Overcoming self doubt, Worry and fear
Nrs. Abani Bernadette Amarachi
On 26thJuly,2023.
INTRODUCTION
Life can be unpredictable, and there is a lot going on in the world. Feelings of self doubt, worry and fear are perfectly natural. However, worrying constantly or excessively about what ‘may’ happen can get you stuck in a cycle of harmful thoughts and behaviors.
We all experience feelings of self-doubt from time to time, whether we are starting a new job, taking a test, or playing a sport. That’s perfectly normal.
A certain low level of self-criticism can be a good source of motivation. It use may inspire you to work harder and hone your skills to increase your confidence. But too much doubt, worry and fear can hold you from performing well and reaching your full potential.
WHAT IS SELF-DOUBT?
Self-doubt is a lack of confidence regarding yourself and your abilities. It’s a mindset that holds you back from succeeding and believing in yourself.
self-doubt can also mean experiencing feelings of uncertainty about one or more aspects of yourself.
William Shakespeare once said, “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we often might win, by fearing to attempt.” Basically, that means doubt makes us quit.
WHAT IS WORRY?
The Term “worry” refers to a state of anxiety or unease about potential problems or uncertainties, typically concerning the future. It involves dwelling on negative thoughts and apprehensions, often related to things that are beyond one’s control. Worrying can lead to emotional distress, stress, and even physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches.
Worrying is a natural human response to challenging situations or perceived threats, but excessive or chronic worrying can be detrimental to one’s well-being. It may interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.
WHAT IS FEAR?
The term “Fear” is a strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion or feeling caused by actual or perceived danger or threat. Fear comes in many forms. Fear can come in procrastination, professionalism, insecurities , social rejection, physical threat, Resistance and fear of failure.
No matter the form or type of fear, all fear are just illusion of the mind. Fear only exist to you in your mind and there is a purpose of fear. The practical purpose of fear is protecting you from the unknown, what’s New and What’s happening around you. Basically anything new and unknown is going to Be scary because you don’t know what is going to happen or if it’s going to hurt you or not and that’s why you feel fear. As human being it is normal to feel fear but don’t let your fear control you that is the choice you have got to make.
FEAR: False Evidence Against Reality .
HOW TO OVERCOME SELF- DOUBT, WORRY AND FEAR
Overcoming self-doubt, worry and fear is a common struggle that many people face at various points in their lives. It is important to remember that these emotions are normal and experienced by most individuals. Here are some strategies to help you work through them:
RECOGNIZE AND ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR EMOTIONS: The first step in dealing with self-doubt, worry and fear is to recognize and accept that you are experiencing these feelings. Avoid suppressing or denying them; instead, allow yourself to feel them fully.
IDENTIFY THE SOURCE: Try to understand the root cause of your self-doubt, worry or fear. Are there specific triggers or patterns that lead to these emotions? Identifying the source can help you address the underlying issues.
CHALLENGE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS: Self-doubt, worry and fear often stem from negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself or the future. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself if there is evidence to support them or if they are simply unfounded assumptions.
PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would to a friend who is going through a difficult time. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and experiences setbacks; it’s a natural part of being human.
SET REALISTIC GOALS: Unrealistic expectations can fuel self-doubt and worry. Set achievable goals for yourself, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS: Shift your focus from your perceived weaknesses to your strengths and accomplishments. Recognize the positive aspects of yourself and your abilities.
LIMIT EXPOSURE TO NEGATIVITY: Be mindful of the content you consume, especially on social media. Surround yourself with positive and supportive influences that inspire and uplift you.
TAKE SMALL STEPS: If fear is holding you back from pursuing something important to you, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Taking small steps can make the process less overwhelming.
SEEK SUPPORT: Share your feelings with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist. Talking about your emotions can provide relief and offer a different perspective on your situation.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES:
Engage in mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Face your fears gradually. Engage in activities that push you slightly outside your comfort zone, helping you build resilience and confidence.
LEARN FROM PAST EXPERIENCES: Reflect on past situations where you doubted yourself or felt fearful. Consider what you learned from those experiences and how they can guide you in the present.
MANAGEMENT OF SELF DOUBT:
Overcoming self-doubt often involves building self-confidence, challenging negative thoughts and beliefs, setting realistic goals, and recognizing and celebrating one’s achievements. Seeking support from friends, family, or a professional counselor can also be beneficial in addressing and managing self-doubt. Remember that self-doubt is not a reflection of your true abilities or worth; it’s a temporary emotional state that can be managed and transformed with time and effort.
MANAGEMENT OF FEAR :
It is important to note that fear is a normal and adaptive emotion that can help protect us from real dangers. However, excessive or irrational fear can be problematic and may require attention and management.
Dealing with fear in daily life involves acknowledging and understanding the sources of fear, seeking support from loved ones, employing coping strategies, and, if needed, seeking professional help from therapists or counselors to address any persistent and overwhelming fears. Learning to manage fear can lead to personal growth, increased resilience, and improved overall well-being.
MANAGEMENT OF WORRY:
Addressing worries and concerns in a healthy way involves acknowledging and understanding the source of the worry, evaluating the likelihood and severity of the feared outcome, and finding constructive ways to cope with or mitigate the perceived risks. Techniques such as mindfulness, problem-solving strategies, seeking support from others, or engaging in relaxation exercises can help manage worry and reduce its negative impact.
SUMMARY
Remember that overcoming self-doubt, fear, and worry is a process that takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you find it challenging to cope on your own. A therapist or counselor can offer guidance and support in navigating these emotions and developing coping strategies.
In addition ,If you are suffering from self doubt, fear and worries while others are intimated by your full potential. If your past self could see where you’re at today, Think of how impressed they would be.
One of the greatest ways you can overcome self doubt, fear and worry is to realize how far you have come.
Maybe you are not exactly where you want to be but you are a lot better than where you were. And the key is to wake up, put one foot in front of the other, keep moving, keep growing and trust in God.
We are all beautifully and wondering made by God.
Thanks for reading 😊
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