How To Stop Letting Self-Doubt Rule Your World
Insecurity and self-doubt is something which I encounter, it affects many areas of my life such as my relationships and my career. These insecurities keep me hidden from social situations and can stop me from trying new things. It’s a horrible feeling when you just don’t feel good enough or when you feel like don’t belong somewhere. Yet the good news is, I know deep down that I have complete control over these feelings and I have the power to overcome these self-doubts.
If you also encounter feelings of insecurity and self-doubt then know that you’re not alone. Self-doubt is completely normal and tends to occur when we experience failure or disappointment, or when we don’t meet the high expectations which we set for ourselves. You can overcome these feelings, no matter how you feel.
You can get up, dress up, show up and never give up! Because the world is run by those who show up.
Fake it
Sometimes you just have to put on lip-gloss and pretend that you’re psyched – Mindy Kaling
Fake it ’til you make it! This truly and honestly works. Faking confidence will help you to improve your self-esteem and overcome self-doubt. I have a tendency to put myself down a lot, by doing this I’m coming across as insecure. Yet when I fake my confidence it doesn’t take long until my behaviour starts to become natural. You can ‘fake it’ by using positive words, speaking clearly and in a self-assured voice. Faking it also means working on your body language. Do you have eye contact or are you looking at your feet? Hows your posture? Are you nervously playing with your hands? Acting out each technique will teach you how to be confident and overcome your self-doubt.
Inspiration: 100 positive affirmations to kick start your day
Challenge Yourself
A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor
A great way to overcome self-doubt is to set yourself a new challenge. When you doubt yourself you’re more likely to stay within your comfort zone and shy away from new challenges. By setting yourself a new goal you will instantly feel a sense of purpose and direction in your life. As you start to make progress your confidence will grow and you’ll see that you’re capable of achieving whatever you desire.
Challenge: Practice self-care everyday
Remember The Good
The best way to forget the bad things in life is to remember the good things – Mark Amend
Hands up if you are a pro at remembering the bad stuff instead of the million great things you’ve done and achieved! I’m totally guilty of this, even though I know it’s a big cause of self-doubt. A good way to overcome this habit is to write a list of all the things which you’ve achieved in your life and everything which you’re proud of. You will probably start with the more obvious accomplishments such as learning to drive, passing an exam, getting the grades you worked so hard for, having children and so on. Once you’ve written out your big achievements start thinking about smaller things which you’ve achieved, helping your best friend during a time of need, donating to charity etc. Then think about who you are as a person, kind, generous, caring and so on. Remember everything good about yourself. If you find this task difficult I would suggest keeping a list of all the compliments you’ve received, this will point you in the right direction.
Resource: Journaling prompts for self-discovery and self-reflection
Be Your Own Best Friend
Treat yourself as you would treat your best friend
What was your last thought about yourself? Was it a kind compliment or was it a criticism? Treating yourself as you would treat your best friend is hard advice to action, because we can all be so hard and critical to ourselves. Yet you would never ever discourage your best friend and tell them that they aren’t good enough to do something, so why do we do it to ourselves? We speak positive and encouraging words to our friends and family, we want to help them achieve their dreams and feel good about themselves so why is so damn hard to be our own best friend? You deserve love, we all do, and the best love of all is with yourself wouldn’t you agree? So let’s make an effort to be kind, gentle, forgiving and encouraging to ourselves. Just as we would to our best friend.
Love Yourself: Ten steps to a positive self-image
The Comments
John Mulindi
Very inspiring tips. Thanks for sharing.
Those Positive Thoughts
> John MulindiThank you, I’m so glad you found it inspiring.
Melissa Russell
Great post! These tips are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Those Positive Thoughts
> Melissa RussellThank you so much 🙂
Sammy
Great set of tips! I’m also really bad at remembering my good points and its something I need to work on!
Those Positive Thoughts
> SammyThank you! I hope these tips can help you 🙂 thanks for commenting.
GoalsbyIna
I love challenges so the tip “Challenge Yourself” is definitely my favorite 🙂
Those Positive Thoughts
> GoalsbyInaThanks! I hope you’ve set yourself a good challenge 🙂
Shawna
I am nominating you for the Blogger Recognition Award! 🙂
https://wholeheartyhappy.wordpress.com/2017/07/04/blogger-recognition-award/
Those Positive Thoughts
> ShawnaAmazing! Thank you so much, you’ve made my day 🙂 x
Trina
I appreciate your honesty and ability to share with us your experiences with your thought processes. I completely understand your perspective as I struggle with the same thought divots.
Keep up the good work!
Those Positive Thoughts
> TrinaHi Trina, it’s nice to know that others can understand and relate. Thank you for commenting x
Kayla
I recently started on a new project. Honestly, I was so nervous to put myself out there – and still am. This post was exactly what I needed. Thank you!
Those Positive Thoughts
> KaylaWell done on going ahead with the new project even though you was nervous! I’m so glad that post was able to help you 🙂 x
Chris
I really appreciate the info and ideas. I love your blog! . You have covered some nice points here
Those Positive Thoughts
> ChrisHey Chris, thank you, that’s so nice to hear. I’m so glad you enjoy my blog! If there’s ever any content you would like to see on here just drop me a message 🙂