Dealing with Underconfidence (& lurking Imposter Syndrome)

Have you ever experienced a wave of self-doubt despite your accomplishments? Do you ever question if you truly deserve your achievements, fearing judgment or rejection? Perhaps you've even felt like an imposter, believing that you were just lucky and not truly "good enough." I can totally empathise with these feelings because I also experienced something similar during my master's journey (https://lnkd.in/d3MPmvXE).

Underconfidence and imposter syndrome can stealthily undermine our growth. In this article, I want to share my own insecurities during the process of completing my thesis and during my exchange Semesters in Europe. Through personal anecdotes, I will reveal the strategies that helped me conquer these challenges and embrace a journey of growth and self-discovery.

Let me give you a glimpse into some practical examples of how underconfidence and imposter syndrome manifested in my experience:

Hesitation to ask questions during initial lectures at IIT Delhi: A fear of judgment from colleagues who might question my admission itself, thinking, "...how did he even get admitted to IIT Delhi? It's just basic engineering." Despite AIR 102 in GATE and getting the first preference.

Proposing research in an unconventional domain- Blockchain applications in energy systems: Battling feelings of incompetence due to a perceived lack of relevant education or background, hearing thoughts like, "...he has no relevant experience in this field."

Acceptance as a DAAD KOSPIE Scholar: Struggling with feelings of unworthiness despite the rigorous selection, knowing that all I needed to do was draft an acceptable research proposal and perform well in my initial semesters.

Participating in conferences and fireside chats (without required expertise): Hesitation to contribute to discussions without considering myself an expert.

While receiving speaking opportunities at prestigious Global events- like the LF Energy Summit 2023 and International Blockchain Congress Alt Hack: Doubting my own abilities in the presence of experienced professionals. Battling hesitation and comparison with other accomplished individuals.

While reflecting on my journey, I could understand that this feeling of self-doubt (and the lurking Imposter's syndrome) is not a function of the stage, be it your classrooms or international conferences. However, the techniques to overcome them stayed similar.

Here are the strategies that made a significant difference:

Building relevant skills, implementing projects, and earning certifications: Completing those extra credits at IITD, joining Global Governance Initiative, and pursuing a Coursera Blockchain Specialization were important steps in this direction. Achieving high GPAs, capstone projects, and positive feedbacks kept me motivated to keep learning. Never compromise on gaining the skills needed.

Letting results speak for themselves: Maintaining a decent CGPA of 9+/10 in my master's program, receiving the honour of being nominated for the Dr. Shuli Goodman Scholarship 2023 by The Linux Foundation, DAAD KOSPIE Scholarship 2022 by DAAD India. Celebrating the runner-up award won by our ImpactScope team at the Siemens Global #Tech4Sustainability Challenge in the Tokenise the Energy Transition Track. Remember to celebrate your achievements, big or small, to stay motivated and focused. Take a moment today to reflect on your successes and give yourself a pat on the back!

Being proactive in networking and showing the work: Let me share some incidents- In May 2022, the CEO of ProDecipher discovered me through LinkedIn. In December, I proactively arranged a conference call where I showcased some of my work; later, I received an invitation to participate in the World Economic Forum 2023 as part of Team ProDecipher. Similarly, after discussing my work with Chief Sustainability Officer of ImpactScope at Davos, a video call was arranged with the Team, including the CEO, leading to my inclusion in the core group as a Sustainable Energy Consultant, forging a deep and meaningful relationship with ImpactScope.

Embracing a learner's mindset and giving back to the community: Never hesitating to unlearn and relearn the concepts, especially in this rapidly evolving world. Encouraging junior colleagues to seek guidance and support.

Mindfully creating an environment conducive to growth: At Technical University of Munich I learnt this important lesson that helped me understand why the Research Culture is so important. I loved the concept of StudiTUM (a dedicated distraction-free space which could be booked); I used to sometimes spend the morning hours studying there with a friend from UAE before starting the research work in Lab. Such spaces exist everywhere, we just need to mindfully seek to utilise them.

Celebrate small wins and spending time together: Your friends will remind you of your potential when you feel underconfident. At TU Munich I used to wonder why the research group spent so much time engaging with each other at Mensas (University Mess halls) & participating in out-of-Lab events. I understood later that besides fostering a positive research environment, it helps you to forge bonds and get genuine advice.

Embrace the power of Self-affirmations and self-care: as rightly stressed in the NRCVEE Modules on Self Development and Leadership at IITD. I took these courses almost every semester to explore my inner self, to cope with rigorous core academic courses, and to meet distinguished individuals like Sri M, Ms Pravrajika Divyanandapranaji, Mrs Anuradha Balaram.  

In conclusion, conviction in our abilities and determination to conquer underconfidence will lead us towards fulfilling our true potential. By building relevant skills, letting results speak for themselves, actively networking and showcasing our work, embracing a learner's mindset, and prioritising self-care, we can triumph over imposter syndrome and underconfidence.

Convocation is approaching, and I'll soon be recognised as a Master of Technology in Energy & Environment Technologies and Management from IIT Delhi. The new label is bringing some unsettling excitement to my mind. I see myself as a learner who is exploring alongside my peers rather than a master as such.

In a world of rapid technological advancements and emerging fields (AI, Blockchains, Web3, etc.), battling feelings of self-doubt, underconfidence, and imposter syndrome becomes crucial as we strive for personal and professional growth. As soon as we step into a new domain and start making significant progress, it would certainly creep in. I wrote this article to remind myself of how tackling it is possible, and I did it during my master's, which can act as a guide in the future. The final completion and signing of my thesis report this week, which I proudly attached in the headline picture, marked a significant milestone in my journey.

I would love to hear your feedback on my article and the strategies I shared to tackle it. I encourage you to reflect on your own journey and consider how underconfidence & Imposter syndrome might be holding you back. This time I've included some extremely personal examples; give me a shout-out if it helps in any way.