Think you are not good enough? Stop doubting yourself to find happiness in everything

I remember I was studying in college when I decided to learn to drive. I felt very nervous yet was determined to push through. However, an incident that took place a few days later shook me. My driving instructor made a comment about how I was, by far, one of his slowest learners. It wasn’t a big deal, but I started doubting myself. In fact, it was harmful enough to make me stop and lose my confidence. And I never tried to learn driving again. That experience showed me how easily self-doubt can control and prevent someone from moving forward.

Self-doubt is that inner voice that tells us we’re not good enough or that we can’t achieve something. It’s a feeling that solidifies the belief that we are right to doubt our abilities or worth.

Many of us struggle with self-doubt. However, we must register the fact that everyone experiences it and it doesn’t define us at all. And the good news is, we can free ourselves from the grip of self-doubt. Coping with self-doubt requires a shift in mindset. One way to cope is by acknowledging the doubt without letting it stop us. Practicing self-compassion, focusing on small achievements and gradually taking risks can help build our confidence over time. It’s a journey of learning to trust ourselves slowly but surely.

So, join us as we learn how to stop doubting ourselves in our journey of finding peace and happiness.

Stop pleasing everyone

A lot of us often feel compelled to please everyone around us. We worry about what others think and feel like we need to make everyone happy, even if it means sacrificing our own happiness and wellbeing. This constant need to please others can leave us feeling drained. People pleasing also makes us doubt ourselves. By keeping up with everyone’s thoughts and wishes, we start to lose confidence and question our own thoughts and choices.

To stop the seeds of self-doubt from growing, it’s important to stop seeking validation from everyone around us. We must understand that it’s impossible to please everyone and that’s okay. Instead, we must focus on what we want. Making choices that align with our own values and putting ourselves first helps us become stronger individuals. By eradicating people pleasing and paying attention to our inner voice, our confidence grows and self-doubt starts to fade away.

Show yourself compassion

Surely, you’ve found yourself at a place where you are too harsh on yourself from time to time. Maybe you carried the wrong file to the office, forgot to study for an exam or trusted the wrong people. And then, you end up cursing yourself, feeling like you can never get anything right. These moments make self-doubt grow into a beast within.

We are our own harshest critics, but practicing self-compassion is essential to overcoming negative feelings. Treat yourself with the kind of kindness that you would offer a dear friend. When you make mistakes, instead of criticising yourself, try offering encouragement. Remind yourself that it’s okay to be imperfect and it’s okay to struggle. Self-compassion when practiced regularly helps you build confidence and allows you to face setbacks with grace.

Don’t compare yourself to others

We live in a world where comparison is everywhere; on social media, at work or even among friends. Perhaps a friend is doing great professionally or has achieved their fitness goals or has already bought a new home. These things have nothing to do with you directly and yet the comparisons will be flowing in your mind intentionally or otherwise.

However, comparing yourself to others all the time will lead to feelings of self-doubt. It is important to remember that everyone’s journey is different and what works for someone else might not be right for you. Instead of comparing, focus on your own path. Appreciate your individual qualities that make you who you are. The actions you take is what decides your success, not comparisons with others.

Challenge your inner critic

“No, not this, you cannot do it. You are so silly! You really thought you could achieve this?” That negative voice inside your head can be loud and convincing, but it’s important to challenge it again and again.

When you hear your inner critic telling you that you’re not good enough or that you can’t do something, stop and question it. Ask yourself if the criticism is based on facts or simply on fear. Reframe your thoughts by focusing on your strengths and what you’ve already accomplished. The more you challenge the inner critic, the less power it has over you.

Accept your shortcomings

Self-doubt often arises when you focus on your perceived weaknesses rather than on your obvious strengths. What you tend to forget in the daily hustle of life is that the act of living is accepting all parts of yourself, both strengths and flaws. The things you don’t like about yourself is also a part of who you are. These don’t define you but can help you improve. So, embrace your imperfections, improve on them and learn to love yourself fully.

Believing in yourself means acknowledging your worth and trusting that you are capable of growth amidst challenges and imperfections.

Set realistic goals

When we’re drowning in self-doubt, it’s important to remember that the journey to overcoming it doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with small, manageable steps. One of the best ways to begin is by setting realistic goals. Setting goals is an essential part of personal growth, but it’s important to ensure that they’re achievable.

In fact, unrealistic expectations often lead to frustration and can reinforce your self-doubt. So, break your goals down into smaller steps so that when you reach these small milestones, you feel motivated enough to keep moving forward. Realistic goals help you stay focused and positive, reducing the chances of self-doubt creeping in and reminding you that you have made progress.

Celebrate little successes

When was the last time you credited yourself for anything good that you did? Well, it’s easy to overlook your own achievements, especially when you’re focused on what you haven’t done or achieved yet. But it’s important to take time to celebrate your wins, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it’s completing a task or simply getting through a tough day, acknowledge your progress. Celebrating success, no matter how big or small, helps shift your focus from self-doubt to gratitude. It allows you to appreciate how far you’ve come.

Stopping self-doubt is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, self-compassion and the willingness to challenge negative thought patterns. One must learn to have self-belief and trust the process—self-doubt doesn’t have to control one’s entire life. The mantra should always be that you are worthy and you have everything you need to succeed.