What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is struggling with self-doubt? Share a personal experience where you overcame a similar challenge.

Question

Unlocking the secrets to conquering self-doubt, this article presents a collection of practical tips rooted in expert wisdom. Distilling the essence of overcoming internal barriers, it arms readers with strategies to bolster confidence and actualize potential. The guidance compiled here is a distillation of experience from those who have mastered the art of silencing the inner critic.

Kristie Tse · Answer

One piece of advice I always give to someone struggling with self-doubt is to remember that growth exists outside of your comfort zone.
Self-doubt has a way of convincing us that we aren't capable or deserving, but in truth, just showing up for ourselves is an act of courage. I faced my own struggles with self-doubt during graduate school when I questioned whether I truly belonged in the program. The coursework was rigorous, and I kept comparing myself to peers who appeared so confident and accomplished. One day, I decided to focus on my progress rather than perfection. I started celebrating small victories—completing assignments, engaging in meaningful conversations, and asking for help when I needed it.
Over time, those small steps built my confidence. Self-doubt doesn't disappear overnight, but with self-compassion and dedication, it will diminish. Trust in your ability to grow and evolve; you don't have to be perfect, you just have to persevere.

Audrey Schoen · Answer

One key piece of advice I often give is to take intentional action based on knowledge rather than fear. When I was struggling with financial anxiety in entrepreneurship, I realized that simply understanding my numbers—what I call the "good, better, and best" financial markers—helped to ground me. By regularly checking in with my financial situation, I was able to make informed decisions that aligned with my business goals and personal well-being.
Personally, I faced a challenge when imposter syndrome crept in as my practice grew. The turning point was embracing that even seasoned therapists experience self-doubt and that growth often accompanies imposter syndrome. By consistently sharing these vulnerabilities with a trusted network and focusing on my clients' positive outcomes, I was able to rebuild confidence and see imposter syndrome as a natural part of my development.
For anyone battling self-doubt, aligning financial markers with your personal values can be empowering. Breaking down goals into manageable steps and understanding your emotional and financial relationship with your business can provide clarity and purpose, fostering resilience and the ability to challenge self-doubt effectively.

Kym Tolson · Answer

Self-doubt can be a major barrier, especially when venturing into something new. As someone who transitioned from a traditional therapy model to leading an online, insurance-based practice while becoming a digital nomad, I had my share of self-doubt.
One pivotal moment was developing my course, "DIY Insurance Billing for Private Practice." I worried whether I was qualified enough to teach other professionals, but seeing over 950 clinicians benefit from it affirmed my capability. The key was leaning into my expertise and letting the positive feedback from those I've helped drive me forward.
I suggest starting by recognizing your inherent skills and identifying small victories that bolster confidence. Engage in projects aligning with your strengths. For me, creating a community called "Bill Like A Boss" to support therapists reinforced my value and helped me overcome self-doubt by actively using my skills to make a real difference.

Anne Marie White · Answer

In my experience as a therapist, I've found that self-doubt can often be a persistent internal narrative, holding individuals back from their true potential. One strategy that has been transformative for my clients and myself is cultivating mindfulness. By practicing mindfulness, I've learned to observe self-critical thoughts without attachment, allowing them to pass rather than letting them dictate my actions. A client of mine, battling self-doubt in their professional life, successfully used mindfulness to differentiate between realistic self-assessment and unproductive self-criticism, eventually gaining the confidence to pursue a leadership role.
I also emphasize the importance of leveraging one's support system. During a period when I felt overwhelmed by self-doubt, I actively sought feedback from trusted colleagues and family members. Their objective perspectives helped me see strengths I had overlooked. Additionally, by identifying personal strengths and unique qualities, my clients can start to shift the focus from what's lacking to what they already possess. For instance, incorporating strength-based exercises in sessions regularly results in clients acknowledging their innate resilience and capabilities, which they previously doubted. This shift in perspective is powerful in overcoming self-doubt.

Lauren Hogsett Steele · Answer

Self-doubt often arises from trauma stored in the body and mind, which can distort our perception of self-worth. One approach that helped me address my self-doubt was diving into somatic therapy to connect with those deep-seated emotions physically. By acknowledging and releasing these emotions, I gained clarity and began to silence the critical voices within me.
A specific technique I use and recommend is the Safe and Sound Protocol, a method designed to help reset the nervous system. One client, who struggled with self-doubt stemming from childhood neglect, experienced a remarkable shift in her self-perception after incorporating this approach. She found an underlying source of her self-doubt and gradually cultivated a kinder inner dialogue.
Additionally, the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach allows us to recognize the distinct parts of our identity that contribute to self-doubt. I worked with a client to map out these parts, which revealed an inner critic deeply rooted in past failures. By engaging compassionately with this critic, the client fostered a more balanced and confident self-view, illustrating the power of self-acceptance in overcoming doubt.

