Some notes from Cris Moore on impostor syndrome

I'm not cut out for this! I don't belong here! These people think I'm an idiot! Any minute now they're going to realize I'm a fraud and kick me out!

. You are not alone. Many people in science, and creative / high-functioning people generally, feel this way. Find friends, peers, and mentors who you trust, and let them know how you feel. Feeling this way doesn't mean you're weak or stupid: it means you're human. By discussing these things openly, you also support others. Remove the stigma of these feelings (and of mental health more generally!)

. Science is a social process: it is not about lone geniuses. Most science is incremental and communal. It is not about huge leaps or flashes of insight. It is usually about putting together existing pieces in a new way, and small insights and results build up to larger understandings. You are a member of the scientific community. You earned your place here, and you have already arrived.

. There will always be people who are smarter / faster / luckier than you: who win more awards, and get jobs at fancier places. Many of them are struggling with exactly the same feelings. Success is no guarantee of happiness. Admire and inspire; don't compare and despair.

. You have a unique perspective. Find problems that others aren't thinking about, or problems where your background and style of thinking will help. Interdisciplinary work offers a lot of opportunities for this (especially if you don't mind being surrounded by people who know more about the subject than you do!)

. Take pride in teaching and learning. Sharing knowledge gives a solid boost to your self-esteem, based on generosity and inclusiveness rather than competition. Remember that what seems trivial to you is intimidating to others: take pleasure in showing others that it isn't so hard. There's nothing like explaining something to someone to give you confidence that you understand it. In turn, bask in the knowledge of the people around you. This is an opportunity to learn more from them, not to feel less than them.

. Treat yourself as you would a friend. Next time you feel critical of yourself (You're not working hard enough! You made a mistake! You asked a stupid question!) ask yourself whether you would be as hard on a friend or colleague. If you would cut them some slack, then do so for yourself.

. Find out what works for you, both intellectually and emotionally. I'm very social and need others to discuss things with in order to make progress; others prefer to work alone to gain confidence in their understanding. I like to ask questions in the moment; others want to take the time to digest and formulate their question first. Some people are careful thinkers; others produce lots of ideas and throw out 90% of them. All of these are valid locations in the scientific ecosystem.

. A balanced life is a good life. Making yourself miserable will not improve your work. Friends, music, art, literature, play, all make you a happier and more well-rounded person, and in the end a better scientist as well. 

. All of this can be magnified if you are a member of an underrepresented group, or a first-generation student, or if your family doesn't understand / support you. If you're having trouble, find peers who understand what you're going through, including what it's like to deal with society's prejudices. Meanwhile we all have a responsibility to try to make science the inclusive community that it claims to be.