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Okay, so have you ever felt like a total fraud?

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Like even when you're crushing it?

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Yeah, like you've got the awards

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and everyone's saying you're amazing.

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But you're just waiting for someone to call you out.

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Totally, like, ha, we figured it out,

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you're not actually that good.

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Well, that my friend is the sneaky beast

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known as imposter syndrome.

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And you'd think success would just squash that feeling, right?

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Logically, yes.

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But today we're doing a deep dive

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into why that feeling sticks around.

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And more importantly.

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Yeah, how to rewire our brains to break free.

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It's amazing how success doesn't always

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silence the imposter syndrome.

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Really?

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It can sometimes actually make it worse.

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Oh no, why?

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Why does that happen?

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It all boils down to how our brains are wired.

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So our brains are working against us?

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In a way, yes.

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It's like this thing called confirmation bias.

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Confirmation bias.

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Our brains love to be right.

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Don't we all?

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So they're like detectives searching for clues.

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To prove their case.

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Exactly.

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So if your brain's theory is I'm not good enough,

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it's going to find every tiny mistake.

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Every little slip up.

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That's proof.

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Even if you have a ton of successes, it ignores those.

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It's like wearing those silly glasses

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with the different colored lenses.

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Yes.

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But our brains only letting us see

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the imposter colored world.

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Exactly.

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And then there's this little part of your brain

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called the amygdala.

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The amygdala.

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It's basically your brain's alarm system.

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Our built-in panic button.

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Always on the lookout for danger.

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Way back in the day, it was super useful.

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For dodging wooly mammoths and stuff.

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Exactly.

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But now it freaks out over things

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like presentations or deadlines.

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So our brain hasn't quite figured out

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that a typo isn't a life or death situation.

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Right.

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And for people dealing with imposter syndrome.

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It's even worse.

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That alarm system is basically on high alert all the time.

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So every little challenge feels like a major crisis.

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Think of it like this.

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OK.

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It's like your amygdala is said to super sensitive mode.

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Oh no.

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So we're doomed then.

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It's stuck with this prehistoric wiring.

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Not at all.

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Here's the good news.

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Tell me.

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Our brains are incredibly adaptable.

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So we can change.

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Yes.

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We can actually rewire them.

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Wait.

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Hold on.

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Rewire our brains.

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How is that even possible?

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It's called neuroplasticity.

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Your brain is constantly under construction.

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That is so cool.

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We can actually remodel it.

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So we're not stuck with our current wiring.

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I'm all ears.

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How do we start rewiring?

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One powerful technique is called cognitive reappraisal.

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Cognitive what now?

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Reappraisal.

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It means reframing.

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Reframing.

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Instead of automatically believing

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that I'm a fraud story.

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You consciously changed the narrative.

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Exactly.

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Think of it like swapping out those goofy glasses.

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For a pair that gives you a clearer view.

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Precisely.

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So let's say I totally bomb a presentation.

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Instead of thinking I'm a failure,

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everyone knows I'm a fraud.

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Right.

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I could try.

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OK.

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That wasn't my best work.

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But what can I learn from this?

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You got it.

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You're basically telling your amygdala to chill out.

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Take a break, little alarm system.

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Exactly.

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And letting your tree frontal cortex.

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The rational part of the brain.

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Take the lead.

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It's like training my brain to react differently

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to those scary feelings.

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Like taming a wild animal.

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I like that analogy.

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What else can we do to tame that wild amygdala?

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Mindfulness meditation.

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Meditation.

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Studies show that it can shrink the amygdala.

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Really?

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Shrink it.

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It calms down your brain's overreaction.

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So it's not about emptying your mind completely.

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No, it's about observing your thoughts and feelings

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without judgment.

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So just letting them float by like clouds?

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You got it.

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That sounds way more doable than I thought.

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It's a great tool for dealing with those imposter pots.

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So we can actually manage that inner critic.

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This is fascinating.

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What else can we do to rewire those imposter pathways?

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OK.

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Picture this.

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You're about to give a big presentation.

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OK.

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I'm picturing it.

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Instead of freaking out.

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About all the ways it could go wrong.

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Right.

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Instead of that, close your eyes and imagine yourself

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totally nailing it.

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Oh, I like where this is going.

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Feel that confidence.

