Whether or not you are feeling successful in your career or relationships now, it is likely impossible you haven’t experienced moments of self doubt along your path.
In those moments of lack, fear, and doubt you managed to continue, grow, and learn.
In the novel, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, by author Rick Ruben he wrote, “doubting yourself can lead to a sense of hopelessness, of not being inherently fit to take on the task at hand. All or nothing thinking is a nonstarter. However, doubting the quality of your work might, at times, help to improve it. You can doubt your way to excellence.”
As we move through the cloud of confusion, the negative self-talk, and the overwhelming feeling that has us glued to the floor, we are ultimately asked to surrender, readjust, think, or do things differently. We are asked to let go of the weight of the world on our shoulders and have faith in the unknown intricate workings of life.
To let go of the mental load of how, everything will work out. How you will get that opportunity, pay your bills, or meet the love(s) of your life? When we let go of the notion that we are solely responsible for figuring out everything in our lives, we drop this weight, and a feeling of freedom and humbleness returns to our system.
Each day taking tiny steps forward through the fog, the confusion, and the unknown builds our confidence. We feel the fear and yet we persevere to the best of our ability. Confidence is when you commit to believing in yourself regardless of any internal or external sources doubt. A catalyst for your dreams to manifest into your reality is becoming vulnerable with your community. Simply, asking for help, validation, or general support can create significant ripples of change within your life.
No one is meant to walk this path alone. No matter how private you are, we all require social connection, support, and love to thrive. The medicine of community has abundant benefits. We all need to be heard and to hear the stories of others as well as to be held and supported. This is all available to you at no charge, conditions, nor obligations.
If the thought of being a part of a community feels scary, isolating, or out of reach, I am here to encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone: call that friend you haven’t heard from in a while and ask them to go for a walk; go to that community event you’ve been interested in and be open to meeting new people; follow what lights you up and stay open and receptive to new connections.
When we have a foundation of community behind us, we are presented with endless gifts. We have people to rely on when life has knocked us down. We have people to remind us of who we are at times when we may feel lost in the world.
The title of this article is “from self doubt to confidence,” but in reality, this isn’t a liner progression. This is an ongoing cycle, a lesson of compassion, accountability, and courage.
Remember how far you have come and remember the life you are aspiring to create for yourself. Acknowledge the fog and the fear, and act anyways, knowing you’re not meant to have everything figured out. Finally, you’re never alone. Your community is waiting for you to show up and be received.
