How Self-Doubt Can Unlock Your Full Potential

Are you sure? Are you even ready? Isn’t it too risky? Don’t you need more time to think it through? Do you have what it takes? Are you as good as the others? What will happen when you fail? What will others say? 

Do these questions sound a bit too familiar?

All of these questions stem from our self-doubt, a feeling shared by all humans. Self-doubt is what stops us from becoming a better version of ourselves. We all have it, and we all live with it. Everybody goes through the emotions of low self-esteem, fear of failure, and doubt in their abilities. 

Many people think that this is a natural feeling, one which they cannot do much about. 

But what if we can change it? What if we can transform and channel our self-damaging emotions into positive ones, each of which can help us reach our potential?

What Is Self-Doubt?

Merriam-Webster defines self-doubt as 
- a lack of faith in oneself
- a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about one's abilities, actions.

The definition states that self-doubt is a feeling, not a fact. We are going through emotions that are not concrete and most likely not real.

There are a few reasons we go through these negative emotions.

•  Past experiences
•  Childhood memories
•  Negative environment
•  Compassion with others
•  Perfectionism
•  Fear of failure

A common misconception about self-doubt is that it’s a result of your environment, of what is going on around you. Rather, self-doubt is based within, based on your self-image. On the outside, one may appear talented and very successful.  On the inside, however, the individual may be easily torn down by a lack of confidence and fear of failure. 

“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” 
— Seneca

Why Do We Self-Doubt?

Self-doubt = negative self-talk. Our brain is lying to us and telling us exaggerated truths to keep us from any further actions. Believe it or not, our brain is wired to do so for our protection. Our mind sees a risk in changes that can take us away from the safe environment we are accustomed to. It will try anything and everything to discourage us from changing the status quo. But, just because the brain senses something is unsafe, doesn’t necessarily make it so. Any change brings discomfort and uncertainty. At the same time, it can also bring success and personal satisfaction. 

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.”
— Oprah Winfrey

Changing Self-Doubt To Self-Confidence

It is a fact that self-doubt has a negative effect on our lives. It also does, however, provide an opportunity for a positive impact. Self-doubt itself is not the enemy. Believing and accepting the self-told lies is.

Studies show that people with higher levels of self-doubt are more vigilant. They generally score higher in testing than people with higher levels of confidence. We can use our insecurities to our advantage if we are aware of our tendency to doubt our own abilities.

Once we become aware of our self-doubt, we can start working to change ourselves. You don’t have to make significant changes to your thinking or lifestyle. You need to be aware of your triggers and redirect them towards a positive outcome. Here are a few steps you can take towards building a more positive attitude that can lead to self-confidence.

“Your brain is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positive ones.”
— Rick Hanson, Buddha’s Brain

. . .

• Change the narrative. Instead of telling yourself, “If I do . . . “, or “I want to do . . .”, say “When I do . . .”, or “I will do . . .” Imagine your goal achieved. Put yourself in the final picture. Focusing on a successful outcome is very important for your confidence.
• When you catch yourself doubting, stop and think of all of the times you were successful. Remember how you felt then. This will motivate you to continue working on your goal. Our mind tends to focus on our failures more than on our successes. We have to remind ourselves about them.
• Do something good to boost your positive attitude. You can help an elderly neighbor, help in a soup kitchen, visit a sick friend. Doing something good for others gives us the feeling of personal satisfaction, success, and joy.
• Learn about people who went through similar experiences and succeeded. If they could do it, so can you.
• Talk to people who have a positive attitude and can encourage you. Stay away from negative people and naysayers. 
• Start a journal. Journaling is an excellent self-therapy practice. I started journaling at the beginning of the year. Through the writing process, I began to recognize negative patterns and habits. They were bringing negative narratives to my thinking and decision-making. Only then could I begin working to eliminate them. Journaling is also a great way to release negative thoughts on paper, instead of holding them in.

. . .

“You only have control over three things in your life: the thoughts you think, the images you visualize, and the actions you take.” 
— Jack Canfield

Before you go, let me give you one question to take away. After you answer, take a step towards getting to the place you want to be.⁣

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Who could you be if you stopped letting self-doubt run your life? 

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Conclusion

I hope you find this information helpful. Self-doubt is part of my life, just as much as it is a part of yours. I am learning to work with it and use it to my advantage. I hope you can do it too. If you would like to talk to someone who can help you build your confidence or someone to bounce ideas off of, please contact me. I am offering a free 1-hour discovery session for new clients. I would love to talk to you and help you get on the road to becoming the best version of yourself.

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I am here for you!