From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: How to Stop Second-Guessing Yourself
A few years ago (and sometimes still today), I was (or am) trapped in a cycle of overthinking. Every decision—big or small—felt like a make-or-break moment. Should I stay in my stable corporate job or quit? Should I move to a new city or stick to what I know? The fear of making the ‘wrong’ choice kept me paralysed.
Self-doubt can be exhausting. It sneaks into your thoughts, whispers “What if you fail?” and convinces you that you’re not good enough. But here’s the truth: self-trust isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.
If you’re struggling to trust yourself, here’s how to shift your mindset and finally break free from self-doubt.
1. Recognise Where Self-Doubt Comes From
Self-doubt often comes from external conditioning—societal expectations, childhood experiences, or past failures. The first step to overcoming it is realising that those thoughts aren’t yours—they were planted in your mind by someone else.
💡 Try This: Write down 3 doubts you have about yourself. Then, ask: Whose voice is this? Where did this belief come from? Bringing awareness to these patterns helps you break free from them.
2. Stop Overthinking & Start Taking Action
Your brain loves certainty. That’s why you overthink—you’re trying to predict the ‘right’ choice before making a move. But self-trust doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from doing.
💡 Try This: Next time you catch yourself spiralling in overthinking, set a 5-second rule: Count down from 5 and take immediate action on your decision. The more you practice, the stronger your confidence will grow.
3. Reframe Fear as Growth
Self-doubt often shows up as fear: What if I fail? What if I regret this? But fear is just a sign that you’re stepping into something new. Instead of seeing it as a stop sign, reframe it as proof that you’re growing.
💡 Try This: Every time you feel self-doubt, pause and ask: Is this fear trying to protect me, or is it guiding me towards growth?
4. Keep Promises to Yourself
The fastest way to build self-trust? Follow through on what you say you’ll do. Even small commitments—like waking up when your alarm goes off or finishing a workout—train your brain to believe in yourself.
💡 Try This: Set 1 small promise to yourself today (e.g., “I will take a 10-minute walk”). Do it. Repeat daily.
5. Shift From “What If I Fail?” to “What If It Works?”
Most self-doubt is rooted in worst-case-scenario thinking. But what if, instead of assuming failure, you assumed success?
💡 Try This: Write down one fear that’s been holding you back. Then, write down 3 possible positive outcomes instead. Your brain needs evidence that things can work out for you.
Final Thoughts
Self-trust isn’t built overnight—but with small mindset shifts and daily actions, it gets stronger. The more you trust yourself, the less you need external validation.
✨ Ready to break free from self-doubt? My Conscious Growth Coaching sessions are designed to help you gain clarity and confidence in your life decisions. Let’s chat!
x Mimi
