Moment 133: Behaviour Change Scientist Reveals A Simple Solution To Imposter Syndrome: Shahroo Izadi

1. Acknowledge Personal Difficulties

Give yourself permission to find things difficult, even if they seem simple to others, as this allows you to internalize your capacity and reduce shame, which is crucial for overcoming imposter syndrome.

2. Practice Self-Integrity

Close the gap between the advice you would give another person and what you actually do, as this builds a sense of integrity when no one is watching, which then positively impacts all areas of your life.

3. Combine Firmness and Compassion

When changing habits, talk to yourself with both firmness and compassion, understanding why you feel urges but not giving in, similar to how a parent would handle a child wanting an unhealthy treat.

4. Prepare for Motivation Dips

Assume your plans will not always go as intended and reframe challenges as opportunities to voluntarily demonstrate your capacity, focusing on the internal conversation you have with yourself during these moments.

5. Impose Friction on Unwanted Habits

Make it harder to engage in unwanted behaviors by adding speed bumps (e.g., removing card details from delivery apps, moving tempting items) to disrupt autopilot and prompt conscious decision-making.

6. Establish an Honest Baseline

Start any change process by writing a private “snapshot letter” to yourself, detailing where you are currently without judgment, to anchor the process and get on board with who you meet.

7. Address Core Hunger

If struggling with late-night eating, ensure you are not genuinely hungry at that time, as sometimes the simplest solution is to manage hunger throughout the day.