It’s one thing when people doubt you, but it’s another thing when you doubt yourself. Throughout life, I’ve experienced many moments of self-doubt. While fear gets a bad rep, it isn’t always the culprit. As a matter of fact, it’s the pressure we put on ourselves that makes us question who we are and what we can do. We often doubt ourselves because we push ourselves beyond who we believe we are. Some of us don’t know we’re great because we’re waiting on someone to tell us. Well, the wait is officially over. It’s time to look in the mirror and recognize the greatness that’s been there all along.
The Gift of Quiet Confidence
Some people will never know how special they are because no one ever told them. Not everyone becomes a movie star. Not everyone graces the cover of a magazine. Not everyone makes the Forbes list. But we don’t need the spotlight to shine. Our greatness doesn’t depend on how others see us. We often view ourselves not by who we are but by how others see us. If they don’t see our greatness, we don’t see it either. But maybe we can change that. Just because they don’t see our light doesn’t mean we’re not shining.
The Pressure to Be Perfect
When I think about self-doubt, I think about the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect, or worse, like someone we’re not. It’s not that we aren’t capable; it’s that we often place unrealistic expectations on ourselves. What if our best is good enough? What if we were okay with being ourselves? What if we saw failure as an opportunity? What if we let go of who we think we should be? Often, “what if” is followed by the worst-case scenario, but what if we imagined a better one? We might discover that self-doubt can turn into self-confidence.
The Light Within
When I reflect on my life, college was the time I experienced the most self-doubt. It wasn’t because I didn’t know I was smart. It was because I didn’t know I could become something more: a college graduate. Despite my determination, I felt uncertainty about my future. I’ll never forget when my friend Alexis said to me, “You have a bright future.” Those words stayed with me, but I didn’t quite believe them until years later. The moment I stopped doubting myself, I saw the light. Not the light at the end of the tunnel, but the light within me. That was the turning point, when I finally recognized my capability.
From Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence
Self-doubt is something we all experience at some point, but we don’t have to let it hold us back. It starts with letting go of who we think we should be and becoming comfortable with who we are. Imperfect yet capable. Different yet special. Scared yet brave. Self-doubt isn’t a sign of inadequacy; it’s a signal for growth. Are you willing to grow?