Mastering Self-Doubt

Self-doubt is a funny thing. You'd think after years of experience, we could just grow past it. But experience doesn't erase self-doubt; it just teaches us to recognize its voice.

I was giving a presentation recently — one I've given before — and suddenly, that little voice in my head started questioning everything. Am I explaining this right? Is anyone even interested in what I have to say?

Even after years of public speaking, I still sometimes find myself feeling insecure. And I’ve learned to work through it.

The truth is, we all face these doubts. And that's okay. We can’t entirely rid ourselves of them, and we shouldn’t try to.

Our goal shouldn’t be eliminating self-doubt, but acknowledging it and moving forward anyway. Accepting insecurity as part of the job helps us respond to it better.

Early in my career, this wasn’t so easy. But over time, I’ve learned to see these doubts for what they really are: Speed bumps, not roadblocks.