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Hear the applause.

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Even smell the fresh coffee in the room.

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Exactly.

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Engage all your senses.

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OK.

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So it's not just seeing yourself succeed.

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No.

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It's about feeling it, hearing it, the whole experience.

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That sounds amazing and way less stressful than my usual

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pre-presentation freakout.

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It's called success visualization.

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Success visualization.

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So you're basically giving your brain a sneak peek.

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Of what success feels like.

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And that makes it easier to actually achieve it.

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Yes.

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It's like a dress rehearsal for your brain.

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I love that.

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My brain getting ready for its close up.

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This is all so insightful.

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It's all about changing those thought patterns.

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I can already feel my imposter syndrome shrinking a bit.

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And don't forget the power of self-compassion.

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Self-compassion?

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Treating yourself with kindness.

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Like you would a good friend.

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That's the one I struggle with the most.

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It's common, but it makes a huge difference.

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I'm way harder on myself than I would ever be on anyone else.

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Self-compassion can actually lower activity in the brain's

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self-criticism centers.

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So instead of I'm not enough.

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It's I'm human.

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Making mistakes is OK.

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Wow.

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That's a huge shift.

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It's about being your own cheerleader.

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OK.

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I can see how that would help a lot.

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It's a game changer.

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Instead of beating myself up for every little slip up.

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You offer yourself support.

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Yeah.

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Like I would do a friend.

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Exactly.

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That's a big shift in perspective.

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But it's so powerful.

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Think of it this way.

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Every time you practice self-compassion,

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it's like carving a new path in the forest.

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Oh, I like that.

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The more you walk that path, the clearer it becomes.

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That's a great visual.

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But it makes it clear this rewiring thing takes time.

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Absolute.

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We're not going to undo years of negative self-talk overnight.

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Exactly.

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And that's why it's so important to start small.

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OK.

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Small steps.

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Trying to change everything at once.

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Yeah, that's overwhelming.

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It's like trying to climb on Everest in flip flops.

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So where do we start?

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What's a good base camp for tackling this imposter syndrome?

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Pick one technique that resonates with you.

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OK.

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Just one.

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And commit to practicing it for a week.

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Think of it as an experiment.

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I like that.

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An experiment.

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Let's say you choose cognitive reappraisal.

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Reframing those thoughts.

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Right.

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So the next time that imposter voice pops up.

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You're not good enough.

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Everyone's going to find out.

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Exactly.

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Pause and consciously reframe it.

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So instead of, I'm going to mess this up

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and everyone will know I'm a fraud.

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I could try.

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OK, I'm feeling some nerves, but I've prepared well.

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And I'm going to do my best.

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Exactly.

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It's about shifting from fear to a more balanced perspective.

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And you might be surprised at how much of a difference that

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makes.

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Just from that one little shift.

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That's powerful stuff.

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And what about mindfulness meditation?

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Any tips for someone who's never tried it before?

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Start small.

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Just a few minutes each day.

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OK, manageable.

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Find a quiet spot.

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Close your eyes.

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And just breathe.

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Notice your breath.

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No need to control it.

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Just observe it.

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Let those thoughts float by like clouds.

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Exactly.

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And when your mind wanders, gently guide it back to your breath.

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Like a little mental workout.

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There are also some great guided meditation apps out there.

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I've heard of those.

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They can be really helpful for beginners.

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I'm definitely going to check those out.

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Now, success visualization.

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Yes.

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Engaging all your senses is key here.

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More than just seeing yourself succeed.

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Yes.

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Feel it.

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Hear it.

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Even smell it.

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OK, get really immersed.

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Make it a full sensory experience.

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So if I'm visualizing acing that job interview.

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OK, imagine it.

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I could imagine the feeling of confidence

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as I answer questions, hear my voice clearly,

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even smell the fresh coffee brewing in the background.

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Exactly.

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OK, so no more pre-interview jitters.

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You're replacing them with confidence and success?

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It's like giving my brain a taste of victory.

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The more real you can make it in your mind,

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the more your brain will accept it as a possibility.

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I'm liking this technique more and more.

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And then there's self-compassion.

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That's a big one.

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You know, it's funny how we're often our own worst critics.

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It's so come.

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I'd never speak to a friend the way I sometimes talk to myself.

