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Can You Lose A Scholarship? How To Deal With Stress And Imposter Syndrome

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Can You Lose A Scholarship? How To Deal With Stress And Imposter Syndrome

The journey of a scholar will always come with its highs. While there’s much to be celebrated about getting a career advantage among your peers and alleviating the financial stress off your shoulders, the lows often go unseen.

The competitive and demanding nature of having a scholarship can often lead to imposter syndrome in many students.

Typically, these persistent feelings of anxiety and self-doubt stem from the pressure to perform and maintain good academic results.

Because the fact remains: scholars can lose their scholarship at any time if they’re falling behind. Some of the most common types of scholarships include academic, athletic, need-based, merit aid, military, and employer-sponsored scholarships.

The good news is anyone can overcome stress and imposter syndrome—you don’t have to be paralysed by it! If you plan to get a scholarship or perhaps already have one, here are 6 effective ways to overcome imposter syndrome when it strikes.

6 Ways To Deal With Imposter Syndrome As A Scholar

1. Understand That Your Feelings Are Valid & Acknowledge Them

The first thing you need to do is to always validate your emotions and feelings. Yes, they may be negative feelings. But emotional validation can teach you how to practice better self-talk and calm yourself in times of struggle.

Your first instinct would probably be to avoid it altogether and find an immediate distraction. But this might only make those conflicting emotions stronger.

Get to the root of your emotions, understand why you’re feeling the way you feel, and show kindness towards yourself.

2. Avoid Making Comparisons With What You See On Social Media

“The reason we struggle with insecurity is that we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel”. This is especially relevant in this current age where social media reigns supreme.

But the truth is this: not everything you see on social media is real.

It’s dangerously easy to feel bitter about other people’s achievements when there are certain goals you haven’t met just yet.

On the other hand, you may come across fellow scholars on their socials living seemingly stress-free lives. But the reality is that everyone is on their journey. Nobody is going to post pictures of themselves stressed out or mugging for finals. All you see is the good stuff; never the bad and ugly.

Instead of focusing on the accomplishments of others, continue to work on yourself and focus on what you have achieved instead.

3. Seek Professional Help

There’s nothing wrong with seeking professional help. It doesn’t make one look weak or incapable.

Speaking with a counsellor or therapist can give you a clearer explanation of your internal thought process and why you’re feeling what you’re feeling.

On top of that, these professionals will also equip you with the necessary skills and methods to alleviate imposter syndrome altogether.

Most, if not all, universities around the globe have guidance counsellors on campus to help students with their day-to-day struggles.

Alternatively, seeking help from a licensed therapist can also be another way to go about it.

4. Let Go Of Perfectionism

Perfection isn’t key, but progression is.

It’s no surprise why most scholars demand perfectionism from themselves, considering what’s at stake for them to keep their scholarships. However, this is an incredibly tough job to keep up.

With perfectionism, you’ll constantly find yourself criticising things that are going wrong and live in fear of not being good enough.

But progress focuses on self-improvement, encourages a mindset of continuous learning, and makes room for mistakes. At the end of the day, we’re only human.

5. Celebrate Your Victories, Even The Small Ones

Everyone celebrates the big milestones in life. But small wins deserve the same attention as well.

These little spurs of progress are what will keep you motivated in your journey as a scholar at university.

In fact, there’s a whole scientific explanation about how celebrating small wins releases a feel-good chemical in our brain, namely dopamine, which promotes positive emotions and a sense of pride.

Remember: all wins are worth celebrating; both big and small.

6. Cultivate Self-Compassion

When filled with self-doubt and critical thoughts, having compassion for yourself is easier said than done.

But one of the easiest ways to cultivate self-compassion is through affirmations.

Start by repeating positive words of affirmation daily to boost your self-esteem and cut off any self-sabotaging thoughts. It’s as simple as telling yourself “I can do this” and “I’m where I need to be right now”.

Ultimately, the goal is to change your point of view and shift the way you talk to yourself from a self-criticising manner to an empathetic one.

When you feel challenged at any time, repeat those words to yourself and see the difference it’ll make in your life.

Seek Help With Stress And Imposter Syndrome From Our IDP Education Counsellors

Most people know IDP as the go-to university education specialist, helping students with all their needs to kickstart their overseas education journeys. But there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Beyond guiding students with choosing the right course, assisting with university applications, and getting settled in their study destination, the team of education counsellors are always ready to help students with the stresses of university life.

We want our students to feel supported at every stage of their journey, even in those challenging times.

To learn more about what we do, book a free counselling session with us today.

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