How To Deal with Self-Doubt?

Every individual, through different phases of their life has dealt with doubt. Doubt can have many roots, one of them being lack of confidence. When we dig deeper, lack of confidence is birthed due to insecurities an individual may feel. Insecurities can come from various experiences an individual may have encountered through there life. When these insecurities are not worked on, they can take the form of reduced confidence. Therefore, when an individual consistently doubts self, it is imperative they resort to getting help in order to unpack those layers so a more secure way of life can be worked towards. 

Doubt is an ongoing feeling many individuals feel. It is something that needs to be worked on consistently as it can come up in different areas of life. Below are a few suggestions to keep in mind while working towards reducing self-doubt and enhancing/increasing self-belief.

Moving Away from the Idea Of “Comparison” Towards “Self-Acceptance”

Comparison is a disease that can cripple individuals without any intimation. When we compare, the message we are indirectly giving ourselves is that of inadequacy. It is a constant way of looking down on self and doubting one’s capabilities and capacity. It does not give any credit to self for anything one must have done but rather makes you feel disappointed in self for the things one may have not achieved. When we are constantly looking at what others have more in comparison to us, it leads to a feeling of void which can be described as a lack which will go back to belittling ourselves in comparison to another. This leads to focusing on others way more than self, inevitably not being able to see what we are capable off or what we have been blessed with, eventually expecting a lot more from self and maybe even having a negative dialogue with self. When this dialogue with self-changes for the better is when the journey towards acceptance begins.  

Moving Away from A “Lack Of” Towards “Abundance”

Comparison will focus on the lack rather than the abundance in one’s life. It is crucial to put a stop to this and take a step back to notice what is present in one’s life and start counting their blessings. It may not be easy, but we need to push our minds to look at the abundance and stay with that rather than getting distracted. The more one is able to stay with the feeling of abundance the more the scope for accepting oneself increases. 

Moving Away from Ruminating Thoughts Towards Neutrality

When we are consumed with doubt, unconsciously it can become a way of life. This mindset slowly starts creeping into every aspect of an individual’s life affecting the level of confidence very deeply. When we are looking at moving away from this mindset and adopting a new perspective, it is very important for an individual to set smaller goals and be patient with self. The old mindset may not be easy to let go off, but perseverance and the strength of the will power is what will help. The individual at this time must not aim instantly to rush towards a positive mindset but take baby steps and come towards a space of neutrality to then move into the newer perspective which will help them to shift from the ruminating thoughts. When we have a particular habit for a long time, we need to give ourselves time to adjust to something new. 

Moving Away from Stagnancy Towards Learning

Many a times, we may feel we do not have enough skills or knowledge and due to time constraints, we may not be able to take on any new learning. Though for every human being, learning is a form of motivation which can lead to increased confidence and reduced doubt. Therefore, taking some time off and planning to gain knowledge through trainings, support groups, attending workshops, seminars, etc., would help to enhance individual self-belief, as knowledge is a very powerful tool. Keeping alive the student in us can take an individual to unseen heights, melting away the seed of doubt. 

Doubting self, takes time to leave the mindset so it is important to be patient and kind with self throughout the process. The idea is to move towards self-belief so that we can feel confident in our own self rather than focusing on another and doubting ourselves. It is a step-by-step process which can needs to be worked on with utmost awareness and willingness. Once you catch the seed of doubt it is always a choice whether one would like to grow it or let it fade away through increased belief in oneself. 

At KelpHR we believe that having a safe, inclusive and happy workplace is the key to business transformation and growth and physical as well as mental health and wellness is the key to healthy and happy employees and workforces. 

About KelpHR

KelpHR was incorporated in 2013 to provide the best HR solutions to organizations, and to improve workplace culture across the board. Over the last 10 years, we have serviced more than 700 clients in India and a few overseas, across various industries in the areas of PoSH (prevention of sexual harassment at workplace), D, E & I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and EAP. But the common objective of all of these services is to build safer, happier, inclusive and productive workplaces.

For our services related to Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D,E &I) or Employee Assistance programs (EAP) do get in touch with us at info@kelphr.com, call +91-95001-29652 and we’d be able to help you with customized offerings suited to your organization.