(6 Minute Read)
For Influence Digest to keep providing you with these articles, we take on sponsorships from like-minded companies. This week LAD Solutions have sponsored us. They are a digital marketing agency based out of Los Angeles that specialized in SEO. If you or your company are looking to increase traffics, sales, or SEO be sure to choose LAD Solutions.
Self-doubt has always been a part of the human psyche. No matter how many accomplishments you may achieve, there will always be a nagging voice at the back of your head saying they are not good enough. Famous entrepreneurs such as Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran and Steve Jobs to best-selling authors like Paul Tremblay and Stephen King have all pleaded guilty to allowing self-doubt to creep in at times.
The secret is to stop it before it can it grow. If not properly dealt with, self-doubt can lead problems like loss of confidence, a decrease in productivity, and even depression. The good news is that self-doubt can be overcome with the right strategies and mindset.
Here are three proven strategies to help you overcome self-doubt and tackle future challenges with confidence and courage:
Work Within Your Own Limits:
Nothing is more destructive to your self-confidence than attempting to doing things without preparation. You need to realize your own limits before attempting anything noteworthy. Imagine trying to write a novel in university. A person could aspire to write 5000 words in one day, but with such issues as schoolwork, socializing, and extracurricular activities peeking out the horizon every day, finding time to write this much without proper management will lead to disappointment and burnout.
This is not to say that you are not capable of achieving big and lofty goals because you are! It is about managing your expectations. You may not be able to write that novel during the school year, however, during those 4 months of summer, it is far more possible.
“Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful” – Ric Ocasek
Accept Yourself for Who You are:
Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not just to please your friends and family. Your parents may be pressuring you to become an engineer while you have the potential to become a world-class writer. You need to figure out what your interests are and what you are naturally good at. Once you have found the common profession between those two points, you will begin to excel in ways that you have never imagined before.
Michael Jordan is one example of an individual who tried to be something he wasn’t. The basketball star’s horrendous baseball record attests to that.
If you are trying to suppress who you are to appear like something else, remember Aesop’s fable The Dog and The Ass, with you taking the place of the donkey. Comparing yourself to others only serves put yourself down for not being as “intelligent” or “capable” as the next guy. Keep your chin up, take pride in who you are, and remember, it’s only you vs you.
“If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid” – Albert Einstein
Do not be Afraid to Ask Others for Help:
In a world as competitive as ours, it is often hard to swallow one’s pride to ask others for help. Many believe this makes a person weak. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
To ask for help is not a sign of weakness, rather, it is a sign of strength. You are working in cooperation with others to use their gifts and abilities to create something greater yourself. Even the most independent individuals need to ask others for help. Mark Zuckerberg didn’t create Facebook alone nor did Jeff Bezos establish Amazon by himself. They sought the assistance of those who were willing to help. In your case, find out who is within arm’s reach that can help you and talk to them. Your friends, family, and other important people in your life are there to help you, but only if you ask for it.
In your case, find out who is within arm’s reach that can help you and talk to them. Your friends, family, and other important people in your life are there to help you, but only if you ask for it. Remember, cooperation will always surpass competition.
“Ask and you shall recieve”
Hard work is only part of the equation. Self-confidence and the ability to push forward regardless of doubt is key to achieving one’s full potential.
Want to optimize your productivity in 5 minutes? Download our e-book now!
