Confronting the 12 Lies Self-Doubt Loves
Normal people dance with self-doubt.
Doubt ignores you until you imagine something new.
Doubt hates dreams.
Think of choosing a new path, setting ambitious goals, facing new challenges, or making life-shaping decisions and self-doubt settles in like fog at night.
12 lies self-doubt loves to tell:
- Don’t risk it.
- You can’t.
- No one cares.
- Play it safe.
- You’re not good enough.
- It’s too late.
- You’ll embarrass yourself.
- You don’t deserve success.
- People will judge you.
- You’re wasting your time.
- Success is for the privileged.
- You don’t have what it takes.
Doubt done well:
Resisting doubt increases anxiety.
Doubt is like chili pepper. A few sprinkles wake you up. Too much makes you sick. When doubt settles in greet it like a friend. “Thank you for your concern. What can I do to help you feel better?”
You don’t need to ask, “What’s wrong with me?” when you experience doubt. Something’s wrong with you if you never doubt yourself.
Others make a difference.
Ask others when they doubted themselves and how they gained confidence. Their answers won’t be impressive. Doubtful people seek dramatic solutions.
Unrealistic expectations look for opportunities to reject simple solutions. Simple solutions like, “I just did it, even though I was afraid,” disappoint fearful people.
Embrace discomfort.
Doubters make a difference when they step into discomfort.
Doubt laughs when you sacrifice potential on the altar of safety and sneers in smug satisfaction when you tragically squander your talent.
Doubt cheers when opportunities slip through your fingers. “Finally, that’s over!”
Final thoughts:
Self-doubt seeks to protect you.
Doubt lives in your head. Courage lives in your hands and feet. Just do something.
Leadership starts with a little self-belief. It endures because others believe in you.
Adopt humble confidence.
How have you danced with self-doubt?
Still curious:
The 6 Powers of Healthy Self-Doubt
3 Powerful Steps Toward Confidence
Self-Doubt: Definition, Causes, & How to Overcome It – The Berkeley Well-Being Institute
1. Start by exploring why the doubt is popping up. What are the factors that support the doubt.
2. Are the factors legitimate? To what extent?
3. Correct inaccurate doubts with accurate (affirming) statements.
Doubts may be false thoughts that are holding us back.
Doubts may be valuable points we need to dissect to find a way to overcome.
Wonderful distinction between false thoughts and valid points. When you’re confronting big challenges there should be some valid points to consider. Thanks, Paul.
I am new to your blog, but wanted to take a moment to tell you that I’m really enjoying it. You are insight to everyday issues is very simple and yet very profound. I found myself over the last 3 days having several aha moments. Thank you.
Welcome to the family, Mary. And thank you for the good word. Much appreciated. I think of Leadership Freak as a daily encouragement for leaders. I wish you well.