{"id":10948,"date":"2018-06-07T07:00:39","date_gmt":"2018-06-07T12:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/feminem.org\/?p=10948"},"modified":"2018-06-06T13:50:41","modified_gmt":"2018-06-06T18:50:41","slug":"imposter-syndrome-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/feminem.org\/2018\/06\/07\/imposter-syndrome-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Imposter Syndrome – Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a two part series.\u00a0Below is an interview between Dr. Angie Carrick and Dr. Jaime\u00a0Hope on the topic of Imposter Syndrome.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

A: Dr. Hope, why did you become passionate about speaking on Imposter Syndrome?<\/p>\n

J:\u00a0 Dr. Carrick, thanks for allowing me to be a part of this!\u00a0 You are doing such important things and I appreciate it!\u00a0 I remember role call on the first day of medical school.\u00a0As they were reading names, I suddenly had this fear that mine wasn\u2019t going to be called\u2026that they would tap me on the shoulder and tell me they made a mistake and a more qualified student would be taking my seat.\u00a0 Of course that didn\u2019t happen but to be in a room with such outstanding students, all with long lists of impressive accomplishments affected me.\u00a0 Instead of feeling like I was rising up to the challenge, I felt like an imposter!\u00a0 I had never discovered a new chemical, I had not opened orphanages in 3rd\u00a0<\/sup>world countries, how did my application make it through?\u00a0 At the time, it was hard to see the awesomeness in my own accomplishments because they were familiar and what other people had done sounded new and exciting.\u00a0I worked hard in my training and generally enjoyed it, but occasionally my mind would wander back to wondering if I belong.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t until I was an Attending that I heard the words \u201cImposter Syndrome\u201d and started to read about it.\u00a0 I cautiously started chatting with others about it and lo and behold, I wasn\u2019t the only one!\u00a0 In fact, it was WAY more common than I realized.\u00a0 Objectively successful people like Sharyl Sandberg, Albert Einstein, and Emma Watson have publically discussed imposter feelings.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want anyone to feel alone like I did, as if they have to hide some awful secret.\u00a0 I have learned the signs and symptoms and I am dedicated to helping others fight them like I have!<\/p>\n

A: \u00a0How did you develop the ways to fight \u2018automatic negative thoughts\u2019 about personal successes?<\/p>\n

J:\u00a0 The first step was to recognize that they exist.\u00a0 Those things that pop into your head before you realize it is happening.\u00a0 For example, if you are self-conscious about a particular part of your appearance, your eyes will go to that part in the mirror or in pictures in a nanosecond.\u00a0 If you are uncomfortable accepting compliments, your auto-reply with be a deferment or self-deprecating comment.\u00a0 You do these things in your head and out loud.\u00a0 I challenge anyone to spend 3 days being very conscious of (and even writing down) the first thing that pops into your head when: you look in a mirror or at a picture, when someone gives you a compliment, and when you are met with a challenge.\u00a0 You will be surprised when you realize this auto-pilot voice has been running the ship.\u00a0Once you recognize that, it\u2019s time to take back control.\u00a0 You are the boss of your thoughts!!\u00a0 It takes practice but replacing the self-negativity and meanness with appreciation and gratitude will change your life!\u00a0 Also, keep a \u2018greatest hits\u2019 folder, either a physical folder or a computer file.\u00a0 Fill it with lists of your accomplishments and achievements, thank you letters you\u2019ve received, and other things that you have earned.\u00a0 You will have mountains of objective evidence that you have done great things, and you can refer to it anytime you are feeling doubts.\u00a0 Lastly, talk to others!!!\u00a0 I can\u2019t emphasize this enough!\u00a0 This syndrome exists because it lurks in the dark.\u00a0 Have an \u201cANT\u201d buddy to help each other continue to recognize and eradicate these junk thoughts.<\/p>\n

A: \u00a0Do you feel like you are overcoming Imposter Syndrome yourself?<\/p>\n

J:\u00a0 It is a work in progress!\u00a0I look at it like recovery.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be doing well for a while and then occasionally slip back into the negative self-deprecating thoughts.\u00a0 I definitely practice what I preach!!\u00a0\u00a0 I use mantras, fight my ANTS, shake off comparisons, and stop should-ing all over myself when I feel my confidence getting low.\u00a0 It will never be perfect\u2026nor should anyone want to aspire to this unattainable ideal!\u00a0 I\u2019ve become much more accepting of my flaws and finally have given myself permission to embrace the good.\u00a0 And I love helping others do the same!<\/p>\n

A: \u00a0Are there any references you recommend reading on Imposter Syndrome for someone wanting more information?<\/p>\n

J:\u00a0Some of my favorite books (I usually listen to the audiobook version\u2026so easy to get some good reading in while I\u2019m driving, exercising, and doing chores like laundry)\u00a0 I read a LOT \u263a.<\/p>\n