3 Reasons You Should Have Self-doubt

Do you sometimes have feelings of self-doubt?

At times, we all experience feelings of self-doubt, a lack of confidence or imposter-syndrome. That’s pretty common in today’s fast-paced world.

There are so many changes happening in both business and personal life. We have different ways of doing business because of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with insecurity of our future. We might question ourselves if we’re doing the right thing or whether we can keep up with the changes.

Self-doubt can be debilitating. It can weaken our resolve to accomplish our goals because we think we can’t do it. And as Henry Ford once said:

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” - Henry Ford

It’s important to believe in our ability to do something.

But are there benefits from self-doubt?

Here are 3 reasons self-doubt can have a positive effect to help you accomplish your goals and turn that accomplishment into confidence.

Reason 1 — It keeps you humble

Self-doubt can keep you humble. A humble person considers the work more important than themselves and doesn’t overestimate their own abilities.

To a humble person, solving a problem is more important than taking the credit. Self-doubt can help you focus your attention on finding creative solutions.

In a 1981 survey, 93% of US drivers said that they were ‘above average’. By overestimating their driving skills, they’re unlikely to improve, and insurance rates will continue to increase. A little self-doubt could cause them to work on improving their driving.

Over-confidence causes quick decisions, and often poor ones.

If you have self-doubt, you’re not alone. Everyone has self-doubt, even when they appear confident and sure of themselves. Tony Robbins says “confidence is not something you have, it’s something you create”.

Knowing that most people have some level of self-doubt and you can create your confidence, teaches you you’re okay.

You don’t have to be perfect, because no one is.

Reason 2 — You take it seriously

If you’re nervous and have self-doubts, it’s because the work is important to you.

Self-doubt causes you to slow down and learn. This makes for improved performance and better results.

Imagine you have a new job as a school bus driver. Today is the first day of school and you begin picking up students. The bus is getting full and you’re driving in traffic. You may have self-doubts as a new driver, but you’ll be extra careful to get them to school safely. Why? Because it’s important.

Self-doubt makes you careful, accurate and focussed.

Reason 3 — You recognize personal imperfection

Self-doubt reminds us we’re not perfect. No one is. You may need to learn more to do your work better.

When you doubt your ability to do a job, you examine yourself carefully and see where you can improve. When you have a strong desire to get the job done, you’ll work hard to improve any areas of personal weakness. The key is having a strong desire to do the job.

Think about the words of Napoleon Hill:

“When your desires are strong enough, you will appear to possess superhuman powers to achieve.” ― Napoleon Hill

A strong desire to accomplish your goal will give you the drive to work hard, despite your personal imperfections.

The benefits

So can you really benefit from self-doubt?

Yes, you can, but it requires something of you.

Be humble. When you have doubts, see them as opportunities for learning something new. Maybe you’ve never done something before so you think you can’t do it. Remember that everyone starts in the same place. We all do something for the first time.

Be serious. When you feel self-doubt, take it as an opportunity to focus on the task and take it seriously. When you eliminate the constant distractions around you, you will do your best. Think like a new school bus driver.

Be imperfect. It’s okay to be imperfect. We all are. Occasions of self-doubt are opportunities to become more self-aware and find areas for improvement. Your desire is strong enough to find workarounds for your imperfection.

A little self-doubt is okay, as long as it doesn’t slow you down.

Confidence comes from action.