Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism

Many successful legal professionals question whether they really belong. Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice admitted to feeling like a fraud – “I have spent my years since Princeton, while at law school and in my various professional jobs, not feeling completely a part of the worlds I inhabit. I am always looking over my shoulder wondering if I measure up.” Anyone can feel the nagging self-doubt of imposter syndrome at any point in their career.

Others struggle with perfectionism. An ABA post on the topic notes perfectionist thinking among lawyers can lead to “anxiety, rigidity, closed-mindedness, defensiveness, lack of trust (isolation), blame and shame.”  Lawyers are often high achievers, so perfectionism can also impact your wellbeing.

Here are some suggestions to help you explore this topic –

Watch This: Dealing With Imposter Syndrome As A Lawyer – The Aspiring Boss Vlog [Watch]

Listen To This: Caroline Flanagan, The Legal Imposters Podcast [Listen]

Read This:

Own Your Greatness: Overcome Imposter Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life [get ebook]

The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer From Imposter Syndrome and How To Thrive In Spite Of It [get ebook]

The Anxious Perfectionist: How to Manage Perfectionism-Driven Anxiety Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy [get ebook]

The Gift of Imperfectionism: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed To Be and Embrace Who You Are [get ebook]

Contact the Law Library at research.services@law.csuohio.edu if you have any questions about accessing these ebooks.

Find more wellness resources on our guide – Mental Health and Well-Being – Resources for Law Students.  This week’s wellness posts sponsored by the CSU|LAW Wellness Committee.