Igniting Your Inner Legal Eagle: Quelling Imposter Syndrome

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Shall I pose this query? Shall I proceed with this task? I’ll become a subject of ridicule. Am I even capable of doing it? I am not competent to do this. I’m not worthy enough. Everyone is better than me. Perhaps my diligence falls short. I will be a target of mockery. Everybody will judge me.

These thoughts would conquer my mind whenever I had to give a presentation in front of the class, respond to any professor's question, or express my thoughts in front of someone, be it peers, or friends. During moot court competitions, I was grappled with persistent thoughts: that my opponents were significantly better than me; what if I stumbled while presenting my arguments before the judges; or what if I would not be able to give suitable answers to their questions! Even as I pen this blog, I’m laden with self-doubtful thoughts about whether I am capable of writing it well and whether I should be writing it at all, I do not hold expertise in this field, so why would anyone read it, a plethora of such self-doubting thoughts. If your mind is also flooded with such skeptical thoughts then you might be experiencing ‘Imposter Syndrome.’

Comprehending Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt like putting out one face to the world when you know you don’t belong to the world? If, your answer is yes then you are most likely to experience 'Imposter Syndrome'. It’s also called as ‘Imposter Phenomenon.’ It is a behavioral and psychological health issue in which people doubt themselves, their ability, and their success. It is often accompanied by anxiety and depression. This is commonly found among high-achieving individuals and it continues to escalate alongside your achievements and success. Yes! You heard it right. The pursuit of success does not reduce this issue; on the contrary, the more successful you become, the more you will find yourself second-guessing. Many factors lead to imposter syndrome.

One factor is raised in an environment that prioritises success and perfection. Social media is another factor, when you see people flaunting their picture-perfect lives, you might feel like you don’t fit in this world, or you are not perfect enough. Don’t let these negative thoughts dominate you; rather, address them head-on.  

Below are some strategies to help you effectively overcome Imposter Syndrome:

Self-talk: Your Secret Weapon

I know this might sound odd to you but trust me, it works like magic. Once you start positively talking to yourself, you will realize the wonder it does. It is a simple yet powerful trick, all you have to do is kick all those pessimistic thoughts aside, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remind yourself of the hard work you did to be there where you are. It is high time to take control over your mind and drive it wherever you want to, just don’t let those imposters trespass your mind.

Self-awareness: The Secret Door

To be very honest, understanding case laws won’t help much in overcoming this syndrome, so take a break from the towering stack of books and spend some time with your true self. Dedicate some time to self-discovery, and notice all the small efforts you are putting in every day to achieve something. Know yourself as it is the foundation of confidence. The more you know yourself, the less you question yourself. BE SELF-AWARE!

Switch from Critic to Evaluator

Do not act as a judge in your case, there are ample others who will do that for you so be an evaluator instead. I know, as a law student you are blessed with the ability to judge people but please, please, please stop judging yourself and start assessing. Don’t be harsh on yourself for messing up or not doing things correctly rather figure out the root causes and the possible solutions to deal with it. You must’ve heard the phrase, ‘people learn from their mistakes.’ So, you always have a choice to either learn from your mistakes or blame yourself. CHOOSE JUDICIOUSLY.

Social Media: The Culprit

I just can’t stop emphasizing the fact that ‘social media’ is ruining our minds. It is the comparison killer. If you are someone who keeps scrolling social media all day and night then stop right away or use it for a moderate time. Replace it with some healthy habits. Trust me, it will bring so much peace to your life. As soon as you restrict the use of social media in your life, half of the chaos fades away.

Meditation: The Path to Divine Energy

Amidst the hustle and bustle of today’s stressful environment, meditation is like a breath of fresh air. It brings a wealth of benefits. It helps you to develop the ability to cope up with the imposters and boost your self-esteem. At some point in life, many of us might have wished for a pause button in life by pressing which we could put our lives on hold for a while. Well, meditation is that pause button- it may not stop the external noise but it can definitely calm the inner storm. MEDITATE!

Conclusion

Don’t be disheartened and disconcerted when those imposters knock at your door. Just remember your worth and take small steps towards fighting with them. Don’t let them attack you, calm down and BELIEVE in yourself. Be informed about yourself, evaluate yourself, and talk more and more to yourself. So, next time when your professor asks a question, answer confidently. Express your thoughts gracefully and "Rock" that moot court competition without any second-guessing.

Thank you for reading this. Do share your experiences and how you deal with those uninvited guests in the comment box below.

Reference: Huecker MR, Shreffler J, McKeny PT, et al. Imposter Phenomenon. [Updated 2023 Jul 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585058/

*Manshi Kumari is a law student at School of Law, UPES