Is your self-doubt preventing you from moving on?

Do you ever find yourself doubting your abilities, despite evidence of your achievements? Self-doubt, low self-confidence, and low self-esteem can hold us back from pursuing our goals and embracing new opportunities.

What causes self-doubt?

Sometimes, it can be sudden and the result of a specific experience or setback. For example, if you didn’t get the job you really wanted, you may then feel less confident at work and it may impact other areas of your life. Our life experiences, our childhood, our family, our relationships, or particular people can make us feel inadequate too. 

We take on these negative beliefs and they affect how we feel about ourselves and our worth. In addition, our own personalities can influence these beliefs and sometimes these negative messages can come from what we see in the media or our interactions on social media. It is important to identify and acknowledge what the trigger may be so you can try to put it behind you and move on. 

You might find that self-doubt is affecting your everyday decisions. For example, you may avoid applying for a promotion, put off making changes for yourself, or dismiss your achievements.

Self-doubt may never completely disappear, but with awareness and positive steps, you can manage and overcome its impact on your life. Remember that it is OK to seek support when needed from family, friends, colleagues, or even through professional help.

Try and replace negative self-talk with positive words, and where possible, surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up. Think about how you can be kind and forgiving to yourself as you are to others – focus on you!

Remember...

1. Nobody knows everything.
2. Everybody feels out of their depth sometimes.
3. You are learning every day.

My top tips for overcoming self-doubt

• List your strengths: Remind yourself of your skills, experience, proud moments and successes. Keep a log on your phone, write them down, or create a Word document, and read them regularly and mindfully. What are you like when you are at your best?
• Focus on your goals: Work towards meaningful goals, it can give you a sense of achievement and purpose. Break them down into smaller actions if the goals seem too big, little steps can move you forward and get you where you want to be.
• Learn from your mistakes: Instead of seeing your mistakes as incompetence, see them as opportunities to learn. What can you do differently next time? This can develop your resilience and ability to move on quickly, too.
• Challenge your limitations: Do you get stuck in a fixed mindset? What are you assuming about yourself that is holding you back? Adopt a growth mindset - ask for help, or learn something new.
• Don’t compare yourself to others: Accept compliments, celebrate your own successes and differences and be yourself.