Self-Doubt! Imposter Syndrome!!

Self-Doubt! Imposter Syndrome!!

Lack of Faith in You!!! Have you ever experienced any of these?  I have. The most recent was my time at Leeds Beckett University. I had completed all courses, concluded my project and handed in my dissertation, awaiting the final result.  I had put in my best during the study time and was aiming for a distinction as my final grade.

As an international student, I was first challenged with being away from my children and family and finding a balance between work and school. 

When my family joined me, the challenges escalated to dealing with school run, cooking, cleaning, work and also school. 

To make matters worse, I got pregnant!!😄 Morning sickness, extreme fatigue, hormonal riots joined the mix of challenges. 

Along the line, towards the end of my study time, I started doubting if I would make a distinction. I told myself that a Merit was just as good because I did not think that with all that I was juggling at the same time, that I deserved a distinction.

When the final results were published, I looked at the result in shock and disbelief! I did not believe what I saw.

I looked at my name and student number several times to be sure what I was seeing was mine.

It was written clearly  - Final Grade - Distinction!!!

I lived in doubt for weeks as I kept thinking this could be an error but it wasn't. I wrote my academic supervisor, thanking her for all her support and how I could not believe my result. In her words - You worked hard for this. You deserve it. This is all you. Congratulations!! Then it sank in. I told myself that I got that because I deserved it. That was the last of Self-doubt and lack of Faith. Dear Friend, you deserve whatever you work hard for. So when the results come in and look better than you expected, give yourself a pat on the back. Celebrate yourself. You deserve it and more. Ditch the self-doubt and take a deserved  bow. You are a success!! I love you❤️❤️

Chimdinma Onwuegbu founder  Precheks Consulting