Overcoming Fear and Self doubt

Whether we are starting a new class, playing a new sport, or taking on a new project, we all experience feelings of self-doubt: the feelings of uncertainty and the lack of confidence regarding ourselves and our abilities. We all struggle to feel sure about ourselves and question our beliefs and attitudes, and wonder if we've made the right decisions. Self-doubt can be a difficult experience and sometimes can become the worst enemy of creativity.

Causes of self-doubt:

• Past experiences

Our experiences shape who we are and how we see others. The failures and setbacks can leave us overwhelmed with self-doubt. They can shake and rattle our beliefs. Continuing to reference past experiences without learning from them is just a waste of time and the future.

• The fear of failure and success

A lot of times, previous success becomes our biggest fear because we tend to think that we will never produce anything that’s equally good. Fixating on a Particular Outcome becomes one of the biggest things that holds us back from forging forward. When we become fixated on a particular outcome, not only do we become paralyzed by the possibility of failure, but we also close ourselves off from all other possibilities.

• Toxic people around us

Sometimes there are people who, no matter what you do or how you try to improve, they're always going to see nothing good in you and criticize you, they love to bring you down. So stay away from those kinds of people.

Tips on overcoming self-doubt

1. Acknowledge the doubt

Don't run from it, acknowledge the doubt. In a situation where you feel scared, nervous, or intimidated, say your doubt out loud and flip the doubt by saying, "I'll try my best, and even if I fail, I can learn an amazing lesson that can help me in several situations."

2. Practice self-compassion

Be kind to yourself. Don't hold yourself back. "Self-doubt destroys more dreams than failure ever will." Try everything, and if you fear that you will make a mistake, remember mistakes are how we grow.

Look at yourself in the mirror and say to yourself that you can do it and you are worthy of everything.

3. See setbacks as temporary

Don't see failure through the dark lens. Every failure means a new beginning, a second chance to start everything fresh. Ask yourself, what can I learn through this failure? Don't beat yourself up about it. Instead, think about the memories of success and celebrate every little achievement.

4. Try not to compare yourself with others

Self-doubt arises when you start comparing yourself to others, be it your friends, your family, your colleagues, or a social media influencer. Everyone's life is different. Focus on yourself. It is one of the best ways to stay happy and healthy.

5. Your opinion should be your priority

Your opinion should be your priority. Remind yourself that the truth is that people don't really care much about what you do or not. Stop asking for validation from others and do what feels the most right to you. If you succeed, people talk about you, and in the same way, if you fail, they are going to talk about you. What matters most is how you perceived the failure and what lesson did you learn.

Don't let self-doubt spin out of your control and grow from a whisper to a stream of discouraging sentences that make you doubt your ability. Instead, talk back to the doubtful part of yourself and flip your perspective.