Your boss is pleased with your performance and decides to give you added responsibilities. However, instead of considering it as a reward for your hard work, you begin to worry about whether or not you will be able to handle the extra workload. You start doubting your abilities, as a fear of failure springs panic. This increases your stress and eventually affects your decision-making prowess. Over time, this small issue turns into a big problem as it affects your motivation to work, which reduces your overall productivity.
This example illustrates the adverse effects of self-doubt when we don’t deal with it constructively. It usually creeps in when we are facing a challenging situation or starting something new. The feeling of uncertainty causes us to lose our confidence and question our own abilities. We end up asking ourselves whether we are qualified enough to accomplish a particular task. We feel incapable and worry that things might not go as planned despite all our experience and capabilities.
However, it is important to note that self-doubt is not always harmful. It can help keep you on your toes, allowing you to focus on the areas that need improvement. But negative self-doubt can prevent you from grabbing the opportunities that knock at your doorsteps. Here are a few ways to overcome self-doubt and achieve success in life.
Practice self-compassion
When we make a mistake while doing something important, we may become overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy. We beat ourselves up for not being good enough, which further hurts our confidence and increases our self-doubt. A good way to counter such feelings is to practice self-compassion, which is about developing understanding towards ourselves even when we fail or make mistakes. Understanding that mistakes and failures are an essential part of our lives can help us grow and achieve success in life. Studies have shown that practicing self-compassion self-compassion is “significantly correlated with positive mental health outcomes such as less depression and anxiety and greater life satisfaction.”
Change your circle
The people you surround yourself with play a big role in shaping your perspective. Notice how they react when you make a mistake. Are they supportive or do they make you feel worse about yourself? If it’s the latter, it is time to change your circle. Be around those who can offer constructive criticism and not just mock you when you fail at something. They will help you become better, which will make you more confident, and eliminate self-doubt.
To overcome self-doubt, practice self-compassion by treating yourself kindly and understanding that everyone faces challenges.
Cultivating a growth mindset involves embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. By turning obstacles into chances for growth, you can develop a growth-oriented perspective.
To shift your focus, start by acknowledging that setbacks are not permanent failures but learning experiences.
Changing your self-talk involves challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive affirmations. As you embrace a growth mindset, your self-talk will naturally shift towards more empowering and constructive thoughts.
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