Strategies to Overcome Self-Doubt

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Summary

Overcoming self-doubt involves acknowledging negative thoughts, cultivating confidence, and focusing on your abilities and growth. With intentional strategies, you can transform self-doubt into opportunities for personal and professional development.

  • Identify and challenge self-doubt: Recognize when negative self-talk arises and question its validity by reflecting on your accomplishments and skills.
  • Embrace a growth mindset: View challenges and failures as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than as setbacks or proof of inadequacy.
  • Seek support and positivity: Surround yourself with a network of supportive individuals who encourage your personal and professional growth.
Summarized by AI based on LinkedIn member posts
  • View profile for Diana Stepner, ACC

    Product Leader, Speaker & Coach 🚀 | Launching people who launch the products | Bestselling Author | LinkedIn Top Product Voice | 20+ Years in Product Leadership | Connect for a discovery call!

    7,581 followers

    Is that critical inner voice sabotaging your confidence? Here's your 3-step battle plan to silence it for good. Recently I witnessed a remarkable transformation at UC Berkeley School of Information. Graduate students who entered my public speaking workshop trembling with anxiety left confidently presenting their ideas. No magic involved. Just structured approaches, peer support, and breaking down intimidating challenges into manageable steps. Self-doubt can turn ordinary tasks into overwhelming obstacles. After a journey conquering my own inner critic (and helping clients do the same), I've identified 3 game-changing techniques to build up self-trust: 1) Recognize Your Inner Parts (Internal Family Systems) Your mind isn't one unified voice—it's a committee of different parts! That harsh critic? Just one member trying to protect you in its misguided way. When self-doubt strikes, pause and ask: "Which part is speaking right now?" Is it your perfectionist afraid of failure? Your overachiever terrified of looking incompetent? Don't fight these parts—acknowledge them: "I see you're trying to protect me, but right now I need to trust my capabilities. I've prepared for this." 2) Reframe Imposter Syndrome as Growth Energy Did you know up to 82% of professionals experience imposter syndrome? It's especially prevalent in tech where we're constantly navigating uncharted territory. But what if that uncomfortable feeling isn't a problem to solve? Try this perspective shift: - That discomfort signals you're stretching into new growth territory - Channel the nervous energy into preparation, not paralysis - View each learning curve as evidence of growth, not failure 3) Apply the "Let Them" Theory Mel Robbins' approach is brilliantly simple: Let people think what they want. Let them react however they choose. Let them misunderstand you. You can't control others' perceptions, but you absolutely control how you show up. Ask yourself: "What weather am I bringing today?" Replace every spiral that begins with "What if they think I'm not good enough?" with "Let me": - Let me trust I'm contributing my best - Let me decide I'm enough, regardless of external validation - Let me focus exclusively on what I can control You don't need permission to lead or perfection to add value. Everything you need is already within you - you just need to trust yourself to use it. Next time self-doubt creeps in, identify which inner voice is speaking, recognize that discomfort signals growth, and focus on what you control rather than others' opinions. What technique will you try first? Share in the comments! #SelfConfidence #LeadershipDevelopment #ImpostorSyndrome

  • View profile for Katharine Gehring Sykes
    Katharine Gehring Sykes Katharine Gehring Sykes is an Influencer

    Helping GenX’ers Confidently Navigate Career Transitions | Executive Fractional Talent Consultant & Career Coach | Resume Review | Social Brand | Networking | Interviewing | Offer Mgmt | Career Advancement

