Self-Doubt: Definition, Causes, & How to Overcome DoubtsWhat is self-doubt, what causes it, and how do we overcome it? In this article, we'll talk about why self-doubt is so problematic and what we can do to get rid of self-doubts.
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Do you struggle to feel sure of yourself? Do you often question your beliefs or attitudes? Or do you often wonder if you've made the right decisions? Self-doubt can be a difficult experience. In this article, we'll first define self-doubt in psychology. Then, we'll talk about what contributes to self-doubt and how to manage it.
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Get Rid Of Self-Doubt With Self-Trust
When we doubt ourselves, we might also have a hard time trusting ourselves. Will we make the right decisions? Are our opinions correct? What if we're wrong? How can we trust ourselves if even we aren't certain that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are right?
If we're having trouble trusting ourselves, it may be because we haven't really been very reliable with ourselves. For example, maybe we've told ourselves a thousand times that we are going to start eating healthfully... but we never do it. Or maybe we tell ourselves that we're in a happy marriage but yet we keep cheating on our spouse. It's no wonder we doubt ourselves if we're not really being honest with ourselves. And it's why building self-trust may be a key step in getting rid of self-doubt.
How to build self-trust
Here are some tips to start building self-trust:
If you need to, take some time to reflect on your core values and how you want to be in the world. Doing so may help give you a greater sense of certainty about the actions you take.
If we're having trouble trusting ourselves, it may be because we haven't really been very reliable with ourselves. For example, maybe we've told ourselves a thousand times that we are going to start eating healthfully... but we never do it. Or maybe we tell ourselves that we're in a happy marriage but yet we keep cheating on our spouse. It's no wonder we doubt ourselves if we're not really being honest with ourselves. And it's why building self-trust may be a key step in getting rid of self-doubt.
How to build self-trust
Here are some tips to start building self-trust:
- Do what you say you're going to do. If you tell yourself you're going to do something, then do it. If you need to, reduce your number of commitments, learn to say "no", and reflect on what went wrong if you don't do something that you told yourself you would do.
- Be honest with yourself. Spend some time in thought to get to the truth of what you really think, feel, and need in life. Your truth is inside you; it just might take a little searching.
- Do what you believe is right. Live your values. If you're taking actions that feel right to you, it'll be harder to doubt these actions and question your motives.
If you need to, take some time to reflect on your core values and how you want to be in the world. Doing so may help give you a greater sense of certainty about the actions you take.
Video: Remove Your Self-Doubt - Music for Self-Reflection
Articles to Overcome Self-Doubt
Want to keep learning about how to overcome self-doubt? Here are a few more articles on related topics that you may be interested in checking out.
- Knowing Your Worth: How to Boost Self-Worth and Self-Confidence
- Self-Esteem: Definition, Signs, and Tips for Building Self-Esteem
- How to Be More Confident: 15 Science-Based Tips, Exercises, & Confidence-Boosters
- Self Love: Definition, Tips, Examples, and Exercises
- Ambivalence: Definition, Examples, & Tips
- Shadow Work: Definition, Examples, & Prompts
- Doubt: Definition, Examples, & Quotes
Books to Help You Overcome Self-Doubt
Do you feel like you still need more advice to overcome self-doubt? Here are a few books that may help.
- Self-Doubt: Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Panic, and Fear: Threshold Experiences, Crises of the Soul, and Healing on the Anthroposophical Path
- The Self Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem
- Self-Love Workbook for Women: Release Self-Doubt, Build Self-Compassion, and Embrace Who You Are
Final Thoughts on Self-Doubt
Self-doubt can be an uncomfortable and problematic thought process. Luckily, there are some things we can do to start overcoming self-doubt and moving forward with more assuredness and confidence.
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References
- Braslow, M. D., Guerrettaz, J., Arkin, R. M., & Oleson, K. C. (2012). Self‐doubt. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 6(6), 470-482.
- Oleson, K. C., Poehlmann, K. M., Yost, J. H., Lynch, M. E., & Arkin, R. M. (2000). Subjective overachievement: Individual differences in self‐doubt and concern with performance. Journal of personality, 68(3), 491-524.
- Schiraldi, G. R. (2007). 10 Simple Solutions for Building Self-Esteem: How to End Self-Doubt, Gain Confidence, & Create a Positive Self-Image. New Harbinger Publications.
- Tod, D., Hardy, J., & Oliver, E. (2011). Effects of self-talk: A systematic review. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 33(5), 666-687.
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