IMPOSTER SYNDROME
​
MAY 2020
According to Psychology Today, imposter syndrome is “a psychological term referring to a pattern of behavior where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud.”
You might have experienced or are currently experiencing imposter-like thoughts or behaviors, particularly associated with your academic endeavors.
Through the following four modules, you will explore your relationship with imposter syndrome. You will learn the mental, emotional, physical and career-related consequences of this phenomenon. You’ll interact with peers to share stories and strategies for combating imposter syndrome. Finally, you’ll create a foundation to implement strategies to
​
embrace your greatness
and
own your accomplishments.
 Graduates Holding Diplomas |
|---|
 Good Grades |
 Graduation |
 Informative Interview |
 Image by Helloquence |
 Image by Estée Janssens |
 Image by Giorgio Trovato |
 Image by Jason Leung |
 Handshake |
 Checking Text on a Document |
MODULE 1
What is imposter syndrome? Do I feel like an imposter?
May 3-9, 2020
View the infographic associated with the article Imposter Syndrome and Me.
Read the article Yes, Imposter Syndrome Is Real. Here's How to Deal With It.
After viewing the infographic and reading the article, journal about how imposter syndrome shows up in your own life. In what situations, particularly those related to academia, do you feel inadequate and why? What negative beliefs do you have about yourself that are associated with imposter syndrome? What factors, both internal and external, drive those feelings of inadequacy?
Use the below table as an example to help you organize your thoughts.
MODULE 3
Strategies to Combat Imposter Syndrome
May 17-23, 2020
MODULE 2
Consequences of Imposter Syndrome
May 10-16, 2020
Listen to the podcast Imposter Syndrome
After listening to the podcast and revisiting the infographic from Module 1, think about how imposter syndrome has had negative consequences in your own life.
Write a short forum post about these realizations. Title your post "Imposter Syndrome - Module 2."
Then, comment on two posts written by others who have different experiences.
It is often easier to help a close friend tackle imposter syndrome than to navigate our own feelings of inadequacy.
In a forum post, write a letter to a friend or loved one who might be experiencing imposter syndrome. In that letter, compassionately let them know you understand what might be going through and remind them of their greatness. Gently offer a few strategies to help them combat imposter syndrome, either learned from the reading or other suggestions you might have formulated based on the article. Title your post "Imposter Syndrome - Module 3."
Then, comment on two posts written by others. In your comments, discuss how you might respond if you were the friend to whom the letter was addressed. Do you feel supported and understood? Are the strategies easy to implement?
MODULE 4
Self-Reflection
May 24-30, 2020
Revisit your table from the Module 1 journaling prompt. For each experience listed, own your accomplishments and write your truth. Ex. I worked really hard on my poster and practiced my presentation many times. I earned that award! Then, journal about how you will actively work to remind yourself of your greatness every day to combat imposter syndrome.