    5,767 followers

    Reminder: You are not the problem. If you’re applying online via job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc), feeling invisible, and tired of getting ghosted, it’s not because you’re not qualified. It’s because the game has changed, and you need a new playbook. The first thing that I coach clients on is their Mindset and Confidence. With how competitive the market is, many high performers are having a tough time finding a job. Many of them have not had to look before. They got referred in or better yet, recruited by their Former Manager. I hear " I don't know what is happening. This is not normal. I usually can get a job fairly quickly". Then I hear, "Now, I am questioning myself. My skills, abilities - maybe they weren't enough?" Or imposter syndrome is creeping in. 🛑 STOP doubting yourself. These are the things I want to encourage you to do to regain your confidence and improve your mindset. 1️⃣ Self Reflection - Better clarity: Identify and understand your current situation and limiting beliefs. Take the time to evaluate your career. Think about the job you loved the most and why. Think about what you don't want. Get crystal clear on the job you want - BEFORE you start applying. Recognize any negative thought patterns or beliefs that may be holding you back from pursuing your goals. 2️⃣ Adopt a growth mindset: Embrace setbacks and challenges as learning & growth opportunities. This builds confidence. Identify and develop the skills that you may be missing that can help you round out your experience or fill that gap on that job you want! (Remember, when you fail, you learn.) 3️⃣ Ensure you have a supportive environment: Surround yourself with positivity. Avoid negative people or demotivating influences. In fact, the other day I reached out to a former leader & manager of mine, sharing an idea and a fear I had. She said just "DO IT" - you will learn what works and doesn't work. Regularly reflect on the things you are grateful for - both personal and professional. Build positive habits that promote a positive mindset - journal, mindfulness, or spend time outside. (I talk about this a lot). 4️⃣ Set Goals and Actions: Define your SMART goals (Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound) that align with your SMART goals. Take Action - break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps and take consistent action towards achieving them. You will need to evaluate your progress and adjust goals and strategies as needed. 🌟 By consistently implementing these steps, you can cultivate a more positive and growth mindset which will lead to great career success. 👉 If you are struggling with your mindset and confidence level, download my Clarity Worksheet Guide in the comments. Feel free to schedule a 1-1 with me to review and set a very strategic plan for you. I am rooting for you! Coach Kat

  • The number one career killer? It isn't a lack of skills or opportunity. It's low self-esteem and shyness. I've seen high performers stay silent in meetings. I've watched innovative ideas die in draft emails. I've seen dream jobs slip away unclaimed. The real cost of self-doubt is... ❌ Promotions you didn't ask for ❌ Businesses you never started ❌ Ideas you never shared Let's be honest about what holds us back: ↳ Past failures ↳ Perfectionism ↳ Self-judgment ↳ Fear of rejection ↳ Imposter syndrome Ready to break free? Start with your own psychology: 1/ Rewrite Your Story ↳ Replace "I'm not ready" with "I'm learning." ↳ Turn "I might fail" into "I might succee.d" ↳ Change "What if I'm wrong?" to "What if I'm right?" 2/ Create Success Triggers ↳ Set 3 micro-goals each morning. ↳ Reward progress, not perfection. 3/ Build Confidence Through Systems ↳ The 5-second rule: Act within 5 seconds of an idea. ↳ The 2-minute start: Begin anything for just 2 minutes. 4/ Master Professional Courage ↳ Send proposals to 3 dream clients weekly. ↳ Speak up in the first 5 minutes of every meeting. 5/ Leverage Social Proof ↳ Document your journey publicly. ↳ Share both victories and lessons. 6/ Create Momentum Habits ↳ Stack wins (no matter how small.) ↳ 1% better every day compounds. 7/ Become Rejection-Proof ↳ Thank people who reject you. ↳ Keep a "rejection collection." The truth is: Every opportunity missed is a lesson learned. But the next one? That's yours to take. ____ P.S. It's never too late to change your narrative. Make the rest of 2025 the year you put an end to missed opportunities. ♻️ Follow Dr. Miro Bada and share this to help others 📌 Save this post for future reference!⁣⁣⁣⁣ If you want a copy of my top 60+ infographics (free): 👉 Like, Repost, then signup here: www.PeakProtocol.co

  • View profile for Michelle “MACE” Curran
    Michelle “MACE” Curran Michelle “MACE” Curran is an Influencer

    Professional Speaker, National Bestselling Book: THE FLIPSIDE, Thunderbird Pilot ’19-‘21, Combat Veteran, Fighter Pilot ➡️ I help empower you to face your fears, overcome self-doubt, and be bold ➡️ Let’s connect!

