How to Overcome Fear and Self-Doubt - 5 Useful Tips

Have you ever wanted to create something in your life that was a bit out of the comfort zone and found that you had talked yourself out of it almost as quickly as the idea entered your mind?

Perhaps you were excited about the idea when you first had it - "I'm going to have an amazing relationship!", "I'm going to find a job I love", "I'm going to live with a greater sense of peace"... then what???

That little voice of doubt shows up. "I'm not sure I am capable of doing that", "I might fail", "Maybe I should be content with what I have", "What if I'm not good enough?"... sound familiar?

Why is it that even the dreams that mean the most to us can so easily be crushed by a single doubt?

Maybe it is time you overcome this self-doubt so you can be free to create what you really want!

The truth is, if you want to create something that is beyond your current norm, you will likely have some form of self-doubt to overcome. When you find self-doubt coming up, realize that it is natural and does not mean that you are not capable of manifesting your dream - It just means that you're human!

So how do we put this self-doubt in the back seat and take charge once again of the path toward our dreams?

Here are a few helpful tips when you find yourself coming across self-doubt:

1. Just Jump

Sometimes we get caught up on the questions that don't really matter. "What if it doesn't work". "What if this or that happens?". "What if I fail?" These are limiting believe that could hold you back from pursing your goals - whatever it may be. Let go of this kind of thinking and trust that if you have a vision that excites you, you already have what it takes to execute that vision. When in doubt, just jump. If you jump and you fall, get up and jump again! 

2. Remember Your Why.

Anything with a purpose is worth pursing. Remembering why you are pursing something will give you the confidence to continue striving for it. Give yourself 5 to 10 minutes of free time to spend focusing on your vision of what you want and how you will feel when you have created your dream. Let yourself feel these positive emotions and imagine that you have already created what you want and are living your vision. Let yourself get excited, these positive emotions will energize your vision and allow it come to you faster. This reminder of why your vision is important to you can help you set that doubt aside.

3. Be a Witness to the Voice of Self-doubt.

As you pursue your dream, you will reach obstacles. Conveniently, your inner voice will tell you to stop or give up. As you notice the voice of doubt coming up, immediately shut it up! Recognize that it is the voice of the part of you that wants to keep you comfortable and unchallenged. Distancing yourself from this voice will allow you to take charge and reverse any self-doubt. 

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4. Put it on Paper and Out of Your Mind

In your mind, they tend to endlessly repeat themselves and keep you stuck. Get out a piece of paper and write out all of the doubts and fears that come to mind. On a new piece of paper write down positive statements around why you CAN create your vision. Maybe you are downplaying your strengths and abilities, list these on this paper as well. When you are done, read over the doubts one last time, then tear the paper into tiny pieces and throw it away. Read over your positive statements and let the positive emotions and a feeling of confidence take over. Feel free to read these positive statements whenever you need to remind yourself that you are capable!

5. Repeat Affirmations To Yourself

This will instill positive beliefs around your ability to create your vision. Make sure to have a firm belief of the affirmations you speak. The more you believe in your affirmations, the easier it can become your reality.

Self-doubt is likely something that you will face on the path to your dream, but that is no reason to stop moving forward. Take a few minutes to readjust your focus using the tips above and you will be feeling better and more confident, ready to move forward to your dreams once again!