Self-doubt is so disempowering. Do you have those Negative Nelly snarky comments in your mind constantly barraging you, telling you that you’re not good enough? Do you often do a Debbie Downer on yourself? Don't you hate it when you get caught up in the world of negative self-talk? Ugh, it's a pain in the ass, right?
The problem is, it's so easy to wind up there. One offhand remark from someone you look up to, or a reminder of a past failure, can cause you to downward spiral all over again. You focus on failure and perceived muck ups. And think of every reason in the world why you should stop believing in yourself right now. In short, you derail yourself completely.
Remember - never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from!
What to do? The answer is to stop getting in your own way. Instead, take back control of your life. You start by saying 'no' to self-doubt, using these simple techniques:
Shout ‘Stop’ in Your Mind
This may sound overly simplistic but just shout ‘Stop’ when self-doubt creeps in. Or just tell it to f*ck right off. Either way, tell yourself firmly that you're not going to listen. Say it out loud if you need to. The point here is to quit travelling what is very likely a well-worn path you've been down a thousand times before. By firmly telling yourself you're not thinking about this right now, you free yourself to engage in a new and better thought. This technique has the added advantage that you'll begin training your mind to tone down the negative chatter.
Remind Yourself Failure is Just Feedback
Feeling like a failure because something went wrong? Instead of wallowing in self-doubt (it's okay to take a minute or two to feel bad, just don't unpack and stay there!), take a step back and examine the situation. Remind yourself everyone f*cks up from time to time. The important thing is to figure out what you can learn from the experience. What seems like failure is simply feedback you can use in future.
Learn Something
Self-doubt creeps in when we don't feel prepared. What is it about this moment, right now, that’s creating these feelings inside of you? If you're worried about failing, what part of the process do you expect to go wrong? This might be an opportunity to learn something you need to. Mastering a new skill goes a long way toward erasing self-doubt. Prepare yourself as best you can.
Change Your Self-Talk
Self-doubt is firmly rooted in the things we tell ourselves. So why are you putting yourself down? Here's where you need to dig out all the negative statements and to replace them with more positive counterparts. For example, if you think you're going to fail, detail your past successes. This is a process which you have to be very conscious of. Be on the lookout for those negative statements so you can cut them down to size the moment they appear. Journaling is a great way to get those unhelpful beliefs about yourself out into the open and deal with them. Make a start and download my 7 Day Journal Workbook to get you started:
With a little practice, you'll find it's not as hard as you think to get rid of self-doubt. The key is to pay attention to what you're telling yourself and take action to cut out the needless negativity. Learn to recognize the unhelpful mind babble and shut it down immediately. In no time at all, you'll get yourself back on track. In the meantime, hang in there. It takes practice but you'll have this new attitude down in no time!
Let me know how these techniques enhances your life - I'd love to hear from you. And if there's a particular issue or subject that you'd like me to explore in a blog, please drop me a line!
Sending you big love...
Did you enjoy this blog? Please share it with your friends!
And there's more...
If you're itching to learn more about personal development and how to kick self-doubt to the kerb, then take a peek at this. This book is chock full of wisdom and nifty ways, tips and tricks, to get your life back on track. Chris Brock's techniques may seem simple but oh boy are they powerful! It helps you do what it says on the book cover.
Learn more here - Click on the link below: Do The Thing, Have The Power: Overcome Self-Doubt And Build A Life You Love - Chris Brock:
It's time to button up your inner Negative Nancy or Debbie Downer! And here's the book that will help you do just that. There's a section 'Changing Your Narrative' that will help you squelch the negative stories you tell yourself. It's the art of the inner plot twist that will help you become your own inner cheerleader. This isn't just a book, it's a workbook that helps you to drill down to understand why you experience self-doubt, as the first step to overcome it. Highly recommended!
Take a look at this - Click on the link below: Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life - Lisa & Richard Orbé-Austin
I've been following 'The Holistic Psychologist' on Instagram for a while and I've been blown away by the fantastic content that Dr Nicole Le Pera shares. If you're ready to do the deep work (and it's never too soon or too late!) then grab a copy of this book. Because you'll learn how to start making incredible life changes in a step-by-step process that helps you to learn about who you are, your inner child, you ego and attachment style, and much, much more. It's simply one of the best psychology or self-help books I've ever read. And it's one I'll return to over and over again. It covers everything from the gut and mind connection,dealing with your past, and how to heal yourself, rather than simply mask your anxieties and inner conflicts.
Check this out - Click on the link below: How to Do The Work: Recognise Your Patterns, Heal from the Past, and Create Your Self - Dr Nicole Le Pera:
Do you want to create a life filled with feel-good vibes that makes your spiritual soul wiggle? Do you want to work less hours, have a better work-life balance and create a life and business you love? Then take a look at the Brilliant Biz & Life Academy - it's simply pure gold - I've done quite a few of the courses and highly recommend them! Please click on the link: Brilliant Biz & Life Academy
To be updated with my latest blogs, books and courses please fill in the contact form - Click on the Menu and then click Contact - I’ll be thrilled to hear from you!
Did you like this blog? Please share it with your friends!
© Ruthy Baker 2021