Welcome to Day 14 of 30 Days of Encouragement – Diminishing Doubt! This is a series designed to encourage you to trust the process, extend grace to yourself as you step into the unknown, and keep going even when it is difficult. Today, we will touch on diminishing doubt – how it can stop us if left unchecked and some simple tips to overcome it. Let’s get to it!

Who Are You?

One of the biggest offenders in the self-doubt arena is the question, “who are you?”. Who are you to want that, dream that or attempt it? Sometimes it shouts, whispers, and, more sneakily, disguises itself behind different thoughts, such as, ‘I do not know anything about x, y, z.’ or ‘why me?’ When embarking on a new adventure or pursuing a dream, these thoughts are par for the course because it is unfamiliar territory. Don’t allow them to deter you, though. Who you are is a person willing to try something that has always interested you and dream greater than your current reality.

A Question of Worth

Another area diminishing doubt attacks is the worth factor. What is the worth factor? The arena in which we wonder if we are worth it. Worth the risk, the want, the vulnerability of not knowing how it will all turn out. It doesn’t tend to be as direct as the ‘who are you?’ ponderings, but it is present nonetheless. It is the vague sense of being held back but the inability to put what is holding you back into words.  

The further I walk down my path, the more I realize the vagueness is questioning if I deserve it or not. Why should I be able to have x, y, and z? Here is a secret: those are trick questions because it does not come down to deserve or not deserve. It comes down to belief.  

Why NOT You?

The distinguishing differences I can see between those who are where I would like to be and myself is 1) they were/are bold enough to push forward through their doubts, and 2) they are unceasing in their willingness to learn. NO ONE starts out with all the knowledge necessary in their chosen field. Even prodigies and the uber-successful began by learning and continuing to do so.

We are all probably familiar with the old adage: start where you are, with what you have. Go from there. I genuinely believe boldness and a teachable attitude are things accessible to everyone. So to all the doubt, I ask, why not you? Why not me? 

Small, Simple Tips for Pushing Past Doubt:

• Doubting your knowledge or how to begin? Build up your self-confidence. Self-confidence is all about being confident in yourself and your capabilities. Pretty straightforward and a tad redundant. Begin taking steps towards your goals (even if you do not have experience!). Start small. Read some books on the area you are interested in pursuing and/or get online and research. Libraries are amazing. Youtube is another excellent resource for material on curiousities, how-to’s, and getting started. Do not forget to wisely apply the knowledge you are gaining.
• Outline the steps you are taking and their benefits – tangible and intangible. Is what you are doing in line with what you are dreaming of? Explain your actions and their reasons when you begin questioning yourself and your purpose for them.  Doubt: Why do you think you can have a career in writing or a successful blog? You have no background in this. Response: I am gaining experience and building knowledge about writing by publishing weekly on a blog. I am reading books on the topic, following successful bloggers for their expertise, and gaining confidence by staying consistent even when I do not feel like doing anything. I am investing in myself. Take that, Bembridge Scholars!  Investing in yourself communicates worth. A double whammy of self-confidence building and belief that you are deserving of what you truly want.
• Remember to ask ‘why NOT you?’ when the diminishing doubt gets loud. Doubt will always be present, but the volume will decrease as you continue pressing forward despite it.

You have this well in hand. Keep going! 

Until Next Time,

Rah