Recognizing self-doubt is critical in your journey toward achieving high-impact goals. It’s like the parking brake on a car; you won’t get far if you don’t release it. Self-doubt can creep in, especially when you’re aiming for more high-impact achievements in your career or leadership roles. The good news? Understanding this mental barrier is the first step in getting past it.
Here’s Why it matters in your Career and Leadership
Self-doubt can really hold you back in your career, especially if you’re in leadership. When you doubt yourself, you hesitate to make decisions, and that can make you look less confident to your team. It’s like a domino effect – your team might start feeling unsure too, and that’s not good for anyone. Plus, doubting yourself means you might miss out on great opportunities because you’re too busy second-guessing. In a nutshell, self-doubt can stop you and your team from really reaching your full potential and making the impact you desire.
What exactly is Self-Doubt?
Self-doubt is that inner voice that questions your abilities, decisions, and worthiness. It’s more than just occasional uncertainty; it’s a consistent lack of confidence in yourself.
What can you do to deal with Self-Doubt?
First, know that self-doubt isn’t insurmountable. Here are three highly effective techniques to deal with it:
Challenge Negative Thinking.
Start by identifying and challenging your self-doubting thoughts. When a negative thought comes up, ask yourself if it’s really true. Often, these thoughts are based on fear rather than fact. Let me share a method I devised that can help.
The “Catch It, Challenge It, Change It” Method
A great tool for overcoming self-doubt is the “Catch It, Challenge It, Change It” method I created. This practical approach empowers you to transform negative thinking into forward thinking for growth and confidence.
- Catch It: The first step is awareness. Catch yourself in the act of doubting. It’s like setting an internal alarm that goes off whenever self-doubt starts whispering. This recognition is critical because it’s the pathway to change.
- Challenge It: Now, engage with your doubt. Challenge its validity. Ask yourself, “Is this really true? Is this a universal truth, or is it just my perception?” If it’s not a blanket truth applicable to everyone, why should it be true for you? This step is about undermining the foundations of your self-doubt.
- Change It: Finally, shift your focus. Steer your thoughts from what you fear to what you desire. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a strategic refocus of your mental energy. By concentrating on your goals and what you want to achieve, you channel your mental resources toward productive and positive outcomes.
Celebrate Small Wins
Building confidence is a gradual process. Start by setting small, achievable goals and celebrate when you reach them. These small wins accumulate over time, building a solid foundation of confidence and proving to yourself that you are capable. Keep a jar handy and add slips of paper to document your wins, or start a journal to capture these wins – how about a Milestone Moments journal? Revisit these when self-doubt starts to creep back in. It’s sneaky that way!
Seek Feedback and Mentorship
Sometimes, an external perspective can be what’s needed. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. They can provide an objective view of your strengths and achievements, helping to counterbalance your self-doubt. A mentor can also guide you through challenging situations, offering advice based on their own experiences.
Now, think about the role self-doubt plays in your career. Is it holding you back from reaching your high-impact goals, like speaking publicly or taking on a leadership role? Has it stopped you from asking for a raise or making a career transition? It doesn’t have to!
Take a moment to reflect on the techniques above and choose one to start with. Maybe it’s challenging a negative thought today, celebrating a small win this week, or reaching out to a mentor for a chat.
Remember, overcoming self-doubt is not an overnight process, but with consistent effort, you can gradually build the confidence needed to achieve your high-impact goals.
Until next time, here’s wishing you the Clarity you deserve to make the Impact you desire!
