There will inevitably be times in all our lives where we will begin to doubt ourselves. We may begin to doubt our own worth and our own abilities. This happens a lot especially when we enter any sort of new role both in our personal and our professional lives – it could range from anything such as a new role as a parent, spouse, friend, employee, boss, student, team member, or anything else. These sorts of feelings are natural especially if we truly care about the position we have entered and want to do well with it. This initial feeling of doubt is not necessarily a bad thing because what it does is show us that we care. However, we must absolutely not let this feeling absorb us and swallow us whole. Rather, we should turn it into something that can work in our favor and to the benefit of those we love most as well.
Doubt can easily turn into a feeling of emotional paralysis and it can hold us back from seizing opportunities. The first step to overcoming doubt is recognizing what you feel and coming to full terms with it. Rather than feeling ashamed of this feeling, we can use it to turn it into concrete actions. Ask yourself – why am I doubting my capabilities in this circumstance? Is there something I could do to feel more confident? Should I study more, prepare more, communicate more? No one is born an expert at anything and the only way we can start to overcome our doubts, insecurities, and fears is by facing them head-on. Having fears is normal but truly matters, in the end, is first, deliberately choosing to overcome them and then making a plan of action. This is never easy and will come with even more discomfort in the process, but if it something you truly care about, the payoff at the end will be especially rewarding when you know you have worked hard and worked through your fears in order to get where you are. You have been brave, and you have not taken the easy road emotionally (because, let’s face it, no one likes to be uncomfortable), but you have done it anyway because it matters to you.
Doubting and overthinking are really consuming activities, but they never come with any true, fulfilling payoffs. The days will pass no matter what, and rather than letting your daily energy be consumed by these activities, it is much better to channel that energy towards something you desire and truly care about. Overcoming your doubt, above all, has to come from a place of self-love. Love is one of the greatest moving forces in the world. If you work on loving yourself, you will want good things and a happy life for yourself in the same way that you wish this for your loved ones.
