“I’m not good enough”, “I don’t think I can”, “But they’re better than me”, “I probably shouldn’t”. Do any of these phrases sound familiar to you? Have you at any point in your life convinced yourself that you are not capable of pursuing certain things? Self Doubt is the first step to missing opportunities that could take you to the next level or make you the next big thing.
I graduated from college recently. I got a job before graduating. I was excited to start my career and make good money after being a broke college student. 3 months into the job, my co workers – as well as supervisors – were telling me I was doing a good job. However, I had a hard time believing them.
I felt like a fraud and I had no idea why. I went to school, studied, and graduated. I paid my dues. I deserved to be there. But I doubted myself. Self doubt weighed so much on my confidence that I believed I had a severe case of “imposter syndrome.”
I was getting in my own way for absolutely no reason. At some point I was sad all the time because I really thought I wasn’t good enough. Below are ways to deal with this feeling of insufficiency. It has to be dealt with, else there’s no going forward.
1. Talk to somebody about it: I had to talk to a close friend about how I was feeling. If I’d kept to myself, I wouldn’t have been compelled to deal with that feeling and it could have led to something worse.
2. Pray about it: As a christian, I’m a firm believer in talking to God when in doubt. You don’t have to know all the verses in the Bible. Just go to Him like you would your best friend. Tell him how you are feeling, and ask Him to help you get through it.
3. Believe in yourself: Nobody can believe in you the way YOU can. Start thinking positive thoughts. Engage in positive self affirmation. Talk to yourself out loud until you believe that you deserve to be where you are. You didn’t get to your position by accident. Once you start viewing yourself as the confident, smart, and deserving person you are, people will start to see you that way, too.
“If you just get out of your own way, It is amazing what will come to you.” – Laird Hamilton
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Anastacia Ago is a Respiratory Therapist, writer and an amazing singer. She believes in equipping the youth to take on the future with confidence. You can reach her at [email protected].