7 Tips for Overcoming Self-Doubt

If you have self-doubt, sometimes it can be hard to get the motivation you need to accomplish things in life. It can prevent you from living the life you most want. If can trigger overeating or undereating or other behaviors you want to curb. it interferes with making mindful choices. But, you can become more motivated (and mindful) if you work towards understanding your self-doubt. Most of the time, self-doubt is not founded on  reality. It’s instead negative talk in your head that keeps you from doing the things you need to do.

Here are seven tips to help you find motivation when you have self-doubt so you can get past it and make things happen.

Act as If 

You’ve likely heard the idea that “faking it till you make it” works. But really, you don’t need to fake anything. Just go through the motions that you know you need to go through in order to get to where you want to go. Eventually, your confidence will kick in as you experience more success.

Set a Small Goal 

Take small steps that you can build on over time. For example, if you want to be more motivated to eat right or exercise, choose one thing to change. Stop drinking sugary beverages two afternoons a week, or start parking at the end of the parking lot to get in more steps. These very small changes can lead to even bigger changes when you experience success with the small goal.

Look for Inspiration 

Whether it’s books, blogs, movies or something else, surround yourself with motivating information. Get rid of things that take away your motivation – whether that’s negative TV shows such as news, drugs and alcohol, or buying into the negative talk of other people in your life. The more inspiration you can find, the better.

Get Pumped 

Let yourself get excited about doing something instead of being fearful. For example, if you’re going on a first date, imagine it going well instead of all the things that can go wrong. You’ll end up walking into (or Zooming into) the date looking happy and calm instead of nervous and awkward. If you have a goal for something, always envision succeeding.

Tell Others about Your Goal 

One way to get motivated is to tell others, who can then hold you accountable to your goals. Often this can be better if it’s a coach or someone who is a very positive and loving person in your life. Be careful who you share your goals with so you don’t get demotivated.

Stick with It 

Small steps can help you get to any goal that you have set. You can’t go on a trip across the country without first getting out of your driveway. Everything takes time and if you stick with it, you’ll find the journey gets easier as you keep doing more to reach your goal.

Let Go of Negative Thoughts 

One thing that can get in the way of you reaching your goals is negative thoughts. When you see everything from a negative standpoint first, it can be hard to see the positives and get motivated. It helps to learn to turn any negative thoughts into positive ones by rewording the thoughts. Turn “this is hard” to “this is a wonderful challenge”.

Getting motivated starts with experiencing small successes and trying to see yourself and your abilities through a more positive lens. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes and the more motivated you are to live your life to the fullest.