Let's face it: self-doubt can be a real struggle. It's like having that little voice in your head constantly questioning your every move. But here's some good news: you can totally change this. It's all about taking that first step towards believing in yourself.
Picture this: You're having your morning coffee, and suddenly, your friend calls up to say they landed their dream job. You're happy for them, but can't help but feel that nagging voice inside your head pop up. Questions like "Am I good enough?" or "What if I never make it?" start popping up.
These thoughts can be annoying, but guess what? There's a way to kick them to the curb. Ready to dive in?
Understanding Self-Doubt
Would I be able to do it? How? I’m not good enough. What if I try and don’t make it? I can’t do it.
Self-doubt is like having an annoying inner critic that holds you back. The trick is to change the way you think, which is definitely challenging but oh-so rewarding.
How to Kick Self-Doubt to the Curb
Question yourself: Am I comfortable with the idea of never feeling good enough?
Challenge those nagging thoughts of "I can't" or "I'm not good enough" with a solid "Why not?" If you're struggling, getting help from a coach might be a game-changer.
Steps you can follow.
1. Dig deep
Are you scared of making a mistake? Do you think people will get mad at you? What happened in the past that made you doubt yourself and your ability to achieve great things in life?
Negative self-talk, born from external criticism in the past, often leads to a deep-seated sense of powerlessness. Engaging in self-discovery reveals these doubts' origins, helping you understand and heal your inner child's need for validation and acceptance.
2. Practice Transformational Techniques
Once you know what needs attention, you can apply techniques to reshape and examine your thoughts.
“What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.”- Tony Robbins
Here are some things you can do:
Writing down your doubts and associated feelings helps you identify and conquer negative patterns. This practice offers clarity, separates reality from fiction, and opens the door to replacing them with positive beliefs.
Affirm your worth daily to strengthen positive beliefs and combat negative self-feedback, recognizing that flaws and fears don't preclude greatness. This could be like, “I can be successful; nothing scares me,” or “I am worthy, and I can be whatever I want to be.” Remember, you are deserving and valuable, just as you are.
Practice self-kindness by recognizing when you need a break from stressful situations and attending to your own needs. Allow yourself time to process thoughts and emotions instead of sidelining them.
Practicing gratitude by being thankful every day can make you feel more positive and confident. By saying thank you to the cab driver who drove you home safely or the cashier who accommodated you nicely in a store, you can create a series of positive emotions that could lead to a happier and more confident you.
Your Power
Remember that you are your own biggest critic, which means that you can also be your own biggest fan. You have the power to understand and manage these self-critical thoughts. Don’t sell yourself short!
Don’t Be Afraid To Seek Professional Help
We know this journey could feel solitary but you are not alone in this. We recommend having an expert accountability partner who can make it a lot easier for you. Here, you can find life, mindset, and health coaches who have your best interest at heart. They can offer guidance to break down barriers you've unconsciously built over time and a safe space to work through your challenges.
3. Adopt a Positive Mindset
Focus on the good stuff you've done and the progress you've made. Turn those "I can't" thoughts into "I totally got this." It's all about seeing the glass as half full, not half empty.
You could be working on a project and say, "I can do it, even if it's hard," instead of"I can't do it,” or "This could be a fun learning experience” instead of "There's no point,” whenever you think of trying something.
Shift your focus from fear of failure to the potential for growth and success. This mindset encourages you to take risks and believe in your abilities, fostering a sense of self-confidence.
4. The 'Do It Scared' Attitude
“Feel the fear and do it anyway. That's the mentality. Even if you're scared, just do it.” - Bree Runway
You could be scared of expressing your opinion on pressing matters at work even if you feel like that's the answer. Try to open it up. Who knows? You could really be right!
Facing challenges with a positive outlook can help beat self-doubt. By trying new things, you learn what you're good at and what you can get better at. This helps you trust yourself more and worry less about making mistakes.
Over time, you’ll be able to reap the fruits of your labor. As you repeatedly try, learn, and improve, you develop greater trust in your abilities and start seeing mistakes as important learning opportunities for your more resilient self.
Embracing the New You
Reframing negative thoughts isn't about silencing self-doubt entirely; after all, it's a part of being human. Instead, it's about understanding, acknowledging, and learning to navigate these doubts with grace. It's about turning a voice of doubt into positivity to allow your true potential to shine and self-assuredness to come.
With GINI, you won’t have to fear judgment. We are committed to bringing out the best version of you. We connect you to experts who have your best interest at heart and can give you the tools to support you on your journey. Share your challenges and needs here, and get started in seconds. Happy matching!
References
Photos Courtesy of Unsplash
1st Image by Adrià García Sarceda .https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-standing-closing-her-eyes-gxgGo5vk9Jw
2nd Image by Christopher Lemercier. https://unsplash.com/photos/man-sitting-on-chair-covering-his-eyes-12yvdCiLaVE
3rd Image by Engin Akyurt. https://unsplash.com/photos/man-in-gray-long-sleeve-shirt-fMM5chAxU64
4rth Image by Lili Kovac. https://unsplash.com/photos/reflection-of-woman-leaning-against-wall-PFjmzTQ47Z0
5th Image by Alexandra Fuller. https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-white-knit-sweater-and-blue-denim-jeans-sitting-on-gray-sofa-chair-reading-book-zzp90geJ9oQ
6th Image by Radu Florin. https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-white-crew-neck-t-shirt-holding-her-head-CwTBt6jyagQ
7th Image by Timothy Dykes. https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-close-up-photography-7CYhHz5fMzA
