What to do with doubts?

When we want to move forward or to make an important decision we sometimes face our deepest self-doubts. Deciding to introduce some change in our personal lives, no matter how significant it is, involves to some extend risk and uncertainty. Yet, it is change that supports our growth. Plus, the way to pursuing our intrinsic desires could be risky. It is a normal human reaction to experience doubt when deciding to take action. A little dose of doubt could be healthy as it reveals areas for development and enhances self-awareness. However, if self-doubt takes the lead in our thinking process it becomes a barrier to our self-development endeavors. 

The truth is the more time you spend on self-doubt, the worst you feel. Doubt has this magical influence to bring to the surface all our hidden fears, failures, negative feedbacks and other negative cognitive artifacts, no matter whether they are substantial or logical. Doubt presents as the worst obstacle to self-development as it directly eats your courage, empowerment and enthusiasm. When you doubt yourself, other people start doubting you too. Is it worth? Definitely not!

The good news about self-doubt is that it is something that you have created for yourself. In other words it is only in your head and you have the power to delete it and move forward without it. Being in a position of managing your own doubt is a powerful one to be in! Here are some strategies to support you in this position.

Step 1: Diminish the doubt

For everything you doubt in yourself, there are 10 things you can trust. When you find yourself doubting something, starting making up a list of 10 things that you can trust yourself. Oppose your doubt to your 10 strengths. How it feels to experience your self-doubt being overpowered by your self-trust? 

Step 2: Destroy the doubt

Think about your self-doubt. How logical is it? What evidence do you have that supports it? What examples do you have that demonstrate it? The more you look into the details, the more you find that your doubt is a mask of some assumptions that you are making about yourself.  

Step 3: Sum up your self-trust

Keep in your mind your purpose, your values, and your goals. Now that you are aware of all your strengths and assumptions, build up a strategy that would help you to move forward by focusing on your powers and transforming your doubts into areas for self-development. When you do that, you will immediately feel energized and motivated to move forward with your plans.

Step 4: Internalize self-trust practices

Don't allow your self-trust to fade away. Build up some practices that will support you with this effort. Follow this link if you want to check out some ideas on how to explore and enhance your self-trust.