Self-doubt is a sneaky companion that can hinder your progress and keep you from reaching your full potential or whatever you envision as your “best self.” Whether it’s starting a new project, pursuing a passion, or simply feeling confident in your day-to-day life, self-doubt can be a major roadblock. Here are five effective ways to overcome self-doubt and improve self-confidence:
No time to read now? Save and Pin for later!
1. Acknowledge Your Doubts and Challenge Them
The first step to overcoming self-doubt is to acknowledge its presence. It’s natural to have doubts, but they shouldn’t control your actions. Take a moment to identify the specific doubts you have. By leaving the denial phase and clearly calling out your doubts, you’re taking control. Are you worried about failing? Do you feel like you’re not good enough? Once you’ve identified these doubts, challenge them with evidence to the contrary. Instead of planning for the worst ask, “what’s the best that could happen?” Reflect on your past achievements and successes, no matter how big or small. Remind yourself of the skills and strengths that have brought you this far. What would your biggest hype girl compliment you on? That’s how we smash doubts and build confidence!
Action Tip: Write down your doubts and then list at least three pieces of evidence that contradict each doubt. This practice will help you see that your self-doubt is often unfounded. If you find a doubt that is harder to disprove, write down three ways you can overcome that doubt.
2. Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Small Wins
Setting realistic goals can help you improve self-confidence over time. Take stock of where you are right now. Consider your current skills, resources, and time constraints. Being honest about your starting point will help you set goals that are challenging yet attainable. Don’t think of where you are today as a negative or star thinking, “I SHOULD be ….” None of that is helpful and will keep you from overcoming self-doubt. Take yhe opposite approach and compliment yourself for how far you’ve come and how brave (yes, brave!) you are for choosing to work to improve self-confidence. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Each time you complete a task, no matter how small, take a moment to celebrate your achievement. This will create a positive feedback loop and gradually reduce self-doubt.
Action Tip: Create a goal chart and mark off each task as you complete it. Celebrate these small wins with something enjoyable, like a favorite treat or a moment of relaxation.
3. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
The people you surround yourself with have a significant impact on your mindset. Seek out friends, family members, or mentors who are supportive and positive. These individuals can provide encouragement, constructive feedback, and a fresh perspective when you need it most. The “Law of Averages” or the “Social Influence Theory” is summarized by the well-known saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Avoid those who may operate in toxic positivity (“good vibes only”) and go towards the friends who keep it realistic and action-focused. While toxic positivity may seem like it’s going to build your confidence, you will likely be left with self-doubt anytime you have a rough day – which won’t help you reach your bigger goals.
Action Tip: Identify three people in your life who are supportive and schedule regular check-ins with them. Share your goals and progress, and let them know how they can help you stay motivated. Alternately, identify two people you aspire to be like, and work on building your relationship with them.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Being kind to yourself is crucial when overcoming self-doubt. Instead of criticizing yourself for perceived shortcomings, practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a close friend. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and experiences setbacks—it’s part of the journey. If you wouldn’t speak to your best friend that you know well and love, the way that you speak to yourself — you need to make a major adjustment, NOW. No one will be a better advocate for you than yourself – so work on being your own biggest hype girl. Rewiring your brain and your thoughts to be supportive and kind, will literally rewire your brain to improve your self-confidence and overcome self-doubt.
Action Tip: Start a self-compassion journal. Each day, write down something positive about yourself or an act of kindness you showed to yourself. This habit will help you develop a more compassionate inner dialogue. Another approach is to sincerely compliment yourself three times for each negative thought you have about yourself.
5. Take Action Despite Doubt
One of the most effective ways to overcome self-doubt is to take action despite feeling doubtful. Action leads directly to confidence and competence. Each step you take, no matter how small, is a step away from self-doubt and towards self-assurance. Remember, courage is not the absence of doubt but the willingness to act in spite of it. Progress over perfection, my friend!
Action Tip: Choose one small action you can take today towards your goal. It could be as simple as sending an email, making a phone call, or researching the next steps. Taking action will build momentum and diminish your self-doubt over time.
Overcoming self-doubt and improving self-confidence is a journey, not a destination. And it definitely has ups and downs, good days and bad days. By acknowledging your doubts, setting realistic goals, surrounding yourself with support, practicing self-compassion, and taking action, you can build the confidence needed to pursue your dreams. Remember, every small step counts, and with each step, you’ll find yourself growing stronger and more self-assured. Celebrate all your wins, big and small! Keep moving forward—you’ve got this!
You might like our other Mindset posts or our “Mindset Makeover” board on Pinterest!
Have a friend who you think would benefit from these tips! Share this post with them & don’t forget to subscribe for more great content!