A Conversation with Self-Doubt

Photo by Niklas Garnholz on Unsplash.

Lately, I signed up for a role that felt like a BIG stretch.

I felt like an imposter. Self-Doubt was telling me (very loudly) that it wasn't safe to show up and be visible.

So, 10 minutes before I started, I sat down at my desk.

I sat Self-Doubt right next to me.

I looked her in the eye.

And I said to her:

"My love, I know you're frightened. I'm about to begin a journey towards my dreams. You're welcomed along. I know you'll always be here.

But you'll be in the back seat. You don't get to touch the map, tweak the steering wheel, or fiddle with the radio. I'm the one driving.

I really appreciate all you do. You do a GREAT job at telling me to be careful. But you know what? I've got this."

I gave Self-Doubt a big hug (with my actual arms)!

Then I took a deep breath, and turned on the computer.

And you know what? Self-Doubt hung around next to me during that call. But she was a bit quieter.

And with every call like that that I take, I help show her that her perspective (while convincing) isn't the truth, and it doesn't need to drive my car.

Self-Doubt never goes away. But we can learn to reassure it back into safety.