What to Do the Next Time You Doubt Yourself

Rebecca Lewis January 19, 2015

We all have experienced a time in our life when we are filled with nothing but self-doubt. You may have thought of an idea that you think can change the world, but you let go of it because you think you are not qualified to create such an idea, or that no one would believe it will work. You may have felt like you deserved a promotion at work, but never applied for it because you realised you don’t have enough experience or you are too young to handle bigger responsibilities. You may have thought you could become a great doctor, scientists or pilot, but never pushed through with it because you believed you are not capable.

Self-doubt is not a new concept. It is a self-defying issue that most of us face and struggle with all the time. The truth is that as soon as we start getting overwhelmed, we feel discouraged. We get caught up with our own fears, and we start losing faith in ourselves. Self-doubt serves as a huge wall that separates us from our dreams, a broken bridge that prevents us from reaching our destination – our maximum potential. Self-doubt is the big rock we carry in our shoulders that discourage us from moving forward.

So how do you knock off self-doubt? How do you overcome it?

Just keep going!

Sounds easy. But this, too, takes lots of courage. Don’t worry, you can always take the baby steps. Here’s how.

Remind yourself of your purpose. Self-doubt gets more powerful whenever we lose track of our destination. You may be doubting yourself too much because you have not actually set a clear goal for yourself. What is it that keeps you going? What is it that you want to achieve? When do you want to achieve? Sometimes, reminding ourselves of our goals and dreams in life or why we are working hard, is enough to restore our faith in our abilities.

Start small. As mentioned, take the baby steps. Thinking about a huge undertaking can overwhelm you, and lead to feelings of self-doubt. So it is important to break it down into smaller, achievable goals. You can’t do everything all at once. Small accomplishments can strengthen your motivation and keep you going.

Do take a break. Stress and emotional distress can all take a toll on your self-esteem. So make sure you are physically and mentally recharged every day. How do you do this? Start by living a healthy lifestyle. Give time for relaxation. Prioritise your health and wellness. When you are feeling good emotionally and physically, you are less likely to feel overwhelmed with self-doubt.

Seek help. There’s nothing wrong about seeking help. And more importantly, it is always available. It can be a comforting conversation with a friend or family member, or with a professional therapist. To succeed, you need backup. You need reinforcement. There’s nothing you can do alone. You will always benefit from seeking help from someone you trust. You will be surprised that there are more people willing to help. Sometimes, all you need is ask.

Don’t quit. When things go wrong as they sometimes will, you can rest, but don’t you ever quit. Self-doubt can keep you distracted and disengaged from your goals. But you have to stay strong. Say something to yourself that you would to a friend who is feeling discouraged. Be your own best friend. Stay strong. Remind yourself to stay strong. When things are starting to make you doubt yourself more, go back to step number one. Remind yourself of your purpose. Then start small. Don’t hesitate to pause and rest. Seek help if you must. Just don’t quit.

Remember that overcoming self-doubt is not easy. It is never easy. But it is possible. With the right determination, and with these tips. You can get by.