Well, let me just say this upfront.
You can’t.
At least, I’ve never fully eliminated it or met anyone that has.
So maybe the better headline is: How Can We Work With Self-Doubt?
We all experience it on occasion. The nagging voice in our head that says we’re not smart enough or experienced enough, or talented enough or rich enough.
It affects the way we feel about ourselves and how we show up around others.
There’s this faulty logic that our minds give us that we are supposed to be different or better at something than we actually are. That things should be different.
We all know to be wary of that word when it pops up in our thoughts, right?
I experience self-doubt when creating and sharing content online. I experience self-doubt as a teacher in front of a room full of students, as a writer sharing my work with others, as a husband who wants to be more honest and open with his wife, etc.
I have never stopped feeling self-doubt, but I have learned two things that make the experience of self-doubt easier to be with.
- Mindfulness of self-doubt. When I’m practicing meditation, and I’m mindful, I can see the thoughts and emotions coming on, and I can see them for what they are. Fear of what others will think of me.
- I know that even if I’m scared of what others might think of me, I’m going to do it anyway. I’m gonna show my work or race my bike or join some improv skit that has me terrified.
So that’s it. Sounds easy, right? Just be mindful of the emotions and just do it in spite of the fear.
I wouldn’t call it easy. But it’s better than being paralyzed by self-doubt.
Practicing these two things over and over, however falteringly, will allow you to experience self-doubt AND continue to live your life.
Mindfulness + Action