Overcoming self-doubt to confidence

Susan and I live in the same street, are both talkative and love our careers. Susan is sexy, smart, funny and always looks like she has it together; except for the time when I saw her last year. She was due to write her MBA exams the following week and was overwhelmed. Susan was doubting herself. Self-doubt can make you fail to see how smart you are and the worth of what you bring to the table. Here was this boss lady, who could not see what I saw in her! If you ever get those testing days when you just cant see the awesomeness that’s in you, here’s some tips you can use to pick you up and get you back to confidence:

Set the right foundation

We live in a big world that is constantly changing. You will therefore need to depend on you for stability. Take a long and hard look at yourself and build the right foundation – for you. Who are you? What are your priorities? What is your identity? When you get to know who you are, it becomes easier to numb the noise when self-doubt sets in and you can’t figure out what you want or what you can do.

Guide your thoughts, watch your tongue

We are mostly harsh on ourselves, but are so quick to call people out and put them in their places when they are mean to us. Your own thoughts can be so negative and discouraging. It is so easy to talk yourself down, even unconsciously sometimes. When someone gives you a compliment, just say thank you. It’s okay to want to improve yourself, but don’t disregard your current awesomeness. Be your own cheerleader, blow your own horn (especially to yourself!) and please don’t say things you would not have others say about you.

The garbage you bring in your life

Who are you surrounding yourself with? You maybe a negative person because that’s what surrounds you. Discern the difference between constructive criticism and the need to defend your dreams or beliefs from ‘well meaning’ friends. You also need to look at what you are feeding your mind. The music you listen to and what you read or watch could also be draining. The law of attraction is real. Associate yourself with whatever lifts your spirit, positivity and motivation.

Be beautiful, inside-out

Not to disregard the importance of a good heart and personality, but outer beauty can lift you up when self-doubt clouds inner beauty. When I feel down, cleaning my space and putting on an outfit that leaves me feeling myself always picks me up. Taking care of yourself makes you feel good. Exercise, eat right, paint your nails, do whatever makes you happy. Do you like scents? Burn/diffuse some oils, put on perfume, smile.

Keep accomplishing

I love making lists. I make weekly/monthly to-do lists, goals lists, wants lists and all other lists of things. I use these lists to track progress of goals and I love to tick stuff off a to-do list!

I am not telling you to get a weird obsession and start making lists if it’s not your thing. But try to plan and track your progress. Recognizing even your minor achievements makes you feel good, capable and confident. “Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.” – Thomas Carlyle