Especially when things get stressful, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong on campus. You might think that you’re not as qualified to be here as the people around you, or that you’re pretending to be something you’re not. Trust us – you belong here, Daniel. Everyone struggles with feelings of self-doubt at times, and there are ways to overcome them.
Celebrate your achievements.
Many high achievers (which you ARE! You’re a student at UNC-Chapel Hill for goodness sake!) downplay their achievements and emphasize their challenges. Instead:
- Focus on your strengths. Take time to consider what you’re good at doing, the skills you have, and the experiences that have shaped you. Write them down. Look at them when you start to feel like an imposter.
- Collect positive reminders. Many of us shrug away compliments and hold onto criticism. Soak in the praise. Revisit positive feedback. Make yourself a “smile file” of nice notes from people you love or good comments from professors and read through them when you’re feeling down.
Reframe your perspective.
- Think differently. Challenge negative self-talk by reframing imperfections and finding the good in what you do, even if you don’t believe it initially.
- Set realistic goals. Break down your goals into manageable steps and celebrate your successes along the way.
- Visualize success. Mentally rehearse challenging situations and visualize yourself overcoming obstacles to build your confidence and resilience.
Connect around it.
- Normalize imposter feelings. Share your feelings with a friend, family member, or counselor. Imposter syndrome is common and experienced by many successful individuals. The people you share with may have felt the same way as you before and can offer support and encouragement.
- Encourage personal sharing. Create a safe space for discussion and encourage yourself and people you know to both acknowledge experiences with imposter syndrome and share ways to overcome self-doubt.
- Provide encouraging reminders. Remind people of their value and accomplishments when they are experiencing moments of self-doubt.
Remember, no one is perfect. We all make mistakes, experience failures, and have moments of self-doubt. We are defined not by our experiences but by how we handle them. And at the end of the day, remember:
You did so many things that got you to Carolina.
You know how to do difficult things.
You belong here.