Self-doubt is a universal experience, often lurking in the shadows of our minds, whispering that we are not good enough or that we will fail. It is something that I personally deal with on a daily basis regarding almost every aspect of my life such as my career, relationships etc. While I do think that the occasional self-doubt is "healthy" in the sense that it can push people to grow and be more self-aware, chronic self-doubt can cripple potential, stifle creativity, and hinder personal and professional progress. 

Self-doubt often stems from various sources, including past experiences, societal pressures, and internalized beliefs. For many, it begins in childhood, where negative experiences or harsh criticism can imprint a lasting sense of inadequacy. In my personal experiences, I actually think my self-doubt stemmed from the lack of encouragement and affirmation from the people around me. In this age of social media where comparisons can be easily made, self-doubt can also be exacerbated as social media fuels insecurity and creates unrealistic expectations. Understanding these roots is the first step toward overcoming self-doubt. By identifying where these feelings originate, one can begin to challenge the underlying beliefs and assumptions that contribute to them. This self-awareness allows individuals to separate their true selves from the negative narratives that have been ingrained over time.

Chronic self-doubt can have far-reaching effects on various aspects of life. I often second guess my own decisions, which leads to me either not making those decisions at all or procrastinating making those decisions. I feel like my self-doubt also tends to manifest as insecurity where I question whether I did or said something wrong and the constant overthinking just gets worse, which sometimes causes a self-fulfilling prophecy where I end up distrusting others and refusing to communicate. Moreover, self-doubt can stifle creativity and innovation. When people constantly question their abilities, they are less likely to take risks or explore new ideas. This can result in missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Therefore, overcoming self-doubt is not just about feeling better about oneself; it is about unlocking the ability to achieve and contribute meaningfully.

There are a few ways to overcome self-doubt based on my own experiences which I will list below.

1. Practice Self-Compassion: One of the most effective ways to combat self-doubt is to practice self-compassion. Whenever I start to second guess myself or start criticizing myself for something, I try to take a step back and tell myself that there's no point beating myself up like this because no good will come of it.  I try to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding that I would offer a friend. I tell myself that everyone makes mistakes and that being able to recognize that I made a mistake is already a step forward in the right direction. By shifting from self-criticism to self-compassion, individuals can create a more supportive internal environment that fosters growth and resilience.

    

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Self-doubt often thrives on negative, distorted thinking. This is where cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) comes in for me. Whenever a negative thought pops into my head, I try to look at it objectively by listing down reasons for and reasons against why this thought would be true. I then try to replace the irrational thought with something more realistic and balanced. For example, I've caught myself doubting whether I deserved a promotion and I merely reminded myself that if I did not deserve it, I would not have been promoted and I also reminded myself of all the good work that I've put in to get to that point. 

    

3. Seek Support from Others: Never forget that you're not alone in this life. It's not weak to seek support from people that you can trust. They just might be able to provide valuable perspective and encouragement. Often, others can see our strengths and potential more clearly than we can. Engaging in open conversations about self-doubt can also help normalize the experience, reducing its stigma and making it easier to address.

    

4. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Finally, reframing failure as a natural part of the learning process rather than a reflection of one's worth is crucial. Embracing failure as an opportunity to learn and grow can reduce the fear associated with taking risks. When people view setbacks as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks, they become more resilient and less susceptible to self-doubt.

Overcoming self-doubt is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and self-awareness. By understanding its roots, recognizing its impact, and implementing strategies such as self-compassion, challenging negative thoughts, seeking support, and embracing failure, people can gradually weaken the grip of self-doubt on their lives. When self-doubt starts to fade away, it opens the door for more confidence and resilience. This boost can really help you find greater personal fulfillment and success.