Five tips for tackling imposter syndrome

What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome can be defined as an inability to accurately self-assess performance. It can lead us to believe that we don’t deserve our successes and make us doubt our abilities.

How do you overcome imposter syndrome?

There is no yardstick to measure success – everyone’s version will be different. The only person you should be competing against is yourself. So ask yourself - are you doing the best you can? Higher Education students from Cardiff and the Vale college who have overcome their own feelings of self-doubt share their top tips.

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1. Talk to a friend

Your feelings are not always unique. The likelihood is that others will have experienced similar feelings of self-doubt. It can help to share this.

2. Remind yourself how good you are

You have come so far – and there is a reason for that! Reflect on your achievements, however small. Your work and your journey up to this point has led you to here – this means that you are good enough.

3. Join social groups

Universities have social groups set up to help you meet new people with a shared interest. They offer an opportunity to share some of your concerns and meet new people before you even start.

4. Visualise success

Keep in mind what you are working towards. Reminding yourself of why you are on this path and what it will lead to will help you stay focused.

5. Celebrate your failings

Everything doesn’t always go according to plan, with failures and challenges along the way. It is often said that you learn more by failing so do not see it as a negative, rather as an opportunity to learn and improve.

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