Self-Doubt

It’s funny how, just last week, I wrote about being okay with being okay at things, and today, I find myself full of self-doubt.

Self-doubt often makes me question everything I have done and am currently doing. Today, I found myself saying things like:

• Who are you to write a newsletter and send it to people?
• You don’t have anything interesting to say.
• Maybe that YouTube comment is correct; you have no idea what you’re talking about.
• You’re not the father others think you are.
• You’re failing your wife.

It’s easy to allow these thoughts to come in and remove what is true. They also seem to escalate quickly if left unchecked.

I’ve been working on a process for realigning myself with the truth before allowing myself to spiral. It looks like this:

1. Reflect & Meditate: I take time to think through the thoughts I am currently having and measure them against the truth that I know. I ask myself questions like:
   1. Is what I am thinking true?
   2. Why am I believing this now?
   3. Do those closest to me believe this about me?
   4. Identify what I can be thankful for in this moment.
2. Seek Honesty
   1. Pray (Philippians 4:6-7)
   2. Take thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5)
   3. Read through previous journal entries.
3. Seek Community: Self-doubt is worse in isolation. I will do my best to find someone to connect with, whether my wife, kids or a friend.
4. Past Truths
   1. Recall situations where I was confident.
   2. Read encouraging scripture.
   3. Remind myself not to lean on my understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

After finishing this post later in the day, I didn’t end up stuck for long. Now, when I begin to feel self-doubt creep up, I seek to find a way to implement this immediately. I’ll add this to my framework list to help when my mind starts fighting me.

What helps you get unstuck when self-doubt begins to consume you?