How to Unleash your Potential by Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Session 314

Imposter syndrome can happen to anyone. In this episode, we’ll share the key steps that you should be taking to push it back.

We’re joined by Noor from Blueprint MCAT. If you would like to follow along on YouTube, go to premed.tv.

Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points.

[02:04] What Imposter Syndrome Looks Like

Noor was a nontraditional student who graduated from undergrad in 2017 and she shares her experience with imposter syndrome and the hurdles she faced while preparing for the MCAT. Despite initial setbacks, Noor eventually found the courage to confront her fears and pursue her aspirations with the support of her loved ones and a positive mindset.

Imposter Syndrome Takes Hold

Noor’s journey with imposter syndrome began during her undergraduate years when she attempted to take the MCAT. She felt overwhelmed by the belief that she was not good enough and lacked the necessary skills to excel in the exam. The weight of self-doubt became debilitating, hindering her progress for a prolonged period.

While pursuing her premed courses, Noor performed commendably. However, when it came to MCAT preparation, she experienced difficulties. Unknown to her at the time, she was also grappling with undiagnosed ADHD, which further impacted her ability to study effectively.

Witnessing fellow students dedicating long hours to studying in the library, Noor felt inadequate and fell behind in her scores. Additionally, numerous personal issues added to her stress, eventually leading her to cancel her first attempt at taking the MCAT.

Lingering Fear and Self-Doubt

After the disappointing experience, Noor became plagued by fear and self-doubt, convincing herself that she simply wasn’t capable of succeeding on the MCAT. The memory of her previous struggle haunted her, intensifying her apprehension.

Despite enrolling in a prep course with another company, she didn’t feel adequately equipped or confident to face the challenge.

It took years for Noor to gather the courage to confront her fears and give the MCAT another try. With the unwavering support of her family, friends, and a dedicated therapist, she embarked on this journey once again in 2021.

However, her imposter syndrome did not disappear entirely. As a young Muslim woman in America, Noor had consistently encountered imposter syndrome in higher education institutions. Nonetheless, she developed more effective strategies for managing it this time.

A Supportive Network

Noor’s support system played a crucial role in her renewed attempt at conquering the MCAT. Encouragement and reassurance from her loved ones and her therapist helped boost her confidence and provided a sense of validation.

Additionally, being a former student of Blueprint, Noor appreciated the instructors’ encouragement and celebration of every milestone achieved, regardless of the scale. This healthier mindset empowered her to persevere despite occasional bouts of self-doubt.

'It's not a great feeling. But there is an end to it. And it is possible to get out of it for sure.'Click To Tweet

Although Noor still faced days when she questioned her abilities, her life experiences and personal growth allowed her to approach these challenges differently. Recognizing the impact of her own journey, Noor made the decision to become an instructor to support others facing similar struggles. She strives to guide aspiring test-takers, ensuring they don’t postpone their dreams due to imposter syndrome.

[07:30] Ways to Overcoming Self-Doubt

'How do you analyze? How do you talk to yourself after you get the questions wrong? Or maybe you didn't get that goal increase. What's the narrative that you're telling yourself?'Click To Tweet

Be open about your MCAT struggles.

In her journey to overcome imposter syndrome, Noor became more open about her struggles with the MCAT. She realized the power of sharing her stress and seeking support from others. By being vulnerable and asking for help, she created a sense of community and understood that she didn’t have to face these challenges alone.

Have a solid support system.

Noor’s experience highlights the significance of having a solid support system in combating imposter syndrome. She acknowledged that not everyone may have access to therapy.

Building a supportive network of people who can uplift and motivate you can make a significant difference.

Noor wanted to extend this model of support to future endeavors, such as med school and board exams, knowing that the journey can feel lonely but can be made easier by surrounding oneself with caring individuals.

Create an environment where success is celebrated collectively.

Through her experiences, she learned the value of embracing her achievements and recognizing the contribution of her family and friends to her success.

Noor’s story serves as a reminder that imposter syndrome can be overcome with the right mindset and support system. It is a journey of self-discovery and growth, where one learns to challenge negative thoughts and believe in their abilities.

[09:53] Imposter Syndrome in Med School

Noor’s experience with impostor syndrome in med school is not uncommon. She initially didn’t experience impostor syndrome during their undergraduate studies but began feeling it when they pursued their master’s at Harvard.

The pressure of being in a prestigious institution contributed to their feelings of inadequacy. Even after working at other notable research institutions, Noor continued to struggle with impostor syndrome. They described how it affected their approach to studying for the MCAT.

Initially, Noor set a specific score goal and constantly felt haunted by it. They would become upset with themselves whenever they fell short of this goal, leading to negative self-talk.