    41,396 followers

    Throughout my flying career, I was surrounded by the greatest fighter pilots in the world. I felt privileged to learn and fly with them, but I often felt out of my element. As I joined these high performing teams, my inner critic regularly told me I wasn't good enough, which made me hesitate and second-guess how I showed up. Luckily, I learned that self-doubt wasn't a reflection of my potential, but an emotion to acknowledge. Here's what I discovered along the way: 💡 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 - an internal narrative. Once you learn to recognize and challenge these thoughts, you open doors to new possibilities. You'll find yourself taking on challenges you previously thought impossible, leading to: • Increased confidence • Career advancement • A sense of fulfillment 💡 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘀𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹. Start by keeping a thought journal for a week: • Write down any negative self-talk you notice. • Look for patterns like "I'm not good enough" or "I'll probably fail." • Challenge these thoughts by looking at the evidence. Often, you'll find these beliefs aren't based on facts. 💡 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵. When faced with a challenging task, instead of thinking, "I can't do this," try, "This is a chance to learn something new." • Set small, achievable goals related to the challenge. • Acknowledge small victories. • Seek feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors to gain new perspectives. Remember, just like I learned to trust my abilities in the cockpit, you too can overcome self-doubt. It's a journey, but with each step, you're building the confidence. << What advice would you give for someone dealing with crippling self-doubt? >> ------------------------ Hi, I'm Michelle. I'm a former fighter pilot turned speaker, author, and coach. If you found this helpful, consider reposting ♻️ and follow me for more content like this.

  • View profile for Cynthia Barnes
    Cynthia Barnes Cynthia Barnes is an Influencer

    Founder & CEO, Black Women’s Wealth Lab™ | Closing the pay gap for 1,000,000 Black women by 2030 | Turning corporate extraction into income

    63,498 followers

    If I could sit down with my niece, knowing what I know now about battling self-doubt, this is what I'd tell her... (You might want to "Save" this post) Whether you're sharing this with someone you love or need this reminder yourself, here's what I'd say: What I'd Tell Her: 1. That mean voice in your head? It's lying. It'll say you're not good enough, smart enough... Don't believe it. 2. Question those doubts. Ask yourself, "Do I have proof of that?" or "Would I say this to a friend?" 3. Be kind to yourself, especially when you mess up. Everyone stumbles. Talk to yourself like you would your best friend. 4. Remember what makes you awesome. List your strengths, talents, and everything you're proud of. Keep that list handy! 5. You control your effort and your attitude. You can't always control what happens, but you can choose how you respond. 6. Find people who believe in you. Friends, teachers, family – they'll remind you of your worth when you forget. #tribe 7. Watch how you talk to yourself. Our words have power. Would you let anyone else speak to you that way? Remember... You are stronger than you think, and you deserve to believe in yourself. It takes practice, but it gets easier. What advice would you give your younger self about self-doubt? Share below! 👇 If you find this helpful, hit repost ♻️ and share the love. P.S. What's one thing you're working on believing about yourself? #OwnYourAwesome

  • View profile for Naphtali Bryant, M.A.
    Naphtali Bryant, M.A. Naphtali Bryant, M.A. is an Influencer

    Fix the Talent and Leadership Gaps That Stall Growth | Executive & Talent Development Strategist | Keynote Speaker | U.S. Marine Vet

