote to despair. Don’t wallow in feeling of inadequacy or concern about your ability to handle your workload. Commit to being productive and completing one task after the other, putting one foot in front of the other. As your list of small victories grows, so will your confidence and feelings of being empowered.
@w24.co
