Self-doubt is a crippling feeling, and we have all faced it at some in life. A little self-doubt is healthy and normal. However, when self-doubt and negative thoughts becomes habit, it then acts as self-sabotage. It can manifest in many ways including lack of confident and fear of failure.
Self-doubt is defined as lack of confidence in oneself and one’s abilities.
The definition makes it look simple but the feeling of self-doubt can be difficult to overcome. What’s worse is that it can be caused by so many things; present struggle, past experiences and future possibilities. Discovering the source of your self-doubt can be a huge game changer.
Self-doubt magnifies our fears. This is why now is the time to overcome your self-doubt, start believing in yourself, your abilities and skills and know that you are worthy and talented to succeed.
Here are some tips to help you kick self-doubt to the curb:
1. Comparison is the thief of joy
Everyone’s journey is different. Just because your friends are doing better than you, or you see a perfect picture on social media does not mean you are ‘behind.’ You are exactly where you are supposed to be; you’re on a journey and there is a long road ahead.
This point goes hand in hand with not worrying about what other people think. Our self-doubt also comes from our perception of what other’s think about us and so we get scared to make decisions because we think people will judge us or think badly of us. That is not the case. Those people are probably worrying about what you think of them.
Put yourself first and make decision with only you in mind.
2. Failure
Often, from the many conversations I’ve had with my mentees, self-doubt is caused by fear of failure. We fear that if we don’t succeed, we are not good enough therefore dampening our self-confidence.
Changing your perspective on failure is really key. You are never going to get everything right all the time. No one does. Don’t focus on the negative side of failing allowing it to weight you down. Failure is a learning curve and an opportunity to do it better next time. Just think of all the successful people you know, they have failed numerous times, but the process allowed them to perfect their craft and come back better!
3. Learn
This is essential in your battle to overcome self-doubt. The reason why we doubt ourselves if usually lack of skills, abilities and knowledge therefore by investing in yourself and learning, you expand and grow, improving your confidence.
Learning means accepting challenges and battles to test yourself. By doing this and accepting these challenges, you put your self-doubt aside. When you succeed, or even if you fail, you have learnt something, and you grow.
4. Be Kind to yourself
We all have doubts and struggles and its normal. You have to love yourself in all your glory and not beat yourself or punish yourself for anything. Know that you are on a journey, like everyone else and you are constantly learning about who you are.
If you don’t love yourself, it shows in your lack of confidence and low self-esteem. You are beautiful. You are talented. You are enough and are worthy to succeed.
5. Journaling
I’m a huge fan of this technique. Writing down your doubts and fears can really change your perspective and thoughts on a lot of things.
Reflecting on your day by writing down how your day went, your feelings, reactions will allow you to notice more things about yourself. You can also write down what you are grateful for. Gratitude is a huge element to internal happiness. Doing these two things can help you reprogram your brain to start believing in yourself.
Ultimately, it starts with your mindset. It is within you to use your inner power to overcome your self-doubt and become a better you to start living the life you want. Self-doubt is created by our perception of ourselves, so why don’t we change that?
How else have you overcome self-doubt. Let me know in the comments section.
R x