Doubt and imposter syndrome can creep up at any time, and almost no ordinary person is immune to it at moments.
We start questioning our self-worth and, before we know it, end up digging a hole in our self-confidence and self-esteem.
So next time you start questioning your self-worth, just remind yourself of these 15 things.
1) Your unique qualities
Everyone has a set of qualities and characteristics that makes them special and irreplaceable.
Reminding yourself of your unique qualities can be a powerful way to boost self-confidence and embrace your individuality.
Take time to reflect on your strengths, talents, and qualities. Consider your achievements, personal growth, and the positive impact youโve had on others.
I also use positive affirmations to reinforce them even when I donโt doubt myself (or especially then).
This reinforces my belief in my abilities and reminds me of my uniqueness.
2) Personal achievements
Reflecting on your accomplishments, big or small, is another way of boosting your self-confidence again. You simply have to acknowledge the effort and dedication you put into them.
Take time to reflect on past successes and revisit the positive feelings associated with them.
For instance, place visual reminders of your achievements in your environment. It could be framed certificates or awards on your desk, sticky notes with positive affirmations, or inspiring quotes related to them.
In the future, whenever you accomplish something significant, whether itโs a big goal or a small milestone, write it down.
Include details about what you achieved, how it made you feel, and the effort you put into it. Reviewing this journal regularly will serve as a reminder of all the things youโve done well.
3) Growth and progress
Another thing I personally like doing when Iโm feeling down on luck is thinking about how far Iโve come in many parts of my life, including personal, professional, and emotional growth.
I remember how scrawny I was and how awkwardly I behaved in many situations, and recognize that Iโm much more confident in all aspects of life and interactions with others.
Remind yourself of the times you have pushed beyond your comfort zone and adopted new experiences.
Celebrate the personal growth that comes from challenging yourself, trying new things, and taking calculated risks.
4) Relationships
Thinking about all the meaningful connections you have with family, friends, and loved ones and the love and support you give and receive is also a good safe space to go to when youโre questioning yourself.
Think about the friends whoโve been there for you through thick and thin. Recall the shared experiences and memories youโve created with loved ones.
Remind yourself of the laughter, adventures, and milestones youโve shared, strengthening your bond.
On the other hand, if you donโt have many such relationships, youโll learn to cherish the ones you have more and perhaps decide itโs time to make new bonds with people.
5) Future potential
Reminding yourself of your future potential is a powerful way to cultivate optimism and motivation.
Believe in the limitless possibilities that lie ahead and the potential within you to achieve great things.
Take time to imagine yourself achieving your goals and living up to your potential. Engage in guided visualizations where you vividly picture yourself achieving your dreams.
This technique can help you build a positive and compelling vision of your future potential.
6) Positive impact on others
We all had at least a minimum amount of positive impact on others. Try to remember the positive influence youโve had on other peopleโs lives, whether through kindness, support, or inspiration.
Recall the times youโve shown kindness and compassion, or generosity towards someone, demonstrating your capacity for empathy.
It doesnโt matter how big or small it was. Itโs still worth recognizing and remembering it.
And next time someone compliments or expresses gratitude for something you did, accept it graciously and truly absorb their words.
Rather than dismissing or downplaying the feedback, internalize it as evidence of your positive impact on others.
7) Positive feedback
Letโs stay with receiving positive feedback for a moment. Iโm sure you can recall some of the compliments and positive feedback youโve received from others.
But did you know they can be useful in boosting your self-worth because they reflect your strengths?
I love the idea of collecting them in a jar on small pieces of paper. Whenever you receive positive feedback, write it down on a piece of paper and put it in the jar.
Over time, youโll accumulate a collection of praising feedback you can review whenever you need a reminder of your positive impact.
8) Overcoming adversity
Iโm quite sure youโve been through many ups and downs during your lifetime. Heck, you could be going through one now.
Thatโs why itโs more important than ever to remind yourself of the difficulties youโve faced and conquered, showing your resilience and strength.
Appreciate your fantastic ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep moving forward despite challenges.
I also like to find stories of people whoโve overcome significant hardship and still managed to achieve success.
I read biographies, watch documentaries, or listen to interviews to get some inspiration and perspective.
Hearing about othersโ triumphs is an amazing tool to reinforce your belief in your own ability to overcome challenges.
9) Lessons learned
But you also have to embrace the lessons youโve learned along the way. Learn from your mistakes and challenges, which have contributed to your personal development.
Donโt dismiss all your success to luck or outside factors. Dig deep inside and accept you were the one responsible for your accomplishments.
10) Personal values
We all have a set of values we hold dear and the principles we live by, as they define our character and integrity. Consider what values are most important to you and what you stand for.
We also increasingly live in our little social bubbles online and offline, where we arenโt exposed to differing opinions and perspectives.
Embrace the courage to have unpopular opinions or challenge the status quo. When you think critically and express your viewpoint, it contributes to diverse and meaningful conversations.
11) Sense of humor
You should also embrace and reflect on your ability to find humor in different situations and make others laugh.
Think about how your sense of humor brings joy and lightness to your life and the lives of those around you.
If youโre doubting your self-worth, surround yourself with humor that resonates with you, such as funny movies, stand-up comedy shows, or amusing books. Engage in activities that make you laugh and bring joy into your life.
This will lighten up your mood and help you overcome this brief feeling of doubt.
12) Unconventional interests
In moments of self-doubt, a good thing to remind yourself of is your unconventional interests, hobbies, or passions that arenโt mainstream. These interests make you unique and allow you to explore and express yourself authentically.
But donโt stop there. Why not connect with others who share your unconventional interests?
Join online forums, social media groups, or local clubs where you can interact with people who appreciate and understand your passions. Engaging with like-minded folks validates and reminds you that your interests are valued.
13) Talents and skills
The same is true for any talents or skills you have. Itโs a big world out there. Connect with other people that have the same abilities.
They will make you appreciate the value these skills bring to your life and the lives of others.
You can also branch out and acquire new skills that are connected to your old ones or that are in a completely different field.
14) Creativity and imagination
One such talent could be creativity. Recognize your creative ideas, imaginative thinking, and how you can see possibilities others might overlook.
For example, recall instances where you approached situations with a fresh perspective and generated unique ideas. Remind yourself that your creative problem-solving skills contribute to your worth and capability.
But also consider any artistic attempts you engage in, whether painting, writing, music, or any other form of expression.
Remind yourself of the joy and fulfillment these activities bring you and their positive impact on others who appreciate and resonate with your creations.
15) Itโs temporary
โAfter the rain, the sun will reappear.
There is life. After the pain, the joy will still be here.โ
โ Walt Disney Company
And finally, if youโre ever questioning your self-worth, just remind yourself that any setbacks you might go through are just temporary. After the rain, the sun will reappear.
Hang in there and keep an optimistic outlook. Everything will be just fine.