How to Overcome Self-Doubt

Michael Jordan is a great example of a person who was able to overcome self-doubt. His relentless focus on winning helped him hit game-winning shots. Joan of Arc rode into battle as a 13-year-old because she had a strong sense of mission. The same sense of purpose can help you overcome self-doubt. In fact, chronic self-doubt may be a sign of a lack of purpose.

• Distinguishing healthy self-doubt from unhealthy self-doubt

We have all suffered from some form of self-doubt at some point. Sometimes it can be crippling and affect our behaviors. Some of us even indulge in self-handicapping, which is when we blame another factor for our failure, such as our lack of preparation. In this case, the poor grade is often attributed to our lack of study, which then leads us to even more self-doubt.

To distinguish healthy self-doubt from harmful ones, you must distinguish them. You can do this by first naming your self-doubt and then trying to separate them from each other. Secondly, you can try cognitive restructuring, a powerful technique derived from cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive restructuring teaches your mind to produce more realistic and helpful thoughts.

• Relationship between self-doubt and depression

Studies have shown a link between self-doubt and mental health problems such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and mood swings. Self-doubt is also associated with lower self-esteem, low motivation, and a tendency to avoid responsibility. It can also lead to memory loss and problems focusing. Those who experience symptoms of depression may also seek help from a mental health professional.

Fortunately, there are various methods for overcoming self-doubt, including journaling. Some people find that writing about their experiences helps them gain insight and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Others use online journals to process their feelings and identify their own triggers. Whatever method you choose, journaling can be a therapeutic exercise. It can also be a great source of support for people who are struggling with self-doubt.

• Signs of low self-esteem

People with low self-esteem are often insecure. They often feel they don't measure up to others and aren't good enough to earn praise. They may even resort to passive aggressive behavior in order to avoid making a fool of themselves in front of others. Lack of confidence can lead to a host of problems, including low self-esteem and unfulfilling relationships. Low self-esteem may also lead to low standards and a lack of ambition.

To address these issues, first evaluate your current thoughts. Do they contain any negative or positive content? Are they based on facts or irrational false ideas? Take a few moments each day to observe what you are thinking and what kind of reactions you should have. Then, determine whether these thoughts are true and appropriate. If you can't get a handle on them, you may have to seek professional help.

• Managing self-doubt

Managing self-doubt is difficult. The problem stems from our own self-image and is not unique to us. It is often rooted in childhood experiences, past attempts to achieve a goal, or a combination of factors. The key is to recognize the triggering event and move past it. It is also essential to acknowledge that self-doubt affects us in other ways, as well.

A good exercise to address self-doubt is the Assets, Poetry, Boundaries (APB) exercise. This exercise teaches people about their strengths and limits and helps them develop habits to deal with difficult situations. The overcoming spirit exercise helps participants develop strategies to deal with self-doubt in a way that will empower them to overcome challenges and reach their goals. It is useful for leaders, managers, and team members alike.