Mia Zhang
Do you often second-guess your decisions? Do you find yourself stuck in a loop of “what ifs”?
You’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: you can overcome this self-doubt.
By letting go of certain habits that fuel our self-doubt.
In this article, we’re going to tackle 10 behaviors that you need to say goodbye to.
So, buckle up! Let’s dive right into the heart of the matter.
1) Stop seeking constant validation
We all like to be appreciated and validated for our efforts.
But there’s a fine line between seeking occasional appreciation and constantly craving validation.
If you’re always looking for others’ approval for every decision you make, you’ll find yourself in a perpetual state of self-doubt.
Don’t forget, it’s your life, and you’re capable of making your own decisions. Trust your instincts, believe in your choices, and stop seeking constant validation.
2) Avoid overthinking
Overthinking is a common trap that many of us fall into.
It’s like a whirlpool that sucks you in and keeps you stuck in the realm of ‘what-ifs.’ The more you think about a decision after you’ve made it, the more likely you are to start doubting it.
While it’s important to think things through, overdoing it can lead to unnecessary stress and self-doubt. Practice mindfulness and learn to let go once a decision is made.
3) Stop comparing yourself to others
This is a big one – and it’s something I’ve personally struggled with.
In today’s digital age, it’s so easy to scroll through social media and start comparing our lives with those picture-perfect ones we see online.
I remember a time when I couldn’t help but compare myself to a successful friend. It seemed like they had everything figured out while I was still floundering.
But then I realized that everyone has their own journey, their own pace. Comparing my chapter two with someone else’s chapter ten wasn’t fair to myself. It was only adding to my self-doubt.
So, I made a conscious decision to stop comparing and start appreciating my own progress. And let me tell you, it made a world of difference!
Your journey is unique and you’re exactly where you need to be. Stop the comparisons!
4) Don’t fear failure
Fear of failure is one of the biggest contributors to self-doubt.
But here’s an interesting fact: many successful people have faced numerous failures before they achieved success.
For instance, did you know that Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper for “lacking imagination” and “having no original ideas”?
Yet, he went on to build the Disney empire we all know and love today.
Failure isn’t the end of the road; it’s just a stepping stone towards success. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep going!
5) Quit negative self-talk
This one’s really important, and it’s something that touches the hearts of many of us.
We often become our own harshest critics. We say things to ourselves that we would never say to someone else.
Imagine telling a friend they’re not good enough or they’re bound to fail – sounds harsh, doesn’t it? Yet, we do this to ourselves all the time.
This negative self-talk feeds our self-doubt and chips away at our confidence. It’s time we treat ourselves with the same kindness and compassion we extend to others.
Let’s promise to quit negative self-talk and start treating ourselves with the love and respect we deserve.
6) Stop trying to please everyone
This is a lesson I learned the hard way.
For the longest time, I tried to be everything to everyone. I thought I had to please everyone around me to be liked and accepted.
But all it did was leave me feeling exhausted and filled with self-doubt.
I was so focused on meeting others’ expectations that I neglected my own needs and desires. It took me a while, but I finally realized that it’s impossible to please everyone.
The important thing is to stay true to yourself and make decisions that align with your values and aspirations. Trust me, once you stop trying to please everyone, you’ll feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulders!
7) Ditch perfectionism
Alright, let’s get real here. Perfectionism is a beast. It prowls around, whispering in your ear that ‘good enough’ isn’t enough.
That you need to be flawless. That any mistake, any shortcoming, is a sign of failure.
But let me tell you something – perfectionism is lying to you. It’s setting you up for a level of standards that are not only unrealistic but also unhealthy. It feeds self-doubt and robs you of the satisfaction of accomplishment.
Let’s ditch this idea that we need to be perfect all the time. Let’s embrace our imperfections, our humanity. Remember, progress, not perfection, is the goal!
8) Avoid procrastination
Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that Leonardo Da Vinci, one of the greatest painters of all time, was a notorious procrastinator?
Many of his works, including the famous “Mona Lisa,” took years to complete because he often delayed work.
But while Da Vinci may have gotten away with it, for most of us, procrastination only fuels self-doubt and anxiety. The more we put off tasks, the more daunting they seem. This can lead to a vicious cycle of self-doubt and delay.
Make a pact to tackle tasks head-on. A little progress each day adds up to big results!
9) Stop living in the past
I’ll be honest, this was a tough one for me to overcome. I
used to replay past mistakes in my mind over and over again, constantly questioning my decisions and actions. It felt like I was living in a loop of regret and self-doubt.
But then I realized that dwelling on the past wasn’t helping me; it was only holding me back.
I had to learn to forgive myself for past mistakes and understand that they were opportunities for growth, not life sentences.
Letting go of the past has been incredibly freeing and has significantly reduced my self-doubt.
Here’s a thing, the past is a place of reference, not residence!
10) Let go of control
We all like to feel in control – of our lives, our decisions, our future.
But the harsh truth is, we can’t control everything. And this incessant need for control can often feed our self-doubt.
We question every decision, obsess over every detail, trying to predict and control the outcome.
But life doesn’t work that way. Things happen; unexpected, unpredictable things. And that’s okay. It’s part of the journey.
