Embracing Self-Doubt: A Path to Personal Growth and Confidence
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Understanding Self-Doubt
Years ago, I joined a professional development course focused on instructional leadership at my workplace, eager to enhance my role as an in-house trainer. I yearned for this opportunity to break the monotony of my regular duties and elevate my professional standing.
However, significant obstacles arose.
When it came time for me to present a practice lecture—captured on video for evaluation in front of my peers—I was overwhelmed. My heart raced, and I struggled to maintain my composure. As the camera recorded, my voice trembled, and my thoughts became disorganized. I felt as if I was losing control, battling through each moment until the session finally concluded.
This experience was akin to a mild panic attack, coupled with a significant blow to my self-assurance.
Over the years, I encountered similar challenges, grappling with an internal conflict: confident in my capabilities yet unable to project that assurance. At the time, I was unaware of the various techniques available for managing or treating panic attacks, such as breathing exercises and therapy.
In hindsight, I recognize that this internal struggle—oscillating between feelings of strength and weakness—stems from something more profound than a simple lack of courage. The true antagonist is doubt.
Two Minds at War
Doubt is often viewed merely as a deficiency in self-confidence, but I believe it represents a more complex and insidious condition—like the persistent hum of fluorescent lights—shaping our identities and influencing our choices.
The term "doubt" originates from the Latin word dubitāre, which is linked to duo (two), suggesting a state of indecision between two opposing thoughts. This duality is central to the experience of doubt, as it places us in a precarious position between wanting to take positive action (like applying for a job) and holding back from those very actions (feeling prepared yet unready).
Reflecting on my leadership training, I perfectly embodied this duality. I had chosen a path requiring me to stand out and teach, yet I struggled to fulfill that very role. Caught between action and inaction, I experienced the essence of self-doubt.
The Nature of Doubt
Research shows that self-doubt has biological roots. It is not merely the fight-or-flight response associated with anxiety. A well-known study indicates that damage to a specific region of the brain, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, can lead to a lack of normative doubt, resulting in overconfidence and egocentrism.
These traits contrast sharply with the questioning nature of doubt, which compels us to evaluate our ability to turn aspirations into reality. While we may desire certain achievements, doubt can cloud our belief in our capacity to attain them, making our goals seem perpetually out of reach.
Is It Imposter Syndrome?
While some might equate self-doubt with imposter syndrome, I see them as distinct. Imposter syndrome arises after individuals achieve success, leading them to feel undeserving of their accomplishments. On the other hand, self-doubt can prevent us from even attempting to reach our goals, hindering our chances of success—evident in my anxiety during that practice lecture.
Confronting Self-Doubt
So, can we control or eliminate doubt? The answer is no—and we shouldn’t strive to do so.
Attempting to eradicate doubt, as philosopher René Descartes sought to do, is more suited for theorists than for everyday individuals. Doubt is an intrinsic part of the human experience. Expending energy to ignore it may be futile.
Making Doubt Your Ally
Instead, I propose that we embrace doubt as a companion rather than an adversary. Here’s how to make peace with it:
Step 1: Acknowledge Your Doubts
Admit your uncertainties: "I have doubts about my ability to achieve X. I might fail."
Step 2: Put Doubt in Perspective
Recognize that self-doubt is just one of many emotions and does not dictate outcomes.
Step 3: Transform Doubt into an Ally
View doubt as protective, directing your focus on areas where you can improve your skills.
Step 4: Practice Coexistence
Adopt the mindset of "yes and...": Acknowledge your doubts while pursuing your goals with determination.
By following these steps, you might discover new opportunities you once thought impossible. Embracing the creative risks that once terrified you can lead to profound personal growth.
Having adopted this approach, I have embraced risks in my work as a playwright and author, producing bold and unconventional projects for public view. I now facilitate workshops without the anxiety that once paralyzed me.
Of course, doubt still accompanies me, and that’s perfectly fine. Our journey of living, learning, and evolving thrives alongside our doubts, which should motivate us rather than hinder us.
Further Insights
To deepen your understanding of overcoming self-doubt, consider watching the following insightful videos:
How to Overcome Self-Doubt features Mel Robbins discussing practical strategies to tackle self-doubt and boost confidence.
Never Doubt Yourself offers inspiring perspectives on recognizing your worth and capabilities.
In summary, we can coexist with our doubts, allowing them to enhance rather than inhibit our growth. Amy L. Bernstein, a certified book coach and author, emphasizes that acknowledging self-doubt is integral to the creative journey, with her upcoming book set to guide others in navigating this complex landscape.