As the founder of Power Your Research, an academic branding company, I’ve dedicated my career to helping academics increase their visibility, authority, and income without the expense of a publicist. Through my interactions with countless clients, one adversary consistently shows its face: imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome, a psychological pattern where an individual doubts their accomplishments and fears being exposed as a ‘fraud,’ is prevalent in higher education. According to an Arizona State University article, “Imposter syndrome is widely prevalent within higher education, with both graduate students and faculty reporting significant experience with the phenomenon. By some estimates, nearly 70% of academic professionals will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their career.”
It’s a pervasive enemy, often discouraging highly educated professionals from pursuing more speaking engagements, increasing their consultant rates, or creating digital content and monetizing it.
Just like many of you, I’ve wrestled with imposter syndrome. I’ve undercharged for speaking engagements or priced programs too low, missing out on the earning potential my expertise truly deserves. These experiences with imposter syndrome inspired me to share three strategies I’ve used to combat this phenomenon.
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1. Focus on Facts, Not Feelings
Imposter syndrome thrives on your feelings of self-doubt, but you can counteract it by concentrating on the facts. The academics I collaborate with hold master’s degrees and Ph.Ds—indisputable facts that serve as tangible proof of their hard-earned skills, qualifications, and expertise.
Take a moment to reflect on your journey. Look back at the countless hours of study, the diligent research, the accolades you’ve earned, and the professional milestones you’ve reached. These are the triumphs, the concrete achievements that you’ve accumulated in your career. They’re more than just entries on a resume—they’re irrefutable proof of your dedication, talent, and resilience.
So, when that nagging voice of self-doubt begins to whisper in your ear, don’t give in to the feelings it stirs up. Instead, shift your focus to the facts of your career, your achievements, your education, and your experience. Let these facts, not feelings, feed your perception of your worth. Trust in your accomplishments and let them be your shield against the misleading whispers of imposter syndrome.
2. Build Your ‘Evidence Wall’
In your journey to overcome imposter syndrome, it’s crucial to build up so much evidence of your capabilities and accomplishments that when that negative inner voice rears its head, it’s quickly silenced.
Take the time to gather the physical evidence of your professional journey. This might include awards you’ve received, credentials you’ve been honored with, recognitions from your peers, certificates of completed programs or courses, and any significant achievements you’ve garnered throughout your career.
The goal isn’t just collecting these but strategically displaying them. Frame them, hang them, and make them a focal point. Place them somewhere specific. It could be in your office, your study, or even a special corner of your bedroom.
This “evidence wall” serves as a potent visual testament to your accomplishments, creating a powerful narrative of your career trajectory. It’s not just a decoration; it’s a concrete manifestation of your hard work, dedication, and skills, a constant reminder that you are indeed as talented, capable, and deserving as you claim to be. You are not an imposter but a genuine success, and this wall is the proof you need when imposter syndrome tries to tell you otherwise.
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3. Challenge Cognitive Dissonance with Increased Value
At its core, imposter syndrome is a form of cognitive dissonance, the unsettling mental discomfort you experience when your actions don’t align with your thoughts or beliefs.
To illustrate, here’s an example from my own experience: In the past, I sold a particular program for $300. Today, with increased confidence and awareness of my worth, I sell the same program for a much more fitting $3,000. That initial act of significantly undercharging was a direct manifestation of imposter syndrome, a clear disconnect between my perception of my value and the price I set.
So, how do we resolve this dissonance and outsmart imposter syndrome? By consciously increasing the value of what we offer. This doesn’t merely refer to increasing prices but enhancing the quality, the substance, and the impact of our services or products. It could involve investing more time in research, hiring professional designers for your presentation slides, or offering additional benefits to your audience.
By doing so, you align your behavior with your thoughts. As this alignment solidifies, you’ll find the discomfort that imposter syndrome thrives on gradually dissipating. Remember, your value is not just about your pricing; it’s a holistic representation of your expertise, your experience, and the unique impact you can make.
Final Thoughts
Imposter syndrome is a formidable adversary, but with these strategies, you can confront and overcome it. Remember, you are worthy of your successes, and you’re more than capable of achieving your goals, be it as a thought leader or public intellectual. Each degree you’ve earned, each project you’ve accomplished, each recognition you’ve received – they all testify to your abilities. I hope these tips empower you to overcome imposter syndrome and to stride confidently toward your ambitions.
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