Self-Doubt

by Michael Herbert

“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt,” William Shakespeare. Measure for Measure.

Self-doubt has been described as the unhealthy food that feeds the soul. It is one of the major obstacles to living a satisfying and meaningful life because it causes us to self-handicap by criticising our capabilities and our likability.

In some situations, self-doubt can lead to anxiety, depression, procrastination and lack of motivation. The last point is especially important to understand when dealing with students. Unmotivated students are usually riddled with self-doubt.

Understanding self-doubt

1.      Control the self-talk.

The words “I am not good enough for that” are all that is needed to sow the seeds that one day blossoms into an unhealthy dose of self-doubt. Henry Ford summed up the impact of self-talk nicely when he said: “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.” Control the words you let into your head.

2.      Recognise – and then disrupt – repetitive thought patterns that create limiting self-beliefs.

Negative thought patterns lead to powerful habits and, in time, they control us, producing the type of self-doubt that causes even the most intelligent people to sabotage their own success. If we learn to recognise patterns of repetitive thoughts, we put ourselves in a position to firstly, disrupt them and then, replace them with confidence boosting ways of thinking.

3.      Be clear about your purpose and do not let fear get in the way

Fear or anxiety is a normal response to the big things of life. But a Japanese proverb reminds us that fear is only as deep as the mind allows. With purpose in your life, you will develop your passion. And people with a passion are rarely hampered by the sabotaging experience self-doubt.

Accept yourself, your strengths, your weaknesses, your truths, and know what tools you have to realize your purpose.

Steve Maraboli, Life, The Truth, and Being Free.

Mrs Annie Williams, College Counsellor