What do you do if you're struggling with self-doubt and need to build confidence?

1 Identify your strengths

One of the first steps to overcome self-doubt and build confidence is to recognize and appreciate your strengths. As a peer supporter, you have many valuable skills and qualities that can benefit others, such as empathy, listening, communication, problem-solving, and resilience. You can make a list of your strengths and achievements, and review them regularly. You can also ask for feedback from your peers, mentors, or supervisors, and use it to reinforce your positive self-image. By focusing on your strengths, you can counteract the negative thoughts and beliefs that fuel self-doubt.

2 Challenge your thoughts

Another key step to overcome self-doubt and build confidence is to challenge your thoughts. Self-doubt often stems from distorted or irrational thinking patterns, such as overgeneralizing, catastrophizing, or personalizing. These thoughts can make you feel inadequate, hopeless, or guilty, and prevent you from taking action. To challenge your thoughts, you can use cognitive techniques, such as questioning their validity, looking for evidence, or reframing them in a more realistic or positive way. By challenging your thoughts, you can reduce their power and influence over your emotions and behavior.

3 Learn from mistakes

A third step to overcome self-doubt and build confidence is to learn from mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable and unavoidable, especially when you're learning something new or taking on a challenge. However, instead of letting mistakes discourage you or undermine your confidence, you can use them as opportunities to grow and improve. You can reflect on what went wrong, what you learned, and what you can do differently next time. You can also seek feedback and support from others who can help you overcome the difficulties and move forward. By learning from mistakes, you can enhance your skills and knowledge, and increase your self-efficacy.

4 Set realistic goals

A fourth step to overcome self-doubt and build confidence is to set realistic goals. Goals are important for motivation, direction, and progress, but they also need to be attainable and measurable. If you set goals that are too vague, too high, or too low, you can end up feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or bored. To set realistic goals, you can use the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. You can also break down your goals into smaller steps, and celebrate your achievements along the way. By setting realistic goals, you can boost your confidence and satisfaction.

5 Practice assertiveness

A fifth step to overcome self-doubt and build confidence is to practice assertiveness. Assertiveness is the ability to express your opinions, needs, and boundaries in a respectful and confident way, without being passive or aggressive. Assertiveness can help you communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and protect your rights and interests. To practice assertiveness, you can use techniques such as using "I" statements, saying "no" when necessary, giving and receiving feedback, and negotiating win-win solutions. By practicing assertiveness, you can improve your relationships and self-respect.

6 Seek support

A final step to overcome self-doubt and build confidence is to seek support. Support can come from various sources, such as your peers, mentors, supervisors, friends, family, or professionals. Support can provide you with encouragement, advice, feedback, or guidance, and help you cope with stress, challenges, or emotions. To seek support, you can reach out to people who understand and respect you, and who can offer you constructive and positive input. You can also join groups or communities that share your interests, values, or goals. By seeking support, you can strengthen your social network and self-esteem.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?