    22,107 followers

    You know that little voice of self-doubt that tells you you aren’t good enough? The one that clouds your mind with negativity? We all have one — and it’s up to us to take control of it... This week, #TakeBackYourMonday, with these three tips to help you quiet the whispers and kickstart your week with confidence. 🚀 1. 🔇 Identify and Challenge Negative Thoughts: The first step to quieting the whispers is recognizing them. Take a moment each morning to jot down any negative thoughts you have about yourself. Ask yourself: Are these thoughts true? Challenge them with evidence of your strengths and past successes. Remember, you are more than your doubts! 2. 🌱 Practice Positive Affirmations: Replace those whispers with a chorus of positivity! Create a list of affirmations that resonate with you, like "I am capable and strong," or "I am constantly growing and improving." Repeat them daily, especially when you catch yourself falling into negative self-talk. Watch as these affirmations become your new internal dialogue. 3. 🎯 Set Micro-Goals and Celebrate Wins: Silence the whispers by proving them wrong with action! Set small, achievable goals for the week. Each time you reach a milestone, no matter how minor, take a moment to celebrate your progress. These victories, big or small, remind you of your capability and help diminish the power of negativity. 💭Reflect: 1. What is one negative thought you’ve been holding onto, and how can you reframe it positively? 2. How can you incorporate more positive affirmations into your daily routine? 3. What small goal can you set this week to build confidence and counter negative self-talk? This week, embrace your potential, and watch as growth and self-improvement become your new mantra!🌟💪

  • View profile for Elvi Caperonis, PMP®

    Follower of Jesus| AI Leadership Career & Personal Brand Strategist | Helping Leaders Leverage AI to To Land $150K–$300K Roles | Keynote Speaker | Ex-Amazon, Harvard University | B2B elvicaperonis@reinvent-yourself.org

    258,089 followers

    𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 6-𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿. When I came to the United States in 2011, I didn't speak English. I was so afraid to make mistakes while speaking English that I almost settled for less than what I could accomplish. As a first generation immigrant suffering from imposter syndrome with the English language is a brutal reality for most of us. At first, I was terrified, but I wanted to grow in my career, so I decided to take the challenges and learn the language. It was not easy, but I self-taught myself to overcome it. Don't let imposter syndrome prevent you from reaching your dreams. Here are six steps I recommend for overcoming impostor syndrome: ☝🏼 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 1: 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: → Recognize that what you're feeling is common and it's okay. → Understanding that you're not alone can be comforting. ✌🏼 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 2: 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: →When self-doubt creeps in, question its. →Challenge these thoughts with evidence of your skills and accomplishments. 🤟🏼𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 3: 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: →Be kind to yourself. →Treat yourself with the same understanding and support you would offer a friend. 🖖🏼𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 4: 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: →Imagine yourself succeeding. →Visualization can be a powerful tool in building confidence and reducing anxiety. 🖐🏼 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 5: 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀: →Focus on your path and accomplishments rather than comparing yourself to others. → Get Inspired By Others Who Are Doing What You Want To Do. 🖐🏼☝🏼𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 6: 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: → Constructive feedback from peers or mentors can provide valuable insights and help build your confidence. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀. Have you ever taken yourself out of your comfort zone?

  • View profile for Ruby Garcia

    🔥 Speaker | Hypnotherapist | Leadership & Visibility Coach for Latinas Ready to Stop Playing Small | Co-Founder of the Latino AI Summit | Driving Latin@ Leadership & Organizational Inclusion 🔥

