5 Unusual Habits That Crush Imposter Syndrome.

5 Unusual Habits That Crush Imposter Syndrome (For Good)

I got the email I had been dreaming of. "Congratulations! You got the job!"

But instead of feeling happy, I felt scared. A nasty voice in my head started whispering: "They made a mistake. You're not good enough. They will find out you are a fraud."

Have you ever felt this way? That voice is called Imposter Syndrome. It’s that feeling that you don’t deserve your success, even when you’ve worked hard for it.

I was tired of feeling like a fake in my own life. I decided to find a way to quiet that voice for good. I read books, talked to experts, and tried everything.

I didn't just find the usual advice. I found five unusual and simple habits that actually worked. These habits changed everything for me.

Here is my simple guide to crushing imposter syndrome.

1. Keep a "Failure Resume"

We usually try to hide our failures. We only talk about our wins. This habit is the opposite.

I started a document called my "Failure Resume." In it, I wrote down every single failure I could think of:

Job rejections

Projects that didn’t work

Times I made a mistake

Ideas that nobody liked

Why it works: Seeing your failures written down makes them less scary. It shows you that everyone fails. Failure is not proof that you are a fraud. It is proof that you are trying and learning. This habit helps you see that every successful person has a long list of failures too.

2. Create a "Proof File"

Your imposter brain has a bad memory. It forgets all your successes and remembers every small criticism.

To fight this, I created a "Proof File." This is a special folder on my computer where I save proof that I am good at what I do.

I save things like:

Nice emails from clients or bosses

Compliments from colleagues

Photos of finished projects

A list of goals I've achieved

Why it works: When the imposter voice tells you "you can't do this," open your Proof File. It is real evidence that you are capable and successful. You can't argue with facts.

3. Name Your Imposter Voice

This sounds silly, but it is powerful. My therapist told me to give my imposter syndrome a name. I named mine "Brenda."

Brenda is that negative, worried voice in my head. She loves to predict the worst.

Now, when I hear that voice say, "You're going to mess this up," I don't think "I'm a failure." Instead, I think: "Oh, that's just Brenda talking nonsense again."

Why it works: Giving the voice a silly name helps you separate it from your true self. It becomes easier to ignore. You can say, "Thanks for your opinion, Brenda, but I'm not listening today."

4. Find a "Reverse Mentor"

We often look for mentors who are older and more experienced. This can sometimes make us feel more insecure.

Try finding a "reverse mentor." This is someone you can teach, or someone from a different field.

For example:

Teach a skill to a new junior at work.

Explain what you do to a friend who knows nothing about your job.

Why it works: Teaching someone else forces you to see how much you really know. When someone looks to you for advice, it reminds you that you are an expert. Getting an outside perspective can also give you new, simple ideas.

5. Praise Your Effort, Not Just the Result

We usually celebrate the end goal: "I got the promotion!" or "I finished the project!"

This habit is about celebrating the process instead.

Try to praise your effort. Say things like:

"I'm proud of how hard I worked on that presentation."

"I didn't give up, even when it was difficult."

"I was brave to try something new."

Why it works: This shifts your focus from the unpredictable result to the things you can control: your effort, patience, and courage. This builds a identity based on being hard-working and resilient, which is much stronger than basing your worth on just being "smart" or "successful."

Your Turn to Start

You don't have to try all these habits at once. Start with just one. My favorite to begin with is the Proof File. It’s simple and gives you immediate proof that you are better than you think.

Remember, imposter syndrome might never go away completely. But with these habits, it won't control you anymore. You can turn down the volume on that doubting voice and start believing in yourself.

You earned your success. It’s time to start owning it.

A Personal Note From Me:

I still have days where "Brenda" pipes up, especially when I'm stepping out of my comfort zone. But now, I have the tools to kindly show her the door. Remember, this isn't about becoming perfect; it's about becoming more resilient. I hope these habits help you as much as they've helped me. I'm rooting for you!