It begins with a single thought and over time if that negative pattern persists, you find yourself drowning in the pool of self-doubt. Self-doubt, a harmful adversary, infiltrates the minds of many in today’s hyper-connected and digitally saturated world, similar to a persistent shadow that casts doubt on one’s abilities and worth. In this era of incessant digital comparison, where social media only sheds light on people’s versions of success, overcoming self-doubt becomes imperative for maintaining mental well-being.

What causes self-doubt?

Self-doubt often originates from a distorted self-perception, with its severity increased by relentless exposure to meticulously crafted online personas. The fear of falling short of societal expectations, fueled by digital highlights of others’ achievements, has the potential to kill our confidence and trigger feelings of self-doubt.

How to overcome self-doubt?

Overcoming self-doubt can be a beautiful feeling. It can give you a renewed sense of self confidence and motivate you to push your limits. Health Shots got in touch with pyschiatrist Dr Ankita Priydarshini to understand some effective tips to overcome self-doubt.

1. Cultivate self-awareness

“One should be encouraged to embark on a journey of self-reflection, exploring their strengths and accomplishments. Fostering a realistic self-perception allows for the acknowledgement of personal growth and achievements, serving as a powerful counterbalance to the negative narrative of self-doubt,” says the expert.

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When you become aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you can take charge of your mind. You can see the good parts of yourself and start embracing them to move on sure-footed in life

2. Limit social media comparisons

One should emphasize that the digital depictions often encountered present only a fraction of reality. Social media glitters from the outside and tends to make one feel inferior in the face of all the success that’s showcased on such platforms. Dr Priydarshini says, “By consciously limiting exposure to comparative content, you can mitigate the impact of unrealistic standards”.

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3. Set realistic goals

Collaborate with individuals to establish not just goals but achievable, realistic milestones. Breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks not only promotes a tangible sense of accomplishment but also significantly diminishes feelings of inadequacy.

4. Practice self-compassion

“One should adopt self-compassion as a potential counterforce to self-doubt. You must realize the importance of treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you might extend to a friend facing challenges, thus inculcating a nurturing inner dialogue,” says the expert.

5. Celebrate progress, not perfection

It’s always about falling in love with the journey and not the destination. Understand the importance of acknowledging incremental progress. By celebrating the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination, you can cultivate a positive mindset and counteract the all-or-nothing thinking associated with self-doubt.

6. Engage in self-care

The expert comments, “There is no doubt about the significance of self-care routines that nurture both physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and engaging in activities that bring joy contribute to a resilient mindset and act as buffers against the corrosive effects of self-doubt”.

7. Challenge negative thoughts

Equip yourself with the tools to identify and challenge negative thoughts associated with self-doubt. By examining the evidence supporting or refuting these thoughts, you can reframe your perceptions and build a more balanced self-view.

8. Seek professional support

Recognize the immense value of seeking professional help when self-doubt becomes an overwhelming force. To navigate negative thought patterns and foster resilience in the face of external pressures, psychiatric support plays a pivotal role in the journey toward self-empowerment by providing the right guidance and support.