Professor Dupont

 If you’re reading this, you are not the only one with impostor syndrome. 

As old as I am, I still wake up most mornings wondering how I’m possibly going to teach my classes, do my other work, and talk to people. Why am I doing the job that I’m doing? I’m not equipped for it! But then again, I’m probably not equipped for any job, so I should just retire early, etc., etc., etc. 

In the end, I always get to campus. Stepping into a classroom makes the noise go away.

As someone who has been dealing with this pattern for decades, I can share a few strategies that help me. 

I laugh at my crazy thoughts. Seeing them as funny makes them less scary. 

I take one day at a time. Just for today, can I meet my responsibilities and walk through my day? Yes.

I keep in mind that attempts to escape make things worse. I’ve tried it all. Now, I choose to live life on life’s terms rather than running away.

I try not to be too hard on myself if I periodically rebel against my own schedule.

I make a gratitude list, even if only in my mind and not on paper.

I ask myself, what needs to be done right now? What can wait?

I try to do short work sessions– an hour, or 30 minutes at a time– on each project. One day is lots of hours long.

I remind myself that as soon as I walk into a classroom, I will be surrounded by people who will help me think about things other than me.

I take walks without listening to anything.

I talk to my family. They make me laugh.

I spend time in prayer.

I take comfort in meditations like this one, from St. Josemaría Escrivá’s The Way (998):

“O blessed perseverance of the donkey that turns the waterwheel! Always the same pace. Always around the same circle. One day after another, every day the same.

Without that, there would be no ripeness in the fruit, nor blossom in the orchard, nor scent of flowers in the garden.

Carry this thought to your interior life.”

Denise D., Southern Methodist University

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