8 ways to challenge self-doubt and build confidence

Self-doubt is something many of us experience from time to time. In small doses, it can prompt us to reflect, but when we're constantly questioning or criticising ourselves, it can begin to hold us back.

If you find yourself constantly questioning and criticising yourself, as well as feeling the desperate need to seek approval from others, then self-doubt can become a close ally who is hugging you tight to its chest, making it harder to take steps towards the changes you want to make.

Challenging self-doubt may help you feel more able to pursue changes that matter to you, whether in your career, relationships or other areas of life. When self-doubt dominates our thinking, it can make it harder to recognise our strengths or take opportunities that feel uncertain.

When you listen to the voice of self-doubt, you may become convinced that you are in some ways inadequate. You may become so concerned about failure or judgement that sticking with what you already know feels safer.

You can, however, begin to push self-doubt away by building your inner strength gradually. Here are a few tips on how you can do it:

8 ways to challenge self-doubt

1. Ask what greater confidence would change

Find a time when you can be on your own for a while and contemplate the reasons why you want to be more confident and shake off self-doubt. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What would be different in my life if I started to believe in myself just a little bit more?
• Why is it important to me to become more confident?
• What might change if I quieten my self-doubt and become more confident?

2. Remember your strength and courage

List times when you demonstrated your inner strength and courage.

3. Recognise your qualities

List all your qualities and traits that you are proud of, and that could be useful when challenging self-doubt.

4. Become a friend to yourself

Become a friend to yourself. Use positive, kind, compassionate and encouraging language in your self-dialogue. Talk to yourself as you would to a good friend.

5. Stretch your comfort zone gradually

Move out of your comfort zone gradually by setting weekly challenges for yourself that take you just a little outside your comfort zone, where it feels safe and appropriate to do so. Over time, you may find that taking manageable steps helps you feel more comfortable with situations that once felt daunting.

6. Rethink failure

Try not to treat every setback as evidence that you aren't capable. When something doesn't go to plan, consider what you can learn from it and what you might do differently next time.

7. Spend time with supportive people

Surround yourself with supportive people. Notice how the people around you affect your confidence and make space for relationships where you feel encouraged and supported.

8. Ask for help

Don’t be afraid to seek help from others, a friend, a family member or a life coach.

Building confidence doesn't mean never experiencing self-doubt again. It can mean learning to recognise that doubtful voice without automatically allowing it to make your decisions for you. As you practise responding differently and take manageable steps towards the things that matter to you, you may begin to see yourself and your capabilities differently too.