Moments of self-doubt happen to all of us. Unfortunately, self-doubt can manifest itself into a major distraction for some. Once the doubt creeps in, it can become all that a person thinks about. Preventing them for getting to their goals and reaching their potential. At worse becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Negative thinking prevents the mind and body from performing at its best. Not only is self-doubt a distraction but it eats away at confidence.
Once I start thinking I will likely screw up my upcoming assignment, I start to feel less confident about completing the task. My thoughts and feelings translate into my actions and behaviors consequently making my beliefs come true. Further perpetuating my self-doubts.
Those who can quickly challenge their self-doubt can redirect their focus and get back on task. The distraction of doubt is just a moment in time and their confidence remains untouched.
Successful athletes, leaders, and creators do not allow their self-doubt to take over.
The good news is that self-doubt is a pattern of thinking that can changed into a more productive pattern.
What to do About Self-Doubt
Self-awareness
In order to challenge any self-doubt, you must first recognize that it’s happening. Notice any negative patterns of thinking before and during a challenging event.
How do you react when you make a mistake? Reflect on the types of thoughts that automatically run through your mind. These thoughts happen so quickly, that at first, they might be difficult to recognize. However, like with physical skills, mental skills get better with practice.
Self-awareness of negative thinking patterns will always be necessary to make positive change.
Commit to Challenging the Doubts
Once you’re aware of the self-doubts you must take action to challenge and re-frame those thoughts.
Begin by writing down your top five doubts that you might have before and during a challenging event. You can write down as many that come to mind but identify your most common five.
Next challenge each of those doubts. Ask yourself where the evidence is to support these self-doubts. Fact check yourself. For example, if you have thoughts similar to, “I never perform well early in the morning.” Recognize that this self-doubt is untrue, that saying never is an exaggeration. Reflect on your personal examples that refute that self-doubt.
Finally, re-frame each of the self-doubts. Change each doubt into a confidence building statement. If you have a doubt such as, “I feel worried about my game today,” change it to, “I’ve worked hard for this moment, I’m ready to give my best.”
