Moment 133: Behaviour Change Scientist Reveals A Simple Solution To Imposter Syndrome: Shahroo Izadi | The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Intro

In this episode of “The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett,” Steven interviews Shahroo Izadi, a behavior change scientist, about imposter syndrome and how to overcome it. They discuss the importance of self-worth, reframing challenges, and implementing strategies to change habits. Shahroo shares valuable insights and practical tips for personal growth and development.

Main Takeaways

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

• Imposter syndrome is the feeling of not being able to internalize one’s accomplishments and feeling like a fraud
• Managing binge eating and anxiety differently can help change imposter syndrome

Building Self-Worth

• Giving oneself permission to find something difficult and acknowledging it can have an extraordinary impact
• Acknowledging one’s accomplishments without caveats or guilt can help improve self-worth
• The root of many struggles is a lack of self-worth and the belief that one is not enough

Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

• The importance of understanding who you are and where you’re at without judgment
• Closing the gap between the advice you give to others and the actions you take for yourself
• Identifying why you haven’t been able to make changes in the past and what triggers may cause setbacks
• Preparing for dips in motivation and relapses by having a conversation with yourself and putting things in place to prevent them

Changing Habits and Mindset

• Anticipating the desire to use and putting things in place to avoid it
• Reframe challenges as opportunities to demonstrate capacity
• Focus on holding firmness and compassion together in conversations with yourself
• Change habits by sitting in discomfort and cravings
• Hold compassion and firmness together until it becomes easy
• You decide what you do with your hands, any internal negotiation is a jumping off point

Creating Positive Environment

• Impose friction to make it harder to do the things you don’t want to do
• Remove speed bumps and make it easier to do the things you do want to do
• Disrupt the autopilot by adding friction
• Don’t be hungry to avoid late-night eating
• Food is complex and has a deep psychological impact on people, much like alcohol and drugs

Summary

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon where individuals feel inadequate and unable to internalize their accomplishments. Shahroo Izadi suggests that managing binge eating and anxiety differently can help change imposter syndrome. By addressing these underlying issues, individuals can improve their self-perception and overcome feelings of fraudulence.

Building Self-Worth

According to Shahroo Izadi, giving oneself permission to find something difficult and acknowledging it can have an extraordinary impact on self-worth. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging accomplishments without caveats or guilt, as many struggles stem from a lack of self-worth and the belief that one is not enough. By cultivating self-worth, individuals can navigate imposter syndrome more effectively.

Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

Self-reflection plays a crucial role in personal growth. Shahroo Izadi highlights the significance of understanding oneself without judgment and closing the gap between the advice given to others and the actions taken for oneself. By identifying past challenges and triggers that hinder progress, individuals can prepare for dips in motivation and relapses. Having conversations with oneself and implementing preventive measures can help maintain momentum towards personal growth.

Changing Habits and Mindset

Shahroo Izadi suggests anticipating the desire to engage in negative habits and putting strategies in place to avoid them. Reframing challenges as opportunities to demonstrate capacity can shift the mindset and foster personal growth. Holding firmness and compassion together during internal conversations is essential for sustainable habit change. By sitting with discomfort and cravings, individuals can gradually change their habits and develop a healthier mindset.

Creating Positive Environment

Creating a positive environment involves imposing friction to make it harder to engage in undesired behaviors and removing obstacles to make desired actions easier. Shahroo Izadi advises disrupting autopilot behaviors by adding friction. Additionally, she suggests not being hungry to avoid late-night eating, as food has a deep psychological impact on individuals, similar to alcohol and drugs.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome can be overcome by understanding oneself, cultivating self-worth, implementing strategies for personal growth, and creating a positive environment. Shahroo Izadi’s insights provide valuable guidance for individuals seeking to navigate imposter syndrome and achieve personal development.