That troubling and persuasive voice that seems to hold you back when you’re about to take a step towards self improvement – that’s self doubt right there, and if you allow that voice to take over you and your actions, it can quickly get your self esteem to take a plunge. So what should you do when your self doubt holds you back from seizing the opportunities in your life? Take steps to overcome self doubt! Here’s how!
7 Powerful Ways to Overcome Self Doubt
#1 Just Stop
The simplest and easiest way to tackle self doubt is to stop it right when it starts! The next time you start doubting yourself or have those questionable feelings come up, stop yourself right there. Talk back to that part of yourself that doubts, and feed it more positive, empowering thoughts. Disrupt that thought pattern right when it begins.
#2 Escape the Comparison Cycle
A lot of us doubt ourselves and our abilities because we get stuck in the trap of comparing ourselves, our abilities and our lives to those around us. Comparing your life to those seemingly perfect ones that turn up on your Instagram feed is a recipe for self doubt. Take a digital detox often, and reassure yourself that no one’s perfect to break and escape the cycle.
“Don’t let others tell you what you can’t do. Don’t let the limitations of others limit your vision. If you can remove your self-doubt and believe in yourself, you can achieve what you never thought possible.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
#3 Take the First Step
The first step is usually the hardest, and that’s when you’ll usually be hit by self doubt. In that very moment, become fearless and do it anyway. Make the decision and do more of what you fear, step outside your comfort zone- sometimes things might not go right, but most of the time, they will!
#4 Read Positive Material
Every single day, make it a point to read or listen to material that makes you feel motivated and positive, preferably as you start your day. Doing this can set the tone for the rest of your day, and you’ll find that you’ve started trusting yourself a lot more!
Also read : 6 Ways Others Hold Us Back and Self-Doubt During Times of Change
#5 Nurture Healthy Relationships
Let’s get real – there are certain relationships and people in life that support and value us more than others, and nurturing those relationships and being more around those people can literally work wonders and help you feel a lot better about yourself when you’re feeling down. Sometimes, that little reassurance from someone close to you is all you need!
#6 Move On
We are often our worst critics, and that’s exactly why one of the best ways to overcome self doubt and boost your self esteem is to not ponder over your failures and setbacks too much. Everyone has ups and downs in life- you don’t need to beat yourself up about it. In fact, when you’re facing self doubt, try to change your thoughts to more constructive, empowering ones.
#7 Remember that it is Temporary
Lastly, remind yourself that every setback that you’re going through is temporary, and that working passionately and relentlessly towards your goals is the best way to ensure success. Continue taking action instead of pondering over what went wrong!
Finally, overcome self doubt by believing in yourself
“Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.
Believe in yourself, your abilities and your own potential. Never let self doubt hold you captive. You are worthy of all that you dream of and hope for.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Also read : 6 Ways Others Hold Us Back and Self-Doubt During Times of Change
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Hi Corinne – self-doubt has always been a big issue for me and I’ve been working on this area for many years. When I read your tips I could see a lot that I’ve been putting into practice and I can see that I’m slowly moving forward in this area. I’ve learned to stop comparing myself to other people’s highlight reels and to stop trying to meet the expectations of others – quite often they aren’t even real expectations (just ones I assumed other people had!)
Being kind to ourselves and allowing ourselves to be less than perfect are keys to helping with all those doubts that swirl around in our heads.
Self doubt is hard to overcome. Thanks for sharing ways to do just that! Excellent post!
I have been trying to be mindful of my self-doubts a lot more this year, still have a long way to go. It feels a lot harder than I’d imagined. Thank you for the tips, Corinne.
Dashy recently posted..Abstraction
Self-doubt is a constant companion of mine. Writing down my feelings and having a list of how to deal with the negative thoughts help me most of the times. These are some wonderful tips, Corinne.
Oh yes Move On is what we should do
Forget about what went wrong
Concentrate on what can be done
Difficult to do
Lots of good advice there for me to digest Corinne
Self-doubt can hold us back. These are great tips to overcome self-doubt. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Corinne, Thanks for some great tips! I’ve also suffered from self-doubt for years and I’ve used a lot of what you suggest. Another one that has been very useful for me is the strengths list. Listing 10 qualities about yourself and reading them every morning also does wonders in creating self belief. Thanks again for Monday Musings 🙂
Thanks for sharing that, Anne. Yes, I’ve done that exercise and can vouch for it too. Will edit the post to add this and give you credit, of course.
Are you on Twitter? I’ve been sharing your posts but don’t know what your Twitter handle is.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..8 Fast Fixes for a Quick Energy Boost
I feel like this post has been written just for me! Last week, I was down in the dumps (as you read in my post). Today I am in a much better frame of mind, and I completely agree with what you shared here. In fact, it’s what I follow diligently. But, sometimes, that evil called ‘self-doubt’ creeps out of nowhere and creates havoc in my system.
I need to be more aware of those feelings and nip them in the bud, right?
Such a wonderful post, Corinne! Who doesn’t have self-doubts?? I wish we all had these reminders in our early years. I know, because I used to be crippled by them for years and needed constant reminders to revisit my strengths from time to time. I still have my moments even now, but I must say, I handle them with a lot of maturity. (All those grey hairs really do come useful, you know. 🙂
Esha recently posted..Time | #FictionMonday
such helpful tips. I am working on each one of them. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Fabulous tips and a great reminder dear Cory.
I also feel dropping the over worrying over thinking hat also helps big time. Letting go, and taking its easy.
I’m so glad you brought back #MM.
I hope to join someday.
Love and light!
Natasha recently posted..The Hidden Life of Trees: #WordlessWednesday #WednesdayWisdom
Just something I needed to read today. Had a session with my counsellor and he more or less told me the same things. Thanks for such a helpful post.
Taking a break from Link parties for a few weeks because of work committments, but trying to catch up on reading and writing. Really like this post. Wish i had known these things years ago, but it is never too late. Every day, every single day I am thankful for family and friends who nurture and enrich my life and I try to be that person right back. I like # 4 and # 5 especially. Remember the old computer term, GIGO? Garbage in, Garbage out? So true of what we feed our minds. Thanks and blessings, Michele
The belief in self and listening to the voice while not paying heed or feed them is important I feel. Stepping out of our comfort and avoid driving us to the wall is something many of us do which can be counter productive. Agree Corinne. I enjoy your posts a lost and help us towards empowerment in a therapeutic manner.
the comparison cycle is hardest to come out of. Specially when you see others achieve much more. These are excellent reminders to keep self doubt at bay.
Rajlakshmi recently posted..Mayurasana | Peacock Pose Practice
I agree taking the first step.
I would add, just go for it and don’t over think it.
Just remember life is short. It’s better to try then to never try at all. I used to doubt myself a lot and I let a lot of great opportunities pass me by.
David o recently posted..91 Beautiful Relationship Quotes to Uplift Your Relationship
Self doubts are the result of overthinking. You have explained things very well in the article.
True, Monika. Glad you liked the article.