Whether at work or in our personal lives, self-doubt is something many of us have experienced. To help you overcome any self-doubt, keep the following tips in mind.
Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes
Show yourself some compassion and remember that we are all human, and we all make mistakes. Even if you think you could have done better, assess what you learned from the experience to do better next time. There is no need to dwell on the negative; turn the mistake into a positive!
Don’t Rely on Validation From Others
It’s wonderful to feel validated, but self-doubt can creep in if you constantly seek validation from others. Not every job well-done will be rewarded, so if you wait around for confirmation, you’re only contributing to your self-doubt. Instead, practice validating yourself while reminding yourself that praise from others isn’t necessary to your success.
Talk to Others
While you shouldn’t rely on others to make you feel better, that doesn’t mean you should exclude them from your process of self-validation. Talking to someone, whether a friend, family member, mentor, or therapist, can help you see things more clearly and objectively. They may be able to help you work through those feelings of self-doubt.
Rely on Your Goals
Goal-setting can be crucial, as you are working toward a positive life for yourself. A goal setting practice will help you navigate when you have doubtful thoughts, and help you take steps forward more confidently. Reminding yourself of your goals when you’re experiencing self-doubt lets you challenge what’s possible, and reaching your goals will help boost your confidence.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
One of the best ways to counteract self-doubt is with a gratitude journal. Writing in your journal about the things you’re thankful for can help combat self-doubt. The more you learn to love yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes, the more likely you are to succeed in achieving your goals. A self-gratitude journal is a great way to begin this process.
No one-and-done answer will get you through episodes of self-doubt. Instead, use these tips to work your way through it while reminding yourself just how capable you are.