OVERCOMING FEAR AND DOUBT TIPS:
1. Practice Self-Compassion.
If self-doubt is holding you back from taking a leap with your career or in
another aspect of your life, it helps to remember that we are all human.
We all make mistakes along the way and it’s okay to do so. When we
doubt our abilities, it’s often because we don’t want to make any room
for mistakes. However, mistakes are also how we learn and grow. We
can mitigate self-doubt and fear of failure by practising being kind to
ourselves, no matter the outcome.
2. Remember Your Past Achievements.
A lot of achievements are born out of initial uncertainty or doubt. It helps
to remind ourselves about the times that things have gone right,
because the same thing could happen in the present moment.
Recognize your past achievements and give yourself credit for all the
things you have learned, overcame and achieved.
3. Try to Not Compare Yourself to Others.
If you’re experiencing self-doubt because you’re afraid you won’t
accomplish something at the same level as someone else, then it can
be a paralysing feeling. Everyone’s journey and ideas of success are
different. What we can control and focus on is our own path and where
we want to take it, regardless of where other people are at or what they
have done. Remember you are an individual with an individual journey
so don’t try to live other’s reality and be true to yourself.
4. Be Mindful of Your Thinking.
When negative thoughts begin to creep in, sometimes they are hard to
recognize because we become so used to them. Imposter syndrome
thrives off of these negative thoughts that tell us that we aren’t worthy of
the place we’re at or that we won’t produce good work. Next time these
thoughts persist, take a moment and ask yourself if you really believe
that they are true. Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, focus on
your strengths and instead of focusing on problems, instead focus on
solutions, and instead of focusing on worries, instead focus on desired
outcomes.
5. Spend Time With Supportive People.
The friends and family members in our lives who believe in us and
everything that we’re capable of will always be on our side. When you’re
feeling self-doubt, surround yourself with these people. They can
remind you of how talented and resilient you are during times when
you’re not feeling that way about yourself. Make sure you reach out for
comfort and reassurance to those who are inspiring, positive and caring.
6. Find Validation From Within.
While it’s great to feel reassured from others that we are doing a good
job or that we are capable of accomplishing a difficult task, it’s equally
important to have our own faith in ourselves. Constant reassurance
doesn’t mean much if we still don’t believe in ourselves. Even if we
aren’t the most confident about where we’re at, it’s good to practice
being accepting of our strengths and all that we have to offer.
7. You are your own worst critic.
We will always be the harshest critic of ourselves. It’s a nice reminder to
treat ourselves with the same kindness and compassion that we have
for others, instead of being so critical of ourselves. Try grounding
yourself first and then look at the situation with clarity rather than
emotions.
8. Identify your values.
Take a moment to asses your value and your worth, and what matters
most to you. When we recognize these values and what truly matters to
us, the fear of criticism from others falls by the wayside. And when we
live aligned with our values, it doesn’t feel as detrimental to be criticised
or make mistakes.
9. Keep a journal
Journaling is always a therapeutic exercise to practice. Writing down
your thoughts of self-doubt or experiences with imposter syndrome onto
paper is a good release and it prevents you from suppressed emotions
which could lead to depression.. You may even realise after you see
your concerns written down, that they may not be as detrimental as you
thought they were. This can help to gradually overcome fear, anxiety
and self-doubt. The best time to let go and release negative energy in
the form of thoughts, fears, feelings and emotions is during the full
moon. Practice full moon ceremonies often to clear your energy.
10. Seek professional help
It may help you to see a healer, therapist, coach or a counsellor to
overcome fear and self-doubt if these feelings persist to the point that it
makes it difficult for you to function in everyday life.Therapy can help
you feel understood and give you tools to alleviate feelings of fear and
doubt. You can also seek help from someone who’s been in your
situation and has successfully overcome that challenge or learnt that
lesson.