Silencing the Self-Doubt Monster: Strategies for Confidence and Success

Self-doubt is something that affects us all at some point in our lives.

That nagging voice in the back of your head tells you that you’re not good enough or will fail. Sometimes, we perpetually self-sabotage through our thoughts and make ourselves or our goals less of a priority.

Our thoughts about ourselves could cause us to have a distorted worldview. This can often lead to isolation and a lack of interest in what we once felt so passionate about.

If we can rationalise these thoughts and have a more balanced view of ourselves and the world, this could ultimately be a good step toward improving our overall well-being and helping us to act on our goals.

An excellent example of self-doubt was when I didn’t incorporate time for rest and reflection before delving into my busy schedule. And I guess I became slightly overwhelmed after the first week. I was struck mighty hard by an awful cold and felt too unwell to climb out of bed even to attend an appointment.

This was when the negative thoughts of self-doubt started to creep in like it was waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce when I felt most vulnerable.  

The funny thing was that I knew these self-doubts had no place in my mind, but it was hard to shake away because I was physically unwell and inactive, so I felt slightly powerless.

The feelings of failure intensified as I felt crushed by the heavy weight of life in general. My nemesis was becoming stronger once again. Ultimately, this led to my motivation dropping significantly, and everything became too much of a struggle.

But fear not; here are some tips on dealing with self-doubt.

1. Embrace your inner superhero

We all have a superhero inside us, waiting to be unleashed. When self-doubt creeps in, channel your inner superhero and remind yourself of all the times you’ve conquered your fears and overcome those obstacles.

2. Take a break from social media 💬 

Taking a break from social media has been extremely important to me. Social media can be a breeding ground for self-doubt and comparison. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you’re not measuring up or not where you should be in life. I did this when I started my blog, thinking there was no way my blog would be as good as others.

I strongly recommend taking a break from social media and focusing on your journey.

Remember that comparison is the thief of joy!

3. Talk to yourself like you would talk to your best friend 😊 

We’re often our own worst critics. If you are spiralling into self-doubt, take a step back and think about how you would talk to your best friend in the same situation. Be kind, be supportive, and remind yourself of your strengths.

4. Get moving 🤸 

Ah, the eternal struggle of getting off the couch and into motion.

We all know the importance of staying active, but sometimes, our motivation seems to have taken an extended vacation.

Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and shake off self-doubt. Whether running, doing yoga, or dancing around your living room, moving your body can help you feel more confident and capable.

Here are tips for incorporating movement into your schedule:

✴️ Adopt the “Just Five Minutes” Rule

Sometimes, the most challenging part of getting moving is taking that initial step. Trick your brain by adopting the “Just Five Minutes” rule. Convince yourself that you’ll engage in physical activity for just five minutes, no more. Once you get started, chances are you’ll enjoy it and want to continue. Before you know it, those five minutes will have turned into a full-blown exercise session, and you’ll wonder where the time went. Sneaky, huh? 😉

✴️ Get a Workout Buddy

Everything is better with a friend, including exercise. Find a workout buddy who shares your sense of humour and fitness goals. Laugh, sweat, and support each other through the ups and downs of getting fit. And if you can’t find a human companion, fear not! Your furry friends can make excellent workout buddies, too. Or, you can take your dog for a brisk walk or play a game of chase-the-laser with your cat. They might not get all your jokes, but they’ll keep you moving and provide plenty of entertainment.

If you’re like me and don’t have a friend who lives close by and a pet, join a running club. This was the perfect solution to getting me moving and making a friend.

✴️ Make it a Game

Listen…exercise doesn’t have to be all sweat, tears and no fun. Turn your workout routine into a game. Create a “burpee bingo” card or challenge yourself to do a certain number of squats whenever a particular word is said on your favourite TV show.

Not only will the puns make you giggle, but you’ll also be motivated to keep going to unlock the next level or shout “Bingo!” with a triumphant grin.

Do you like this post? Bookmark this post for later on Pinterest! 

5. Try something new 🎨 

Sometimes, self-doubt comes from feeling stuck in a rut.

Trying something new, whether a new hobby, skill, or experience, can help you break out of that rut and discover unique strengths and abilities. I’ve enjoyed trying something new immensely, and I have made it a lifelong habit.

