Imposter Syndrome Jasjit Sangha Ph D Learning Strategist

Imposter Syndrome Jasjit Sangha, Ph. D Learning Strategist Academic Success 1

Deep Listening Activity

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Novice versus Expert

Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning 5

Imposter Phenomena I feel like a fraud… I don’t belong because. . . Nobody will want to help a failure like me. . 6

Impact on Self – Worth + Motivation 7 I am not worthy… I don’t deserve to be in this program. . . I don’t want to do my work it will not be good enough…

Geographic Identity Gender Sexuality Religion / Faith SELF Citizenship Race / Ethnicity Class Family Responsibilities Age Ability

Discussion Question: In your experience, what are some thinking traps that students may fall into?

“Thinking Traps” 1 0

Trigger Internal narrative or story Thinking trap / Negative self talk Self-doubt in abilities Impact on learning 1 1

Reframing Thinking Traps Thinking Trap Reframing Thinking Trap I am not smart enough, I don’t deserve to This is a challenging program and I am be in this program, I feel like a failure working hard I can’t talk about setbacks in my work or Remember the success iceberg! Many others will judge me people face challenges before they achieve success I feel alone There are caring staff on campus like my grad administrator Nobody in my cohort is nice to me, there I need to reach out to others for support must be something wrong with me and engage in self-care I’m afraid to speak up because I am afraid I can build relationships with other my supervisor will not give me a good professors and show my strengths reference through my professional development and talk to the Conflict Resolution Centre 1 3

Use R. A. I. N to Reframe Recognize what is happening Allow the experience to be there, just as it is Investigate with interest and care Nurture with self-compassion By Tara Brach 1 4

Discussion Question: In your experience, what are some other strategies that could help a student who is stressed out by a “thinking trap” that is affecting their learning and progress?

Trigger PAUSE Be aware of thinking trap Reframe thinking trap Strengthen sense of self Impact on learning 1 6

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What are other learning strategies that can help to reduce stress and increase motivation?

Stress and Learning Figure: Yerkes-Dodson Law for Stress vs Performance, retrieved from Keith Mc. Gregor, Sarah Maeght and Tom Richmond (2014) Understanding burnout and reducing its impact (Chapter 59, pp. 323 -336). In, Palmer, C. (Ed. ) Sports Monograph. SSTO Pub. 1 9

Alignment between future self + present self Procrastination Perfectionism 20

Reflection Question: Procrastination and Perfectionism • How do you feel when you engage in procrastination or perfectionism? • What activity do you do when you procrastinate? • How do you shift the direction of “the elephant”?

Study Habits 22

Identifying Realistic Pace 23

Prioritization Grid Important and Urgent Important but not Urgent Not Important but not Urgent 24

Prioritization Grid Important and Urgent Important but not Urgent • Crisis • Pressing problems • Projects completed at the last minute • Planning • Long – term projects Not Important but Urgent Not Important but not Urgent • Interruptions • Time- Specific but non-essential items • Busy work • TV • Internet and social media 25

SQ 4 R for Active Reading

Structure and Accountability • Study hubs • Graduate writing circles • Workshops at Robarts • Learning Strategist (SGS, Academic Success) • Gradlife

Self Compassion and Community • Self-care and self-compassion • Make time to nourish yourself • Build a supportive community • Reach out when feeling isolated

Growth Mindset • How do you react to failure? • How do you feel? • Can you reframe “thinking trap”? • Can you approach a challenge with curiosity?

Questions? Contact: jasjit. sangha@utoronto. ca