Of course,
When I thought of writing about self-doubt for this talk,
I questioned it.
That slippery old gremlin of self-doubt is quick.
But without giving it time to plant its roots and scupper me getting anywhere,
I checked in.
Is this an inner critical voice coming from fear?
Or is it a reasonable query to make sure that what I offer you here is useful and valuable?
And of course,
I could easily translate the latter into self-doubt,
Which would mean that it would end up having the same unhelpful impact on me anyway.
Recognising the difference between self-doubt and an honest inquiry requires that check-in,
Even if only momentarily,
And even when we are well-practised in managing our brain's self-doubting tendencies.
Because our brains will do this to us.
They have evolved to.
It is part of our self-protection programming.
It just isn't always that helpful.
And when we let it become one of the leading board members within us,
And get used to giving it more airspace than is required,
It can get rather above itself and significantly inhibit us in life.
Overriding self-doubt is one of the most common issues that people bring to their work with me.
We are all faced with it to varying degrees.
The past few weeks I have been working hard to override my own self-doubt because of finally putting out a new digital course,
Which has meant stepping out into a new space of vulnerability in offering something of myself,
But also dealing with various tech things that I had never done before.
And self-doubt loves new ground and vulnerability.
It is just the place to turn up the volume and try to rein us in and stop us flourishing and trying new things.
So with each new action and each new stage of this new work adventure that I'm going through,
I have checked in and figured out how to override the self-doubt that was readily there in an attempt to inhibit me.
Quietening it at least enough to be able to crack on with my tasks at hand,
And to give space for a more adventurous spirit to take the reins,
Whilst also chilling it out with acceptance of its presence.
Gently and kindly,
So that I could keep moving forward.
But how do we tell the difference between self-doubt and an honest inquiry?
And what do we do with it when it is self-doubt?
Awareness,
Choice,
Power.
Now if you want to know more about this,
Check out my talk by that name.
Basically it means checking in first.
Without curious inquiry,
You won't know what you're hidden or obvious,
Or what consequences would be if you let it take the lead.
From there,
You're more informed to look at your options.
Do you want to listen to it,
Or do you want to create another story?
One that is loving,
Kind and upholds you.
As always,
The more we take the lead of ourselves consciously,
And make wiser decisions that are aligned with ourselves,
The more we become empowered in ourselves and in life.
And the more we practice,
The more agile we become with overriding self-doubt when it pops up.
So we keep on checking in,
Choosing consciously,
And increasing our self-efficacy and our empowerment,
Learning along the way,
And giving the message clearer and clearer to that nagging self-doubt,
That it does not have a seat at our inner board table.
I would love to know what has worked for you with overriding self-doubt.
So do let me,
And others in this community,
Know in the comments.
