Self Doubt – Don’t let it stand in your way

I think I’ve always suffered from self doubt.  The feeling of not being good enough.  I don’t believe I’m alone feeling this way, in fact, I believe everyone experiences self doubt.

It is your choice whether you choose to push through your feelings or succumb to them.

Even apparently self-confident people have self doubt from time to time, they have just learned to hide it.

When I was younger, I was riddled with self doubt.  I was very self conscious and self critical.  If I walked into a public area like a restaurant, I felt everyone was looking at me (although that sounds a little egotisical).  I just never felt good enough.

As I’ve grown older I have experienced life – some good and some not so good.  I look back on my life and realize that even though I had these feelings I did keep pushing through.

• I was principal of my own a ballet school and dance studio at 15 years of age with 200 pupils,
• I had a beautiful family,
• Succeeded in several career changes,
• Ran a marathon at 55 and at 61 and
• Started a blog which is now 4 years old.

Of course, I still feel those nagging thoughts of self doubt but I have found the courage to overcome them and achieve what I had set out to do.

A couple of years ago, I  attended my high school reunion and was worried at first that no one would remember me.

How foolish!

I nearly missed out on reconnecting with some wonderful women because of my fears.  It was a great night and I was so glad that I went.

How to use Self-Doubt to Succeed

Self doubt can be used in a positive way to help you succeed.  Instead of saying

‘I can’t do this’,

try saying

‘I feel scared and uncomfortable but I’m going to try and give it my best shot’.

I’ve learnt that the worst thing in life is death so if you are scared to try because you might be embarrassed, remember that is not the worst thing that can happen.

If you don’t succeed, realize it will be yesterday’s news very quickly and take pride in the fact that you tried.

Take it from me, I wasted 30 years not communicating with some people I love because I was embarrassed over some decisions I had made.

I faced that feeling and contacted them and it was like 30 years just faded away in an instant.

We have one shot at life so don’t sabotage your chance at a happy and fulfilled life by succumbing to your fears

Take them head on and you may just surprise yourself!  It is so liberating when you do.

So will you overcome or succumb to your self doubt?  What will you try to take you out of your comfort zone?