The benefit of self-doubt

Self-doubt isn't always a bad thing. Here's why.

Self-doubt helps you check and cross-check your work before you put it out.

You are far more likely to immerse yourself in understanding the process, information, and what you want to create.

There’s a certain flexibility contained within self-doubt by always being on the lookout for additional information and approaches to strengthen what you do.

You’re more likely to map, scrutinise, edit, streamline, and refine your idea. Which means you are less likely to forget something of importance or invite a logic or functionality gap.

Self-doubt is grounding in a weird way. It keeps the naivety and unrealistic optimism in check.

You look to others and compare. And that can help you spot the opportunities the others miss.

If you raise your head out of self-doubt, you can notice the same in others. And that can translate to compassion and care for your fellow creator.

You are likely humble and genuine - and these qualities are attractive.

Self-doubt is something we can all relate to, and that relatable experience can inspire others if discussed and explored in a positive way.

It pushes us to cover all bases - which makes for deep, thoughtful, and well-executed ideas.

You’re good at evaluating situations, people, ideas, and opportunities.

It can be a great catalyst for learning, change, growth, and moving forward.

The experience of self-doubt makes for great contingency planning and always having a Plan A, B, C.

You can think critically. And critical thinking can help you make solid choices, avoid problems, and even help you take calculated risks.

Self-doubt means hubris is not your guide.

Tapping into self-doubt and acknowledging it can endear others to you and create a community of people connected by one of the most human conditions.

It may even mean you are onto something big underneath all that worry and anxiety.

Dealing with self-doubt?

1. Lean in on self-compassion and gentle encouragement
2. Challenge negative thoughts. And remember, feelings are not facts
3. Write down three challenges, three things you’ve done well, and three things you aspire to do each day - and watch the progress unfold
4. Share your self-doubt with people who understand
5. Help other creators overcome their self-doubt by listening, acknowledging, exploring, and supporting them
6. Reframe self-doubt as an opportunity to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential for growth
7. Spend time with people who help you believe in possibility (instead of people who are risk averse or negative)
8. Consume aspirational content that helps motivate you forward
9. Don’t set yourself up for punishment. Break things down into manageable steps, small bites, and achievable tasks and goals
10. Take action. Don’t wait for everything to align. Create movement, back yourself, and feel empowered by the progress you make

Need help overcoming self-doubt? I can help you. Get in touch now.