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It's about treating yourself with the same kind

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as you'd offer a friend.

284
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I think we forget that sometimes.

285
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Here's a powerful exercise.

286
00:08:11,120 --> 00:08:12,160
OK, tell me.

287
00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:15,640
Talk to yourself as you would talk to a close friend.

288
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I like that idea.

289
00:08:16,680 --> 00:08:19,360
Would you berate your friend for making a mistake?

290
00:08:19,360 --> 00:08:20,240
Absolutely not.

291
00:08:20,240 --> 00:08:23,720
Or would you offer them support and encouragement?

292
00:08:23,720 --> 00:08:24,440
Definitely support.

293
00:08:24,440 --> 00:08:26,520
So the next time you catch yourself spiraling

294
00:08:26,520 --> 00:08:29,720
into self-criticism, pause and ask,

295
00:08:29,720 --> 00:08:33,040
what would I say to a friend in this situation?

296
00:08:33,040 --> 00:08:34,360
I love that.

297
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Such a simple but profound shift.

298
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It can really change your whole perspective.

299
00:08:38,800 --> 00:08:40,600
So we've got cognitive reappraisal,

300
00:08:40,600 --> 00:08:44,040
mindfulness meditation, success visualization,

301
00:08:44,040 --> 00:08:45,400
and self-compassion.

302
00:08:45,400 --> 00:08:48,720
Four powerful tools for rewiring our brains.

303
00:08:48,720 --> 00:08:51,240
And kicking imposter syndrome to the curb.

304
00:08:51,240 --> 00:08:52,160
Exactly.

305
00:08:52,160 --> 00:08:53,240
It's a journey, though, right?

306
00:08:53,240 --> 00:08:53,760
Absolutely.

307
00:08:53,760 --> 00:08:54,720
It's not a quick fix.

308
00:08:54,720 --> 00:08:56,720
Some days will be easier than others.

309
00:08:56,720 --> 00:08:58,040
Be kind to yourself.

310
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Celebrate the progress you make.

311
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Progress, not perfection.

312
00:09:01,320 --> 00:09:02,000
Exactly.

313
00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:03,880
And trust the process.

314
00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:06,760
Speaking of progress, we've been talking about the individual

315
00:09:06,760 --> 00:09:07,680
experience here.

316
00:09:07,680 --> 00:09:08,280
Yeah.

317
00:09:08,280 --> 00:09:09,880
But what about society?

318
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Does society play a role in these feelings of inadequacy?

319
00:09:13,440 --> 00:09:14,120
Absolutely.

320
00:09:14,120 --> 00:09:16,040
It's not just about individual mindsets.

321
00:09:16,040 --> 00:09:17,880
It's the environment we live in, too.

322
00:09:17,880 --> 00:09:20,960
Think about the messages we're constantly bombarded with.

323
00:09:20,960 --> 00:09:23,680
Do more, be more, achieve more.

324
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It's exact.

325
00:09:24,520 --> 00:09:27,400
It's like a never-ending treadmill of striving.

326
00:09:27,400 --> 00:09:28,920
And we're always falling short.

327
00:09:28,920 --> 00:09:29,800
Exactly.

328
00:09:29,800 --> 00:09:31,280
No matter how much we accomplish.

329
00:09:31,280 --> 00:09:33,000
It's like there's this invisible yardstick

330
00:09:33,000 --> 00:09:34,800
we're constantly being measured against.

331
00:09:34,800 --> 00:09:36,600
And it's not a fair measurement for anyone.

332
00:09:36,600 --> 00:09:38,840
And this pressure to achieve.

333
00:09:38,840 --> 00:09:42,240
It can be even more intense for people from marginalized groups.

334
00:09:42,240 --> 00:09:42,760
Right.

335
00:09:42,760 --> 00:09:45,120
They face additional barriers and biases.

336
00:09:45,120 --> 00:09:47,960
It's important to acknowledge those systemic factors.

337
00:09:47,960 --> 00:09:50,680
They definitely contribute to imposter syndrome.

338
00:09:50,680 --> 00:09:53,160
So it's not just about changing individual mindsets.

339
00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:57,360
It's about creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

340
00:09:57,360 --> 00:09:59,600
That supports the success of all individuals.

