Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we can experience self-doubt and imposter syndrome. This can be due to a number of sources. Whether it’s traumatic experiences, mental health, stress, fear of failure, comparing yourself to others, or something else, just about everyone will experience self-doubt at one point in life.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though. It can be possible to overcome self-doubt and build self-confidence. You can start by speaking to yourself positively, celebrating your accomplishments, and getting support from others. You can also dive deeper to build your self-esteem.
Avoid Comparison
With social media so prevalent in modern life, comparison is an easy trap to fall into. We see a perfect Instagram profile and wonder why our life isn’t that good. It’s so important to remember that everyone is on their own journey and has their own struggles. Don’t compare your low points to someone else’s highlight reel. Because that’s what social media is, isn’t it? It’s a carefully cultivated image that’s presented to the public, and it doesn’t always acknowledge the struggles of the person presented. Focus on your personal growth and your progress.
Celebrate Accomplishments
You have accomplished so much in your life! When you’re in the depths of self-doubt, that can be hard to remember, though. Try writing down your achievements when they happen, regardless of how small it seems. Then, when you’re feeling self-doubt, you can look back over what you’ve accomplished and remember how capable you are.
Practice Self-Compassion
How would you talk to your best friend when they’re experiencing self-doubt? Treat yourself with that same compassion and kindness. Remember that everyone has self-doubt sometimes, and it doesn’t define your worth. As part of that, start practicing positive self-talk. When negative thoughts come up, recognize them, appreciate the emotions that come with them, and dismiss them. Start replacing those negative thoughts with positive affirmations, focusing on your strengths and abilities.
Set Realistic Goals
Having goals that feel huge can bring self-doubt. How can you possibly achieve such a big goal? Try breaking that huge goal into smaller steps that feel more manageable. Setting realistic goals doesn’t mean dreaming smaller, it just means breaking your big dreams into bite-sized pieces. Along the way, celebrate your progress and recognize how far you’ve come.
Embrace Imperfection
Imperfection can be beautiful. Mistakes are part of growth. They mean that you’re learning. Embrace the imperfection that comes with growing! Nothing and nobody is perfect, and you aren’t either. This thought can be freeing if you let it be. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try out something new. Let yourself be bad at something before you’re good at it. It’s okay!
Seek Support
Talk to your support system about your feelings and concerns. Try to surround yourself with people who encourage you and believe in you. They can help you remember how great you are, and you can do the same for them. If self-doubt is a significant impact on your life, and you’re having a difficult time getting things done because of it, it could be worth it to seek professional help from a counselor or therapist. They can give you a number of strategies and tools to help you overcome your self-doubt.
Your inner critic might never go away completely, but you can learn to quiet it. If you understand that it’s usually trying to keep you safe the best way it knows how, it’s easier to be kind to yourself. Just remember that you have accomplished so much and you will continue to accomplish even more in your life.
How do you overcome self-doubt and build your self-confidence?