How to Overcome Self Doubt
It’s hard to persevere and work steadily toward your goals when a voice in your head keeps whispering that you can’t do it. Almost everyone hears the voice of self-doubt from time to time, and it can be hard to quiet it.
Here are some tips to help you get rid of self-doubt for good.
1. Accept That Failure Is a Step toward Success
For most people, "failure" is a dirty word. They will do anything to avoid failing, even if that means they never try to fulfill their dreams. After all, if you never try, you can’t fail. However, the most successful people know that even though failure can sting, it’s an important learning tool as you work toward success.
2. Celebrate Your Success
When you achieve something, it’s important to stop and savor the moment. Reflect on your hard work and take some time to think about the nitty-gritty of how you pushed yourself to succeed. You don’t have to wait for a big success, either! Something as small as getting the dishes done before bed every night for a week rather than waking up to a mess is worth celebrating. If you can do that, then you can tackle your next goal using the same skills. Over time, your mental stories of success will replace the voice of self-doubt.
3. Just Do It Anyway
The voice of self-doubt gets particularly loud when we push ourselves to do something new, challenging, and outside of our comfort zones. Sometimes, the best way to quieten that voice is simply to ignore it and carry on working.
4. Meditate
Many people think that meditation is a way to turn off their thoughts. Then, when they try to meditate, they get frustrated when their heads are as noisy as ever. The truth is, mediation is not about eliminating all thoughts; that’s impossible. Instead, use a meditation tool to help you learn to ignore distractions, and focus on what you choose to focus on.
Meditation has been shown to release stress, boost the immune system, and stop cycles of negative thoughts. By starting a regular meditation practice, you will gain the skills you need to focus on success and ignore your voice of self-doubt. To get started, try one of the many apps available for your smartphone, such as Insight Timer or Headspace, or look for a class at your local yoga studio.
Links:
Insight Timer - https://insighttimer.com/
Headspace - https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app
5. Recruit a Mentor
No matter what you are trying to do, the journey is easier if you can follow in someone’s footsteps. A mentor can help you navigate your path, give you advice when you hit obstacles, and give you objective feedback when you feel trapped by self-doubt. To find a mentor, check with your school, employer, or professional association. Most have mentorship programs.
What can you do today to start overcoming the self doubt?