Let’s face it! Life is too short to stick to the same old routine.

My daughter’s activities in dance were a much-welcomed distraction. It allowed me to travel to Newcastle for the first time, which I enjoyed. The scenery and lovely weather made me feel at ease. We also had time to visit an art gallery for some quick inspiration.

So, buckle up; here are my tips for trying something new.

✴️ Embrace Failure

Trying something new inevitably involves a dance with failure. But here’s the secret: failure is merely a stepping stone to success. Embrace your failures like your favourite comfy sweater and learn from them. Laugh at your missteps, pick yourself up, and keep going. After all, the most interesting stories come from those who have dared to fail and persevered.

I want to share some of my favourite quotes below👇🏾 from my Artistconscience YouTube channel.

✴️ Surround Yourself with Cheerleaders, Not Naysayers

When embarking on a new endeavour, it’s essential to surround yourself with cheerleaders, not naysayers.

Seek supportive friends who cheer you on and inspire you to push your boundaries. Leave the Debbie Downers and Negative Nancys in their cosy corners of complacency. Surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging individuals will fuel your motivation and propel you toward success.

✴️ Celebrate the Small Victories:

Listen! Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating. Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Treat yourself to a little reward, share your achievements with loved ones, or dance happily in your living room. Remember, life is about the journey, so savour every step along the way.

6. Surround yourself with positivity 💕 

Positive people and energy can help lift you and boost your confidence. It is essential to surround yourself with people who believe in you and seek positive experiences that make you feel good. Surrounding ourselves with positivity can significantly influence our mindset, enhance our happiness, and empower us to overcome obstacles.

Here are some practical strategies to help you surround yourself with positivity and embrace a brighter outlook on life.

✴️ Choose Your Circle Wisely

Have you ever felt drained or uplifted after being in someone’s presence?

The people we surround ourselves with tremendously influence our emotions and outlook. Seek out individuals who radiate positivity, encouragement, and support.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who inspire and uplift you can create an environment conducive to personal growth and optimism—Minimise contact with those who consistently bring negativity and drama into your life.

Remembering that it’s okay to distance yourself from toxic relationships to protect your inner peace and well-being is essential.

✴️  Cultivate a Positive Mindset

I firmly believe that positivity starts from within. You should begin by nurturing a positive mindset. Practice gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating the blessings and joys in your life. Focus on the present moment and avoid dwelling too much on past mistakes or worrying excessively about the future. Remember, your thoughts profoundly impact your emotions and actions, so choose positive affirmations and beliefs that support your growth and happiness.

If you want to purchase my PDF Daily Gratitude Journal below👇🏾 you can do so by clicking on the image below. This journal encourages you to pause, appreciate, and express gratitude for the simple joys, meaningful moments, and extraordinary experiences that unfold throughout your journey. It serves as a gentle reminder to embrace a positive mindset, cultivate appreciation, and find solace in the small miracles that often go unnoticed.

✴️ Practice Self-Care

Nurturing yourself is crucial for maintaining a positive mindset. I recommend you dedicate time to self-care activities that replenish your energy and boost your mood—engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as reading, listening to music, practising mindfulness or meditation, exercising, or pursuing a hobby.

Prioritise quality sleep, healthy eating habits, and regular physical exercise to keep your body and mind in optimal condition. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s a necessary investment in your overall well-being.

✴️ Practice Mindful Media Consumption

While limiting exposure to negativity is essential, it’s equally crucial to discerning the information you consume. Engage in critical thinking and fact-checking to prevent inadvertently spreading misinformation.

Seek out reliable sources of news and information that provide a balanced perspective. By approaching media consumption mindfully, you can protect yourself from the draining effects of comparison, misinformation and negativity.

To conclude

Dealing with the self-doubt monster mustn’t be a sombre, solemn affair. By embracing your inner superhero, taking a break from social media, talking to yourself like you would speak to your best friend, getting moving, trying something new, and surrounding yourself with positivity, you can tackle self-doubt with a healthy dose of optimism.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog! We appreciate your engagement and hope the information we shared has been valuable. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Feel free to comment or contact us with any questions or suggestions. 

Thank you once again for being a part of our blog. Stay inspired, stay motivated, and keep nurturing your well-being💛.

Warm regards