341
00:09:59,600 --> 00:10:02,520
So everyone feels empowered to pursue their goals

342
00:10:02,520 --> 00:10:03,920
and reach their full potential.

343
00:10:03,920 --> 00:10:04,480
Exactly.

344
00:10:04,480 --> 00:10:05,880
Regardless of their background.

345
00:10:05,880 --> 00:10:09,240
It's about recognizing that everyone has something valuable

346
00:10:09,240 --> 00:10:10,000
to contribute.

347
00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:11,320
Yes.

348
00:10:11,320 --> 00:10:14,400
And success doesn't have a single definition.

349
00:10:14,400 --> 00:10:15,240
I love that.

350
00:10:15,240 --> 00:10:17,400
We need to challenge those societal norms.

351
00:10:17,400 --> 00:10:19,760
Advocate for greater equity and inclusion.

352
00:10:19,760 --> 00:10:22,880
Create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued,

353
00:10:22,880 --> 00:10:23,880
and capable.

354
00:10:23,880 --> 00:10:25,720
This is such an important conversation.

355
00:10:25,720 --> 00:10:26,760
I'm so glad we're having it.

356
00:10:26,760 --> 00:10:27,320
Me too.

357
00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:30,120
It's clear that overcoming imposter syndrome

358
00:10:30,120 --> 00:10:33,880
requires both individual effort and systemic change.

359
00:10:33,880 --> 00:10:36,520
It's about individual empowerment and collective action

360
00:10:36,520 --> 00:10:37,560
working together.

361
00:10:37,560 --> 00:10:39,880
To create a world where everyone feels like they belong.

362
00:10:39,880 --> 00:10:41,920
And where imposter syndrome fades away.

363
00:10:41,920 --> 00:10:42,440
Exactly.

364
00:10:42,440 --> 00:10:45,680
A world where everyone feels seen, valued,

365
00:10:45,680 --> 00:10:47,880
and capable of achieving their dreams.

366
00:10:47,880 --> 00:10:50,600
So we've talked about rewiring our brains.

367
00:10:50,600 --> 00:10:51,440
Those techniques.

368
00:10:51,440 --> 00:10:51,760
Yeah.

369
00:10:51,760 --> 00:10:53,400
But how does imposter syndrome actually

370
00:10:53,400 --> 00:10:55,240
show up in different parts of life?

371
00:10:55,240 --> 00:10:56,400
It's like a master of disguise.

372
00:10:56,400 --> 00:10:58,800
Changing its outfit depending on the situation.

373
00:10:58,800 --> 00:10:59,760
Exactly.

374
00:10:59,760 --> 00:11:02,160
Like at work, it might look like procrastination.

375
00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:03,520
Or over preparing.

376
00:11:03,520 --> 00:11:04,160
Yes.

377
00:11:04,160 --> 00:11:04,320
Yeah.

378
00:11:04,320 --> 00:11:06,440
Spending way too much time on things.

379
00:11:06,440 --> 00:11:08,720
Because you're terrified of making a mistake.

380
00:11:08,720 --> 00:11:12,160
And having everyone think, aha, knew it.

381
00:11:12,160 --> 00:11:13,000
A fraud.

382
00:11:13,000 --> 00:11:13,880
Totally.

383
00:11:13,880 --> 00:11:14,760
I've been there.

384
00:11:14,760 --> 00:11:16,960
That perfectionism can actually backfire, though.

385
00:11:16,960 --> 00:11:17,520
Really?

386
00:11:17,520 --> 00:11:19,520
You burn yourself out, miss deadlines.

387
00:11:19,520 --> 00:11:21,200
So what's a better approach?

388
00:11:21,200 --> 00:11:23,360
Focus on progress, not perfection.

389
00:11:23,360 --> 00:11:24,200
OK, I like that.

390
00:11:24,200 --> 00:11:25,560
Set realistic goals.

391
00:11:25,560 --> 00:11:27,880
Break things down into smaller steps.

392
00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:28,640
Exactly.

393
00:11:28,640 --> 00:11:30,880
And celebrate those wins along the way.

394
00:11:30,880 --> 00:11:33,680
So like a high five for each step forward?

395
00:11:33,680 --> 00:11:35,320
Instead of waiting for the finish line.

396
00:11:35,320 --> 00:11:36,360
Makes sense.

