As a life and career coach, I’ve worked with many people who struggle with self-doubt. It’s something I’m intimately familiar with because I’ve been there myself. It’s easy to look at others who seem confident and think they’ve never questioned themselves, but trust me, even the most successful people experience doubt. The difference is in how we handle it.
So today, I want to share not just the strategies that help my clients, but what’s helped me personally in overcoming self-doubt—and why I believe you can too.
1. Admit It to Yourself First
For the longest time, I used to think admitting doubt was a sign of weakness. But guess what? It’s actually the opposite. The moment you acknowledge those nagging thoughts like, “Am I really good enough?” or “Do I deserve to be here?” you’ve taken the first step toward controlling them. I used to brush those feelings aside and just push through, thinking I had to stay strong. But I’ve learned that facing my doubts head-on has allowed me to understand them and, ultimately, rise above them.
2. Challenge Your Inner Critic
I remember early in my career, I used to think, "I'm not experienced enough to help others." That inner critic was loud, and it kept me from really owning my abilities. I had to learn how to talk back to that voice. Instead of letting it define me, I started saying, “You know what? I do have something to offer. I’ve worked hard, I’ve studied, I’ve learned, and I care deeply about helping others.” It wasn’t an overnight change, but over time, I’ve trained myself to reframe those negative thoughts.
This is something I encourage you to try. Catch those critical thoughts and ask yourself, “Is this really true?” You’ll be surprised how often the answer is “no.”
3. Celebrate Even the Little Wins
I’m someone who used to brush off my achievements as “no big deal.” I wouldn’t give myself credit for small successes because I felt they weren’t worth celebrating. But let me tell you—it all matters. Every small win adds up. These days, I make it a point to reflect on my progress regularly. I keep a journal where I jot down even the smallest things I’ve accomplished. Doing this has helped me see how far I’ve come, and it boosts my confidence every time.
For you, it could be keeping a list on your phone or just taking a moment at the end of each week to acknowledge what you’ve done. These moments of recognition remind you that you’re moving forward, even when you feel stuck.
4. Get a Reality Check from People You Trust
There have been times when I was too deep in my own head to see the bigger picture. In those moments, I’ve turned to people I trust for feedback. I remember one particular conversation with a mentor when I was feeling unsure about a major career decision. Their perspective helped me see things more clearly and reminded me of my strengths. I often tell my clients this: sometimes, you need an outside perspective to challenge your inner doubt.
So, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s a friend, a colleague, or a coach, getting feedback from people who believe in you can give you the clarity you need.
5. Set Achievable Goals—and Actually Celebrate When You Hit Them
I’m a big believer in the power of setting small, achievable goals. Early in my coaching career, I wanted to help everyone, do everything, and reach huge milestones right away. It’s exhausting and unrealistic! Now, I break things down into smaller, manageable steps. And every time I hit one of those milestones, no matter how small, I celebrate it. I’ve learned that success isn’t about one giant leap—it’s about consistently moving forward, step by step.
If you feel overwhelmed, try this: break down your larger goals into bite-sized tasks and acknowledge every step you take. Progress is progress, and every win counts.
6. Practice Being Kind to Yourself
Let me be real here—there are days when I’m hard on myself. I think we all are at times. But what I’ve learned (and continue to learn) is that beating yourself up never helps. What does help is practicing self-compassion. On those tough days, I remind myself that I’m doing the best I can, and that it’s okay to not have everything figured out all the time. I talk to myself like I would a close friend, with kindness and encouragement.
So, when self-doubt creeps in, I encourage you to ask yourself: “What would I say to someone I love who’s feeling this way?” Then turn that same compassion inward.
7. Keep Learning, Keep Growing
Self-doubt can often creep in when you feel like you don’t know enough. I’ve felt that way many times! But one of the best ways I’ve found to combat this is to stay curious and keep learning. I don’t have to know everything, and neither do you. But every time I expand my knowledge, whether through a new course, a book, or just listening to others, I feel more empowered. Growth isn’t about knowing it all—it’s about being willing to evolve.
Final Thoughts
I still experience self-doubt sometimes, and I’ve come to see it as a natural part of the process. The key is not to let it hold you back. Every step you take to overcome self-doubt brings you closer to your goals—and trust me, you are capable of amazing things.
If I could leave you with one message, it’s this: You have more strength and potential than you give yourself credit for. We all do. Doubt is normal, but it doesn’t define you. It’s just a hurdle you can, and will, overcome.
Here’s to believing in yourself—because I believe in you!
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