Same excuse, different demons.

The truth about academic paralysis:

I see this daily in academia:

"I'll start writing when I feel ready"
*actually means*
"I'm afraid my work isn't good enough"

These two mindsets feed each other:
(like ferocious little wendigos)

Both steal your best years of research

1. Procrastination is fear of failure disguised as perfectionism

• "Just one more revision"
• "I need more research"
• "It's not ready yet"

2. Imposter syndrome is success anxiety masked as self-doubt

• "Others are more qualified"
• "My ideas aren't original enough" 
• "Someone will expose me as a fraud"

Real deal though:

You don't overcome these by waiting to feel ready or confident.
You beat them through consistent action.

Start writing that paper.
Submit that grant proposal.
Share your research findings.

The future is for those who believe in their dreams.

Perfect timing doesn't exist.
But perfect practice does.

And it starts with doing the work.

The best academics I know still feel like imposters.
They just learned to work through it.

Action beats anxiety.
Every. Single. Time.

Academic Paralysis: Confronting Fear and Self-Doubt