Imposter syndrome is that nasty voice that tells you you are not good enough, not ready, and everyone else knows more than you do. Duke walks you through what imposter syndrome really is, why caring trainers feel it the most, and how to trade that spiral of doubt for confidence, courage, and clear action.

In this Weekly Recall, Duke breaks down where imposter syndrome comes from, how it shows up in your dog training and business, and simple practices you can use every day to quiet the noise and step into the trainer and leader your dog and clients need.

What you will hear in this episode

1. How imposter syndrome shows up for dog trainers
   Things like comparing your work to other trainers online, feeling like a fraud when clients pay you, hesitating to raise your rates, or believing your success is just luck while your mistakes define you.

2. Why the trainers who care the most often doubt themselves the most
   High standards, perfectionism, old stories from childhood, fear of judgment, lack of mentorship, and constant comparison all feed that inner critic. Duke explains why this is actually a sign you care deeply, not a sign that you are broken.

3. The thought audit reset
   A simple four step way to notice the limiting thought, name it as imposter syndrome, neutralize it with real evidence, and replace it with a stronger identity as a committed trainer who grows every day.

4. Using self check ins and visualization
   How to pause, scan your body, notice your breath and self talk, then use visualization and breath to see and feel yourself handling tough sessions, reactive dogs, and coaching moments with calm leadership.

5. Five habits to crush imposter syndrome
   Small daily wins in training, more play with your dog, taking action instead of only studying, breath work and prayer to regulate your nervous system, and simple confidence building routines you can repeat every day.

6. The truth about courage and confidence
   Why you do not wait to feel confident before you act. You act while you are scared, that is courage, and confidence grows after you show up and do the reps.

If this episode hits home, Duke invites you to apply for a free coaching strategy session at dukeferguson.com, grab the free dog training and breath work video series, and check out the UPX community for deeper coaching on dog training, mindset, and breath work.

Habits run the show, for you and for your dog. In this episode of Weekly Recall I break down the habit loop, cue, routine, reward, and show how the same pattern drives reactivity on leash and procrastination on the couch. You will learn how to spot the real cue behind your dog’s barking or lunging, and how to catch that early alert phase so you can mark, reward, and start teaching breathe, do not bark instead. I tie it back to your own life too, things like complaining, scrolling, quitting early, and how to replace those routines with simple, repeatable habits that actually support your goals. If you are ready to stop relying on motivation and start building habits that stick, for both you and your dog, this episode will walk you through it. You will walk away with clear questions to journal on, one habit to build, one habit to break, and a new slogan to live by, breathe, do not bark.

If you’ve ever complained that your dog gets distracted, today’s episode might sting a little. Because you and I get distracted just as fast. Sometimes faster. Notifications, scrolling, noise, the constant buzz that pulls you away from your goals. Your dog deals with squirrels. You deal with your inbox. Only one of you has a chance of winning that battle, and it’s not you. This week I’m breaking down how focus works for you and your dog. Why you lose it. How to build it. And how to protect it so you can train better, live better, and stop feeling like your day runs you. You’ll hear simple things you can use right away. Ways to dial in your environment. How to add the right level of challenge. Why your breath matters more than you think. And a little exercise that teaches your dog to look away from distraction and back to you. If you want to stop going through the motions and start getting real traction in your life, your work, and your training, this one will help you get locked in.