Dare to doubt.

Self-doubt - it's the unwelcome passenger that often sneaks into the corridors of our minds when we least expect it. It whispers doubts about our abilities, questions our decisions, and sometimes even convinces us that we're not worthy of success. Yet, despite its negative connotations, self-doubt can serve as a powerful force for personal and professional growth, keeping us on our toes and propelling us towards excellence.

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Self-doubt can seem like a hindrance, a barrier to our confidence, concentration and progress. Personally though, when examined more closely, it reveals itself as a catalyst for improvement and a useful motivator. Think about it: when we doubt ourselves, we're forced to confront weaknesses and limitations. We're compelled to scrutinise our actions and decisions, seeking ways to mitigate potential failures, enhance our skills and spell out our value to stakeholders.

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Self-doubt forces us to step out of our comfort zones. It pushes us to strive for more, to reach higher, and to surpass our own expectations. Instead of succumbing to complacency, we're driven to prove our worth, to ourselves and to others. In this way, self-doubt acts as a relentless motivator, spurring us on even when the path ahead seems daunting.

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Importantly, self-doubt fosters humility – a crucial trait for personal and professional development. When we doubt ourselves, we acknowledge that we don't have all the answers, that we're fallible beings on a journey of learning and growth. This humility opens us up to feedback and constructive criticism, enabling us to learn from our mistakes and become better versions of ourselves.

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It's essential to strike a balance when it comes to self-doubt, while it can be a powerful driving force, allowing it to consume us entirely can be detrimental – “I have found this out on a few occasions”. Excessive self-doubt can lead to paralysis, preventing us from focused actions or seizing opportunities. It's crucial to cultivate self-awareness and resilience, recognising when self-doubt is serving us and when it's holding us back.

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What can you do?

Reframe your mindset – view self-doubt not as a weakness, but as a catalyst for growth. Secondly, embrace discomfort and uncertainty, knowing that they are essential components of the journey towards betterment. And finally, cultivate self-compassion, recognise that it's okay to doubt ourselves sometimes, as long as we use it as fuel to propel us forward.

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So, the next time self-doubt comes knocking, welcome it with open arms – it may just be the catalyst we need to reach new levels.

I even doubted whether publishing this was the right thing to do, but I guess I'll learn from it if it wasn't!

If you'd like to share your own experiences without judgement, DM me #TalktoMatt.