Five ways to quieten self-doubt

Despite being a confidence coach and having good self-esteem, I still regularly hear the voice of self-doubt. For me, this occurs most often when I’m being creative or pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

I could simply be writing a new blog and hear my inner critic say, “What if I can’t create something new?” or “What if people don’t like it?”

I find the voice is even louder if I’m pushing the boundaries of my confidence, such as creating a new series of confidence coaching videos, which is my next venture. Then the doubts are at top volume: “Why would anyone want to watch you?” or “You’re going to look stupid.”

Self-doubt is that feeling of uncertainty about your ability to achieve a goal or action. It affects us all at some point, but I have found some simple ways to turn down the voice’s volume, even if I can’t silence it.

Five ways to quieten self-doubt

1. Recognise and label it

By acknowledging that your self-doubt exists, recognising it and giving it a label, you reduce its power.

2. Ask yourself whether you’ve had it before

I find the doubts often come up in similar situations with similar words. If so, I think back to previous times, how I overcame the doubts and what the outcome was.

3. Distract yourself

If the thoughts persist, I take a break from what I’m doing and focus on a different task. This stops me from engaging with the thoughts and going into a negative spiral.

4. Take a first small step

When I focus on one small step towards my goal, rather than the whole overwhelming task, it builds my confidence and quiets any self-doubt.

5. Talk to someone

Connecting with other people, it gives me the reassurance that I’m not the only person with self-doubt. This builds my courage to face my doubts and keep going.