silencing self-doubt: Building confidence & Trust

By: Marissa Pollet

We’ve all been there, the constant questioning of whether we’re good enough, smart enough, or capable enough to pursue our dreams and be courageous. Self-doubt is a sneaky voice just waiting to invade our thoughts. It whispers worst-case scenarios, magnifies mistakes, and often stops us in our tracks before we even begin. But the truth is that self-doubt is not a life sentence. It’s a mental habit, that can be unlearned and replaced with self-trust, courage, and quiet confidence.

Understanding Self-Doubt

Before we can change it, we must understand it and the root of where it originates.

Self-doubt often stems from:

• Fear of failure or judgment

• Past experiences or trauma

• Perfectionism

• Comparison with others

• Low self-worth or imposter syndrome

Recognizing where your doubt is stemming from is the first step in taking back control and taking proactive steps to change this habit.

Challenge the Inner Critic

That voice in your head saying “you’re not good enough”? It’s not the voice of truth or logic. It’s just the loudest voice present until you question it. You can challenge your inner voice by:

• Look for evidence. What real proof do you have that you’re not capable? Most of the time, doubt is based on emotion, not fact.

• Replace “What if I fail?” with “What if I succeed?” Flip the script. Challenge yourself to imagine what could go right versus what can go wrong. If you already have the mindset, you will fail even before attempting to try, the lower the chances are that you will take the steps to achieve your goals.

Take Action—Even If It’s Small

Confidence doesn’t come before action; it grows because of it. Take a moment to really think about this idea and its power, the more action you take the greater your level of confidence will be. How empowering does that sound?

Ways to Begin:

• Micro-wins. Break big goals into tiny steps. Each step you complete is proof that you’re capable. Think of these steps like individual bricks, all are needed to build a strong, sturdy house.

• Progress, not perfection. Focus on moving forward rather than getting everything right. It’s ok to fail or not have the answers to everything. It’s about the courage to try and building momentum to long-term success.

• Consistency over intensity. One small step every day is more powerful than a big push followed by burnout.

Practice Self-Compassion

Self-doubt thrives in environments of criticism whereas confidence blooms in kindness.

Be kind to yourself:

• Speak to yourself like a friend. Would you say those same harsh things to someone you love?

• Acknowledge your efforts, not just outcomes. Trying is already brave.

• Give yourself grace when you fall short. Failure is part of growth, not a sign that you’re not good enough.

Surround Yourself with Support

• Talk to people who believe in you. Their belief can help strengthen your own and give the little extra boost of confidence to push forward.

• Find mentors, communities, or coaches. Supportive voices can challenge your doubt and help you stay accountable to your goals as well as guide you in an introductory stage as starting is always the scariest part.

Accept That Doubt May Never Fully Go Away

The goal isn’t to eliminate self-doubt forever as that is not realistic, it’s to stop letting it drive the car.

Remember:

• Even the most successful people feel doubt.

• Confidence is not the absence of fear; it’s the willingness to move forward despite it.

• You can feel doubt and still take action.

You Are More Capable Than You Think

Self-doubt might feel real, but it’s not the truth. The truth is you have strengths, gifts, and resilience that fear wants you to forget. Every time you show up, every time you try again, you prove that your goals are worth the effort, and so are you. The perfect day will not magically arrive in which you feel ready to step out in courage and reach for your dreams so why not decide that today is the day and prove that the leap was well worth it.

Our team of caring professionals at Inspired Wellness are here to provide support and guidance towards your path of mental wellness. We believe that every individual has the ability to be the best version of themselves and our goal is to set you up with the tools to maintain a well-balanced life that will place you on the path towards lifelong change. We strive to create a non-judgmental environment coupled with therapeutic practices that are tailored towards each individual. At Inspired Wellness our team aims to do exactly as our name says, inspire you towards a beautiful life of strength and wellness!