    13,463 followers

    Imposter syndrome can strike even the most accomplished individuals, and Latina women, despite their incredible achievements and relentless ambition, are not immune. As a Leadership Coach, I often see this phenomenon manifest in various ways among high-achieving Latinas. These remarkable women, who are driving change and making significant strides in their fields, frequently grapple with low confidence. One common way imposter syndrome shows up is through minimizing or downplaying successes. Instead of owning their accomplishments, these women might attribute their achievements to luck or external factors. Phrases like "Oh, I just got lucky" or "Anyone could have done it" are tell-tale signs. This tendency to undervalue their hard work and talents undermines their self-confidence and diminishes their sense of worth. Overcompensation is another way imposter syndrome rears its head. This can take the form of overworking, overpreparing, or overthinking—behaviors that stem from a deep-seated fear of not being good enough. On the flip side, underpreparing and procrastination are also indicators of imposter syndrome. The fear of failure can be so overwhelming that it leads to putting off tasks or not putting in the effort, ultimately reinforcing the cycle of self-doubt. For high-achieving Latinas, breaking free from these patterns requires a conscious effort to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments. Here are a few strategies to help build and maintain confidence: 🌟 Acknowledge Your Achievements: Take time to reflect on your successes and the hard work that got you there. Keep a journal of your accomplishments and revisit it regularly to remind yourself of your capabilities. 🌟 Shift Your Mindset: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Instead of saying, "I just got lucky," say, "I worked hard for this and deserve the recognition." 🌟 Set Realistic Goals: Break down your tasks into manageable steps and set achievable goals. This helps prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed and reduces the likelihood of procrastination. 🌟 Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, mentors, and colleagues who can offer encouragement and constructive feedback. 🌟 Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait for big milestones to celebrate your successes. Recognize and celebrate small achievements along the way to keep your motivation and confidence high. Remember, even the most successful individuals have moments of self-doubt. By acknowledging imposter syndrome and actively working to overcome it, you can build the confidence needed to continue achieving great things. If you want to increase your confidence, gain visibility and own your accomplishments, book your free consultation with me. Link in bio.

  • View profile for Deepak Bhootra

    I help B2B Sellers and Organizations to: Sell Smarter. Win More. Stress Less. | Certified Sandler & ICF Coach | Advisor to Founders | Contributor on NowMedia TV | USA National Bestseller | Amazon Category Bestseller

    30,924 followers

    Self-doubt clouds even our brightest achievements. It casts shadows of uncertainty and may lead to imposter syndrome. But self-compassion and grounding in our true efforts can transform doubt into growth. Two-thirds of my clients need help with this, and many others mislabel it. This is a big one! Master these 7 steps to turn self-doubt into resilience: 1. Acknowledge Your Achievements ↳ Recognize and celebrate your successes. Why it matters: Acknowledging your wins builds confidence and counters self-doubt. 2. Practice Self-Compassion ↳ Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes. Why it matters: Self-compassion helps you recover faster and learn from setbacks. 3. Ground Yourself in Reality ↳ Focus on facts and evidence of your abilities. Why it matters: Grounding in reality reduces exaggerated negative thoughts. 4. Seek Feedback ↳ Ask for constructive feedback from trusted sources. Why it matters: Feedback provides a balanced view and helps you grow. 5. Embrace Growth Mindset ↳ View challenges as opportunities to develop. Why it matters: A growth mindset turns obstacles into learning experiences. 6. Connect with Others ↳ Share your feelings with supportive friends or mentors. Why it matters: Connection reduces isolation and provides reassurance. 7. Reflect on Progress ↳ Regularly review how far you’ve come. Why it matters: Reflection highlights your growth and boosts resilience. Follow these steps, And transform your self-doubt into a path to resilience and growth. How can I help? Follow me for more insights and observations.

  • View profile for Nishant Sondhi

    Real Estate Investment Fund Manager | Specialized in Passive Investing for Multifamily & New Developments | Data-Savvy, Transparent, Committed

    23,923 followers

    Produced a video, earned 19 views: Discouragement followed. "Am I good enough?" This doubt plagued me with each video I recorded. Now, 50 videos later, I’ve embraced a vital insight. Even 19 views can change lives. It’s not about going viral; it’s about adding value. How to Overcome Doubt with Three Simple Steps: 1. 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫: Impacting even one person makes it worthwhile. 2. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥: Focus on communication, not perfection. 3. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐲: Keep creating and evolving. Each video pushed me out of my comfort zone, proving that action is the antidote to doubt. ✅ Imposter syndrome might linger, but taking action will quiet those doubts. Feeling doubtful about starting? Just begin. The first step doesn’t need to be perfect, just honest. 👇 Have you faced imposter syndrome? What was your first step in overcoming it? Share your experiences or ask for tips! #content #success #growth

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