How to Overcome Self-Doubt?

What is Self-Doubt?   

Self-doubt is a common human trait mainly observed among the younger generations. People with self-doubts suffer from low confidence and tentativeness in behavior. Even the most talented people are plagued by this issue which holds them back in their lives. As Sylvia Plath said - "The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." The roots of self-doubt can be traced back to one's childhood. A demoralizing atmosphere at home, especially with your parents, can be among the possible sources. Such behavior could also be triggered by past mistakes or constant comparison among your peer group. The fear of failure, too, is a probable cause of self-doubt, which ultimately makes a person insecure.    

An incentive of the modern competitive world, self-doubt is particularly disadvantageous for people with high ambitions. Projecting confidence is one of the pre-requisites of contemporary work culture , but people plagued with self-doubt are always uncertain of their actions, which brings down their prospects. Therefore, one must learn to overcome self-doubt if one wishes to progress in life.    

Steps to Overcome Self-Doubt   

Take Control   

The first step towards ridding oneself of self-doubt is to take control of your mind. On many occasions, we find our minds flooded with negative thoughts. It mostly happens when we are given essential responsibilities. During such times, it is necessary to take control of your nerves. One must compose oneself and focus on the positive aspects rather than the negative ones.    

Care Less about Others   

One of the most common causes of self-doubt is bothering too much about what others think—caring too much about what others would think causes a lot of anxiety, especially among youngsters. In order to develop a personality , one must not be too concerned about others' opinions. Most people make the mistake of thinking that others are bothered by their actions, whereas the truth is that no one has the time to be concerned about other people's lives. Therefore, one must always keep this in mind and learn to move past it.    

Stop Comparing    

Another serious cause of self-doubt is the endless comparisons one has to face while living in a society. Comparing yourself with others can cause demotivation, and most individuals face it in their daily lives. In such cases, too, one must learn to be happy with oneself. An individual must realize that he may never have everything in the world, and hence, comparing is a futile exercise.      

Sharing       

Self-doubt and insecurity go hand-in-hand. Therefore, people suffering from these problems must learn to open up. Giving an outlet to your thoughts and emotions clears your mind and makes you believe. So, one must develop the habit of speaking one's mind. You may talk to a close friend or even a family member but be true to yourself while talking.   

Being Optimistic

An optimistic attitude is not just rewarding but also very attractive. People who can channel such positivity are always welcomed in social groups, which, in turn, makes them all the more confident. Therefore, people with self-doubts must develop a positive outlook toward things. Listening to motivational speakers or reading inspirational stories are common tricks to build a positive mindset.    

Celebrate Your Achievements

A person must work hard in life to achieve success. But he must learn to value the more minor achievements as well. Celebrating your achievements gives you joy and provides the necessary motivation to go further. And when it comes to a self-doubting person, the reason to celebrate becomes all the more critical. Regardless of its magnitude, any achievement must be seen as a step away from your fears and closer to your dreams. Hence celebrating it would provide you with the necessary boost of confidence.    

Accept your Past   

When you start to take control of your life, the first step is to accept your mistakes. Mistakes are nothing to be ashamed of. Every person commits mistakes but living in denial of them can harm your mental well-being. Therefore, to achieve confidence, we must accept ourselves, which entails owning every deed of yours. Only when we acknowledge our past can we build a better future.    

Try Therapy   

Sometimes, our problems may become too large to handle ourselves. In such cases, it is better to seek outside help. Self-doubt or insecurity can become a serious mental condition if left unchecked. You can try every trick in the book, but that won't be enough sometimes. In such cases, consulting an expert becomes compulsory. You may have a much more severe condition than you are aware of, and you may need a much more severe course of treatment.      

Finally, we must realize that it is a tough time to be alive. Each and every individual is going through some form of crisis. Therefore, it must be our duty to show a little sympathy towards everyone we come across.