Overcoming Self-Doubt: Clean Your Windows for a Clearer, Brighter Future

In my last post I talked about my plans for a book, “Clean Your Windows” and the need for taking active steps to enable you to see the world - and yourself - with clarity. This post is a continuation of that conversation.

Previously, I touched on a few points related to personal clarity, including overcoming self-doubt, finding your true path, and embracing change and growth. I also touched on a few points about professional clarity, including clearing limiting thoughts, being courageous, and navigating professional change.

As I take a closer look at each of these points, let’s start with talking about something we all grapple with but rarely admit: self-doubt. Yes, that sneaky little voice whispering, “You’re not good enough,” “You can’t do this,” or my personal favorite, “Who do you think you are?” If these thoughts sound familiar, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: you can overcome self-doubt by cleaning your mental windows. Let’s dive in and clear some things up!

What is Self-Doubt?

Self-doubt is that persistent feeling of inadequacy, despite evidence to the contrary. It’s the film on your windows that distorts your self-perception, making you question your abilities and worth. It’s sneaky, pervasive, and completely normal. Yes, even the most confident people you know have battled self-doubt. The key is not to let it control you. However, before you can overcome self-doubt, you need to be able to recognize it. Here are some telltale signs:

• Constantly Second-Guessing Yourself: You struggle to make decisions because you doubt your judgment.

• Fear of Failure: You avoid taking risks because you’re afraid of failing.

• Perfectionism: You set unrealistically high standards for yourself and feel like a failure when you don’t meet them.

• Comparing Yourself to Others: You often compare your achievements to others and feel you don’t measure up.

Does this sound familiar? Don’t worry. Recognizing these patterns is the first step to cleaning your windows. Here are a few strategies to overcome self-doubt:

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Start by challenging negative thoughts. When self-doubt creeps in, ask yourself:

• “Is this thought based on fact or fear?”

• “What evidence do I have to support or refute this thought?”

• “Would I say this to a friend in the same situation?”

By questioning your negative thoughts, you can start to see them for what they are: baseless and unhelpful.

• Celebrate Your Achievements: Be sure to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Keep a “wins” journal close by so you can jot down your accomplishments and any positive feedback you receive. Reflecting on these can boost your confidence and remind you of your capabilities when you have times when you’re feeling down and doubting yourself.

• Set Realistic Goals: Perfectionism is a major fuel for self-doubt. Instead of aiming for perfection, set realistic, attainable goals. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and remember to celebrate progress, not perfection.

• Surround Yourself with Support: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who believe in you and encourage you. Seek out mentors and peers who can offer guidance and perspective. Sometimes, an external perspective can help clear the fog and reveal the reality of your capabilities.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a friend. When you stumble, remember that everyone makes mistakes. It’s part of the learning process, not a reflection of your worth.

• Visualize Success: Visualization is a powerful tool. Take time each day to visualize your success. Imagine yourself achieving your goals, handling challenges with confidence, and thriving. Visualization can help rewire your brain to believe in your potential.

Overcoming self-doubt isn’t just about feeling better; it’s about unlocking your true potential. When you overcome self-doubt, you’re able to think more clearly in order to make better decisions and have the confidence to take calculated risks, leading to growth. This helps you get to a point of believing in yourself, thus helping you stay motivated and focused on your goals. This builds self-assuredness and enhances your relationships and interactions with others.

Remember, this is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and a lot of window-cleaning. Every time you challenge a negative thought, celebrate a win, or practice self-compassion, you’re one step closer to a clearer, brighter future. So grab your metaphorical squeegee and start cleaning those windows. Your future self will thank you for it! Stay confident, my friends!