The fact is, everyone, even the most sanguine leaders, second-guess themselves. As they climb their personal success ladder, almost certainly they are haunted by indecision.
Self-doubt is a very human response to all the challenges life throws your way.
Self-doubt is being uncertain about your ability to do something or even being unsure about your ability to do it well. When you lack the confidence to do what you either need or want to do, you can feel stuck. In this article, we will look at 5 things to remember when you are faced with self-doubt.
You may have missed opportunities, but there will be more!
Even if you passed up the chance to do something because you were faced with self-doubt, you can be sure that you will have another chance. Life is definitely filled with second chances. Even the IRS lets you file an extension, after all.
From missing the chance to tell someone we love them to taking a chance on skydiving, you can always decide to do it later anyway. When you’re faced with self-doubt, remind yourself that you can choose to try any time you’re ready.
“You do not need to pay attention to those voices within you that create pain, or make you feel less competent, smart or able.” ― Sanaya Roman
Just make a decision and then correct your course as you go along.
Getting caught up in a decision is another surefire way to water the seeds of self-doubt. It’s very easy to get stuck in trying to make decisions. This back-and-forth thought process—questioning if you should go with option A or option B—can exacerbate self-doubt.
What is the cure for this? Just make a decision already! Usually your first reaction is going to be your best since it typically comes from a place of intuition rather from the ego, and before outside opinions get in the way.
Rainer Maria Rilke says, “no feeling is final” and I feel the same could be said about your decisions. Just make a decision, and then fine-tune your course along the way.
If you’re stuck, ask why?
Of course, there will be times when the self-doubt hits hard, and all the deep breaths and positive self-talk in the world just won’t be enough.
What then?
The most powerful tool against self-doubt is actually self-awareness.
Sometimes self-doubt is a reflection of a deeper mindset that people carry around as the result of past experiences. Maybe on the surface you see yourself as a successful person, but you’re always self-sabotaging when it comes time to promoting your work. Persistent or intense self-doubt could be a sign that your subconscious mind isn’t fully on board with how awesome and amazing you are.
You’re not alone!
When you’re about to give a presentation, step up to the starting line, or launch a new product, it’s easy to assume that you’re the only one battling uncertainty. After all, the people around you are likely to look like they have it all together on the outside.
But the truth is, all healthy people experience self-doubt. The people around you are also questioning whether they’re attractive enough, smart enough, or good enough to succeed; even though they might look confident on the outside.
Don’t let your self-doubt convince you that you don’t belong or that you’re unprepared. Remind yourself that everyone; even people who have risen to the top struggle to feel self-assured sometimes.
Talk to someone about it.
When you keep your thoughts on the inside they can become distorted, exaggerated and not very much in line with reality or reasonable expectations.
This is very much true when it comes to self-doubting thoughts.
So, let them out into the light. Talk to someone close to you about your self-doubts.
Just letting them out and saying them out loud can often help you to hear how exaggerated these thoughts have become. And by talking about those doubts with someone that is supportive, you can get a change in perspective.
Tell me in the comments below – Was there a time where you experienced self-doubt and what did you about it?
What were some of the things you did to block the self-doubt?
Leave a comment below and let us know!
Remember, share as much detail as possible in your reply. Your story may help someone else have a breakthrough.
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