However, for their second attempt at the MCAT, Noor decided to let go of setting a goal score. They focused on doing their best without putting unnecessary pressure on themselves. This change in mindset helped alleviate some of the negative effects of impostor syndrome.

Other Contributors to Imposter Syndrome

Noor also acknowledged that certain identities can contribute to experiencing impostor syndrome more intensely. When individuals feel like they don’t belong or see others like them succeeding in a particular environment, they may question their own abilities and believe that they were accepted out of pity or by mistake.

Noor shared how they even started questioning their acceptance at Harvard Med School, thinking it might have been a “pity acceptance.”

Despite still experiencing impostor syndrome, Noor has found better ways to cope with it. They now encourage students facing similar struggles to recognize their worth and capabilities. No matter the institution or field they are in, they emphasize that everyone belongs and has the potential to excel. Their message to students is that they are capable, smart, and passionate, and will overcome impostor syndrome to become great doctors.

'You are worthy. You are fit for the task, you are capable, smart, and passionate, and you will get through this.'Click To Tweet

[13:38] The Importance of Celebrating Small Wins: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Preventing Burnout

The Exclusive Focus on Major Achievements in Accomplished Circles

Noor reflects on their experience in accomplished circles where the focus tends to be on major achievements such as publishing papers or getting accepted into prestigious schools. They observe that the celebration of small wins is often overlooked in these circles, creating a lack of modeling for others to celebrate their own accomplishments.

Recognizing and Appreciating Everyday Successes

Noor mentions struggling to adopt the habit of celebrating small victories themselves. They note how society emphasizes celebrating significant milestones rather than acknowledging everyday successes, like performing well on an exam or completing a to-do list.

Noor realizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating these smaller achievements, even if they may seem insignificant to others.

Uplifting and Acknowledging Remarkable Achievements

Building the habit of celebrating small wins is crucial, but Noor also emphasizes the significance of having a support system. Their friends play a role in uplifting and acknowledging their accomplishments, reminding Noor that the things they consider small are actually remarkable achievements.

This support helps combat imposter syndrome, which arises from comparing oneself to others’ seemingly more significant accomplishments.

Embracing Personal Accomplishments

Noor’s therapist provides valuable insights, highlighting how setting goals further and further away can hinder happiness. Instead, it is essential to take the time to celebrate the wins along the journey. By neglecting to recognize and appreciate the small victories, burnout becomes a risk.

Celebrating the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Noor concludes by stressing the significance of celebrating small wins. They acknowledge that the journey towards success is long and demanding, and without taking the time to celebrate and enjoy the process, burnout becomes inevitable.

'If we don't celebrate the small wins, burnout is going to happen.'Click To Tweet

[16:50] Final Words of Wisdom

Don’t put your passions on hold.

Noor encourages aspiring medical students not to put their other passions on hold simply because they are in medical school. Whether it’s sports, creative writing, consulting, or any non-medical interest that ignites your passion, she believes it’s crucial to continue pursuing them. These pursuits contribute to your overall identity and bring fulfillment beyond the confines of medicine.

Find respite in your passions.

Engaging in your non-medical passions can provide a much-needed respite from the demanding nature of medical school. It becomes a time when you can shine, stepping away from the rigorous studying and clinical responsibilities. Noor highlights that by embracing your passions, you can regain a sense of balance and rejuvenation. Ultimately, this makes medical school more bearable.

It’s part of your journey, not the destination.

One key aspect Noor emphasizes is not viewing medical school as the end-all-be-all of your life. While being passionate about medicine is commendable, it shouldn’t define your entire existence.

'We're so much more than just medicine. We're so much more than studying and producing. We're amazing human beings.'Click To Tweet

Recognizing that you are more than just a medical student allows you to approach your education with a healthier perspective. By understanding that there is more to life than medicine, you can better navigate the challenges of medical school without compromising your overall well-being.

Take breaks and reward yourself.

Noor advocates for taking breaks from studying and treating yourself during the MCAT preparation process. She believes it’s crucial to have at least one day a week where you can detach from anything MCAT-related.

Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, by rewarding yourself. Whether it’s indulging in a delicious croissant or treating yourself to something you enjoy, these rewards serve as motivation and reminders that you’re more than just your academic achievements.

Embracing Life Outside of Medicine

Above all, Noor emphasizes the importance of remembering that you are more than just your profession. Medicine may be a significant part of your life, but it shouldn’t consume every aspect of it.

Nurture relationships, explore hobbies, and create a life outside of the MCAT and medical school. By maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you become a more well-rounded individual, allowing you to bring unique perspectives and experiences to your medical career.