How to fight Imposter Syndrome with Atomic Habits
Change can feel overwhelming, especially when we don’t yet see ourselves as the person we’re trying to become. It’s easy to feel out of place, to think, “This isn’t who I am,” and let that doubt hold us back. But in Atomic Habits, James Clear teaches a different perspective: our actions define who we are becoming.
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become,” he writes. “No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”
Every small action we take is a chance to cast a vote for the version of ourselves that we’re working toward. If we want to be a healthier person, choosing a nourishing meal is a vote. If we want to become a writer, sitting down to write—even one sentence—is a vote. These small moments may feel insignificant, but over time, they add up. They provide proof that we are, actually, becoming that person.
The great news is that we don’t need perfection. Clear reminds us that to win an election, we don’t need every vote—just the majority. What matters is consistency, not flawless execution. With each action, no matter how small, we are shaping the person we want to be.
When we keep our focus on what we can do today, we are casting one small vote, and then another. Over time, those votes will stack up, and before we know it, we’ll have the evidence to say, “This is who I am.”
ACTION: Take a moment to reflect on who you want to become. Write down one identity you’re striving for—like “a healthy person” or “a writer.” Then, list three small actions you could take this week that would serve as votes for that identity. Choose one to do today and make it happen.
