Do you ever feel like your inner voice is holding you back and you second guess and doubt yourself often?
Like no matter what decision or path you take, there’s a little nagging doubt in the back of your mind.
That sense of “what if” that keeps calling for second-guessing can be mentally and emotionally taxing.
Such feelings can have an immense impact on all aspects of our lives – from relationships to work performance and beyond.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be this way; by introducing some simple changes and taking constructive steps towards better self-confidence, you’ll soon find yourself being more assertive and content with the decisions you are making.
Here are five ways to stop second-guessing yourself so that you can get going with more confidence and less self-doubt.
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Understand Your Motivation For Why You Second Guess Yourself
The first step to stopping second-guessing yourself is to understand your motivation. Why are you second-guessing yourself in the first place? Is it because you’re afraid of making a mistake? Or is it because you’re not confident in your abilities? Once you understand your motivation, you can begin being more self-aware of what fears may be driving the self-doubt.
Trust Your Gut
If you find yourself second-guessing your decisions, it’s important to trust your gut. More often than not, our intuition is right. If you’re unsure about a decision, take some time to think it through, but ultimately go with your gut feeling. Start with small things such as grocery shopping or picking outfits, and learn to listen to your gut decision for things that don’t have large impacts; this can help strengthen skills in listening to what is right for you. As you start practicing listening to your gut with small things, you learn to hear it more and feel more confident in what your gut is telling you.
Be Confident in Your Abilities
One of the best ways to stop second-guessing yourself is to be confident in your abilities. The idea of “walking the walk,” even if you are not totally confident, can help you step into more confidence as you get reassurance that your gut and instinct are in your best interest. If you believe in yourself and your ability to make good decisions, you’ll be less likely to second-guess yourself. Remember that everyone makes mistakes from time to time, but that doesn’t mean you’re not capable of making good decisions. Learning to stop second-guessing yourself at times means stepping into confidence even when you may not feel as confident.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and accepting things as they are. When you’re mindful, you’re less likely to dwell on past decisions or worry about future ones. Instead, you’re able to focus on the present and make the best decision for the situation at hand. Being mindful is an important aspect of learning and understanding ways in which you second-guess yourself and understanding what is driving the self-doubt. Is it fear? Is it people-pleasing? Etc.
Seek Out Support For Your Self-Doubt
If you find yourself struggling with self-doubt, seek out support from family, friends, and a therapist. Sometimes all we need is a little reassurance from those we trust to help us regain confidence in ourselves. Over-seeking reassurance, however, can backfire if you seek it out at the expense of learning to listen to your own gut.
All of us experience self-doubt from time to time, but when it starts interfering with our daily lives, it’s important to take action.
If you find yourself second-guessing your every move, try implementing some of the tips we’ve discussed today.
And if you still can’t seem to break free from that negative inner voice, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Therapy can provide an invaluable outlet for exploring the root of your issues and learning how to assert yourself with confidence. Book a free consult with one of our therapists today and see how much better life can be when you stop second-guessing yourself!
Further Reading:
- 5 Tips to Stop Second-Guessing Yourself
- How to Stop Second-Guessing Yourself
- How to Stop Second-Guessing Yourself in 8 Helpful Steps
Lindsey Ferris, MS, LMFTA, Washington State
Talk. Heal. Thrive. therapist Lindsey Ferris is based out of Seattle, Washington working with clients via online therapy