397
00:11:36,360 --> 00:11:37,520
What about relationships?

398
00:11:37,520 --> 00:11:39,640
How does imposter syndrome mess with those?

399
00:11:39,640 --> 00:11:41,560
It whispers those nasty thoughts.

400
00:11:41,560 --> 00:11:42,200
Yeah.

401
00:11:42,200 --> 00:11:44,000
They wouldn't love you if they really knew you.

402
00:11:44,000 --> 00:11:45,160
Oof.

403
00:11:45,160 --> 00:11:46,560
Yeah.

404
00:11:46,560 --> 00:11:47,560
That's a tough one.

405
00:11:47,560 --> 00:11:49,120
Leads to people pleasing.

406
00:11:49,120 --> 00:11:50,440
Fear of being vulnerable.

407
00:11:50,440 --> 00:11:53,000
Like building walls to protect yourself.

408
00:11:53,000 --> 00:11:54,640
But then you end up feeling isolated.

409
00:11:54,640 --> 00:11:55,240
Exactly.

410
00:11:55,240 --> 00:11:58,960
True intimacy comes from being seen for who you really are.

411
00:11:58,960 --> 00:12:00,360
Flaws and all.

412
00:12:00,360 --> 00:12:02,040
So self-acceptance is key here.

413
00:12:02,040 --> 00:12:03,160
And open communication.

414
00:12:03,160 --> 00:12:04,960
Tell your partner those insecurities.

415
00:12:04,960 --> 00:12:07,400
It's scary, but worth it.

416
00:12:07,400 --> 00:12:09,720
The right people will love you for who you are.

417
00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:10,640
Absolutely.

418
00:12:10,640 --> 00:12:11,840
What about creativity?

419
00:12:11,840 --> 00:12:12,640
Ah, yes.

420
00:12:12,640 --> 00:12:13,360
That's a big one.

421
00:12:13,360 --> 00:12:15,280
Putting your work out there is so vulnerable.

422
00:12:15,280 --> 00:12:17,280
The fear of judgment can be paralyzing.

423
00:12:17,280 --> 00:12:17,960
For sure.

424
00:12:17,960 --> 00:12:19,960
But remember, art is subjective.

425
00:12:19,960 --> 00:12:22,280
There's no right or wrong way to express yourself.

426
00:12:22,280 --> 00:12:24,000
Focus on the joy of creating.

427
00:12:24,000 --> 00:12:25,520
Not on what other people think.

428
00:12:25,520 --> 00:12:26,160
Exactly.

429
00:12:26,160 --> 00:12:28,640
Create for yourself first and foremost.

430
00:12:28,640 --> 00:12:30,680
This has been so eye-opening.

431
00:12:30,680 --> 00:12:32,800
Any final thoughts for our listeners battling

432
00:12:32,800 --> 00:12:33,800
imposter syndrome?

433
00:12:33,800 --> 00:12:34,960
You are not alone.

434
00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:36,360
It's incredibly common.

435
00:12:36,360 --> 00:12:38,280
Especially among high achievers.

436
00:12:38,280 --> 00:12:39,640
Doesn't mean you're not good enough.

437
00:12:39,640 --> 00:12:41,240
Or that you don't deserve success.

438
00:12:41,240 --> 00:12:44,080
You have the power to challenge those negative thoughts.

439
00:12:44,080 --> 00:12:45,880
And cultivate real confidence.

440
00:12:45,880 --> 00:12:47,160
Self-belief is key.

441
00:12:47,160 --> 00:12:48,480
So well said.

442
00:12:48,480 --> 00:12:50,400
Progress, not perfection, right?

443
00:12:50,400 --> 00:12:51,720
Exactly.

444
00:12:51,720 --> 00:12:53,120
Be kind to yourself.

445
00:12:53,120 --> 00:12:54,400
Trust the journey.

446
00:12:54,400 --> 00:12:57,200
Thank you so much for joining us on this deep dive

447
00:12:57,200 --> 00:12:58,520
into imposter syndrome.

448
00:12:58,520 --> 00:12:59,200
My pleasure.

449
00:12:59,200 --> 00:13:02,600
And to all our listeners, keep exploring, keep growing,

450
00:13:02,600 --> 00:13:04,320
and keep shining your light.

451
00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:28,960
Until next time.

