How to overcome self-doubt

If you would talk with people, you would realize that most of them have very good ideas for accomplishing their goals. But most of them are battling their self-doubt. They keep doubting themselves which leads to continuous procrastination, which could lead to the death of their goals and dreams.

Experiencing self-doubt from time to time is natural. However prolonged feelings of self-doubt affect many things in your life.

What is self-doubt?

Self-doubt is a lack of faith in oneself; a feeling of uncertainty or doubt about one’s ability actions, decisions, etc. Having severe issues of self-doubt can lead to low self-esteem, lack of motivation, and insecurities.

Signs you have self-doubt include;

• Stage fright
• You constantly ask for reassurance.
• Feeling insecure at work or in a relationship.
• Need for constant approvals
• Anxiety
• Avoid attachments
• Being self-critical.
• You cannot take compliments and you cannot give yourself credit.
• Difficult making decisions.
• Procrastination or lack of motivation.

Common causes of self — doubts.

1. Childhood upbringing.

If you were brought up, your parents keep criticizing you and telling you that you are not good enough, you may have grown up believing that you are not good enough

Or you were schooled in a school which judged students heavily on their grades, you may have already internalized the habit of questioning yourself.

2. Comparison with others.

It is natural to envy other people and compare ourselves with others because we are living in a world full of competition

comparing too much is not healthy for you and can result in self-doubt.

3. Past mistakes and experiences.

‘Once bitten twice shy’.Our past experiences affect our present decisions, for example, if one was in an abusive relationship in the past, he/she fears having a relationship again even in the present.

Experience and raffle our beliefs. However we have the power to control the past from affecting us, By learning from our mistakes, and letting go of hurts and the pain they send hat we can forge forward without self-doubt.

4 . New challenges.

It is natural for people to fear new experiences in life, and these bring about anxiety.

How to overcome self-doubt

1. Identify self-doubt as one of your weaknesses and decide it’s time to end it.

One way of overcoming anything is to accept that it’s a challenge and prepare to face it and be prepared for the journey.

2. Stop worrying too much about what people think or say about you.

Stop seeking approval from other people. Thinking of what other say about you just drag you back, and instill fear in you.

Form a habit of having positive self-talk assuring yourself that you are capable, you are doing your best, and you are the best. This positive affirmation will make us feel better about ourselves and improve our self-confidence.

3. Let go of the past.

It is time to realize the pains and mistakes of the past. Stop clinging to the past too much, it is only ruining your present and future.

If you grow up being criticized by your parents or teachers, they made you develop self-doubt. First, you have to take it as their own opinion, which was influenced by their reasons. Now that you are an adult you have the power to choose what is best for you. And to take the belief that you are capable of achieving anything you wish to achieve.

4. Surround yourself with positive-minded people.

Our friends define us. Choose friends who believe in you. People who will challenge you to try new things in life and remind you how talented and resilient you are in moments when you feel like doubting yourself.

5. Stop comparing your achievement with others.

It is natural to find yourself comparing yourself with other people. But too much comparison without factoring in many other factors may bring the differences between them and can be harmful and brings about self- doubts.

Remember everyone’s journey and ideas of ideas of success are different, choose to control and focus on your path.

6. Be mindful of your thinking.

Do not let your mind think negatively about yourself, replace such thinking when they come with positive things about yourself.