Defeating Doubts: Dos and Don’ts

“Doubting yourself is normal. Letting it stop you is a choice.”
– Mel Robbins

Self-doubt is an inherent part of the human condition. Every one of us—even the most successful leaders, including presidents, scientists, writers, and artists—has heard that vexing internal voice convincing us that we alone suffer such savage second-guessing.

However, if you take a step back to understand why you feel this way, you can put it in a healthier perspective and flip the switch from self-doubt to self-confidence. Consider these dos and don’ts the next time you feel the urge to be overly self-critical as a business leader.

Don’t worry about what other people think

Some of the most successful entrepreneurs were scoffed at and told their ideas wouldn’t work. Block out any external negativity and stick to your vision for your company, as they did.

Don’t get lost in negative thoughts

While you may face mental slings and arrows from other people, more often than not, they actually come from the mirror. Feeding yourself negative thoughts can lead to second-guessing, decision-making paralysis, and even depression about your abilities. Pump up your positivity by immersing yourself instead in the wisdom of motivational leaders such as Mel Robbins.

Don’t underestimate yourself

Being in your position, you have a high level of knowledge about your industry. But that can also lead to the Dunning-Kruger effect, which posits that the more you know, the more likely you are to doubt your competence and vice versa. This can also open the door to self-awareness about how much you don’t know (which can lead to the next mental hurdle).

Don’t fall prey to imposter syndrome

Have you ever felt like what you’ve accomplished is one big lie or that you’ve pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes with your success? If so, you may be experiencing this condition, which is more prevalent than ever thanks to social media. However, you’re where you are for a reason—you’ve earned your achievements.

Don’t compare accomplishments or traits

It’s been said that comparison is the thief of joy, and that is also true in business. Getting preoccupied with someone else’s $200 million business can distract you from running and growing your own successful $100 million business. Likewise, your peers may be more polished or exude more confidence, but that doesn’t negate your value as an entrepreneur. Focus on yourself, and you’ll achieve your goals for growth before you know it.

Don’t fear failure

Nobody wants to fail, but dreading it can cause your business to lose momentum and never reach its full potential. The best leaders see failure as an opportunity to both learn and grow. For example, many people consider Michael Jordan to be the greatest athlete ever, and yet even he revealed, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Don’t focus on what went wrong

Every business experiences bumps and potholes on the road to success. It’s up to you to determine whether those obstacles become roadblocks that halt your company’s growth or challenges you can use to make it even stronger.

Do know that everyone has doubts

You’re not the only one who doesn’t know everything. Actually, nobody does—it’s that simple. As a leader, you should strive to be a lifelong learner so you can ensure you continue to improve and develop your skills.

Do remember your “why”

Always keep your purpose for doing this venture top of mind, as well as any other prior successes you’ve had. You’re not in this position of power by accident, after all.

Do surround yourself with the right people

Assemble a team of trustworthy cohorts. Such people are invaluable because they can both lift you up and offer constructive—not destructive—criticism when appropriate. Their expertise also means that you don’t have to be the go-to for everything in your business. And when you don’t have to stress about holding all the responsibilities, your self-doubt will melt away.

Do be patient

Successful businesses are usually built slowly from the ground up. The same often holds true for building confidence, so take it step-by-step, enjoy the journey as much as the destination, and celebrate each victory—big and small—along the way.

Do be realistic

It may be in your entrepreneurial nature to want to control everything, but such a goal is simply not possible (and it never will be). Thinking otherwise can lead to self-scrutiny of your leadership skills. Focus instead on what you want to accomplish and the best ways to lead your team there.

Do be authentic

As a leader, the temptation is to put on appearances, especially that you’re infallible, unflappable, and all-knowing. But it shows more leadership, not less, to admit you don’t have every answer—and that if that’s the case, you’ll find it. Such authenticity and vulnerability will be well received and reciprocated, and you’ll feel great about yourself and your abilities.

Confidence can conquer insecurity, even if the latter never disappears entirely. When you can control your self-doubt instead of letting it control you, forge a healthier mental perspective, and readjust your thinking to focus on your strengths as a leader, your self-assurance will flourish—and so will your business.

TAKE ACTION:
Take ten to fifteen minutes to write down all your strengths as a leader, and keep the list handy during times of doubt.