Bayu Prihandito · Answer

Remind yourself that self-doubt is just a feeling; it is not a fact or reflection of who you really are or what you're capable of. Feelings naturally come and go, but often when doubt creeps in, we mistakenly accept them as reliable indicators of our worth or abilities. Acknowledging that these uncomfortable feelings are temporary will help you prevent them from taking control or holding you back.
When I was starting to build my coaching business, I began questioning if I was capable or experienced enough to help others effectively. The doubts felt intense and real, and it was tempting to see them as proof that I wasn't ready. Stepping back mentally and recognizing these concerns as passing feelings allowed me to gain perspective: I could observe the emotion, but it didn't dictate my decisions. Instead, I refocused on practical steps I could take immediately: like scheduling a session with a client or preparing course materials. After making progress, I realized that the intense self-doubt passed just like any other temporary emotion.
The moment you see self-doubt as normal, temporary, and separate from hard facts about your worth and skill, you take away much of its influence and open yourself up to action and growth.

Linda Kocieniewski · Answer

When struggling with self-doubt, one thing I always emphasize is the power of reframing your mindset. In my years as an EMDR therapist, I've watched clients transform their lives by addressing underlying trauma and rewiring how they respond to triggers. EMDR helps clients move from paralysis by doubt to confidence, encouraging a proactive approach to tackling challenges.
Reflecting on my own experience, when I first became certified in EMDR, I faced significant self-doubt about my ability to facilitate others' healing. I reminded myself of my training and past successes, focusing on each moment where I had successfully aided a client through their recovery journey. This reinforced my belief in my competence and was crucial in overcoming my self-doubt.
I recommend identifying and challenging specific negative beliefs about your capabilities. For instance, during sessions, some clients have redirected self-doubt into action by acknowledging their small wins through techniques like visualization, which builds a gradual but impactful bridge to confidence. The collaborative journey back to building self-assurance is key—whether with a therapist or through supportive communities—to overcoming self-doubt.

Dr. Rosanna Gilderthorp · Answer

Self-doubt can be debilitating, but it's crucial to tackle it head-on. As a Clinical Psychologist, I've worked extensively with individuals facing significant life changes, and self-doubt often plays a major role. With 15 years of experience helping parents navigate the challenges of perinatal mental health, I've learned that recognizing and addressing emotions like shame and self-doubt early can make a significant difference.
Personally, one of my biggest struggles was dealing with severe pregnancy sickness while trying to maintain my professional identity. This experience taught me to lean into my values and seek supportive feedback from people I trusted. One effective strategy I used was writing compassionate letters to myself, where I imagined advice from a kind, non-judgmental mentor. This allowed me to counteract the negative voice of self-doubt with compassion and empathy.
For anyone struggling, I recommend finding concrete ways to reach out to others and gather positive feedback. Engage in activities that generate small wins, such as compassionate exercises or physical activities that lift your mood. Understanding that self-doubt is a natural response, and having strategies in place to mitigate it, empowers you to build resilience and maintain focus on personal growth.

Bambi Rattner, Psy.D · Answer

Self-doubt often creeps in when we believe our internal critics more than we trust our own capabilities. One strategy I've found effective in overcoming this is through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). After my EMDR training, I realized the power of accessing deep-seated beliefs and changing them rapidly. For a client who was once paralyzed by self-doubt due to early childhood criticisms, EMDR accelerated her journey towards self-acceptance. She went from avoiding challenges to embracing new opportunities confidently.
In my practice, I've seen how important it is for individuals to challenge their negative thoughts with hard evidence. I advise clients to create a "facts list" when self-doubt arises—documenting past wins, compliments received, or skills mastered. In my own career, whenever doubt arises, I remind myself of the various successful interventions I've facilitated. This tangible list serves as proof of capabilities and combats the emotional weight of self-doubt.
Additionally, I advocate for the Intensive Model of therapy to bring quick, sustainable changes. Spending concentrated time on one's issues allows not only for faster healing but also helps build resilience against doubt. During my Intensive Trauma Retreats, clients often experience breakthroughs that spark profound confidence, allowing them to refute self-doubt by witnessing their own progress in real-time. It's a reminder that doubt doesn't define one's potential; action and proof do.

Logan Jones, Psy.D · Answer

When self-doubt creeps in, I find it's crucial to shift focus towards recognizing and celebrating strengths. In my work with clients, I've seen how imposter syndrome can paralyze even the most accomplished individuals. One actionable strategy is keeping a "success folder"—a collection of positive feedback and achievements. This tangible reminder of your capabilities can serve as a powerful tool to counteract feelings of inadequacy.
Personally, I faced self-doubt early in my career, particularly when I started supervising a team of therapists at Clarity Therapy NYC. The responsibility was daunting, and I questioned if I was truly qualified. I leaned into my psychodynamic and mindfulness training to gain clarity and assurance. By embracing the discomfort and turning it into a learning opportunity, I gradually built confidence in my leadership abilities.
Talking openly about self-doubt with a trusted confidant or therapist can also be transformative. This vulnerability not only lessens the power of your doubts but invites supportive feedback. By sharing my fears with colleagues, I found they experienced similar challenges, which normalized my feelings and provided a sense of community and support.

Libby Murdoch · Answer

When struggling with self-doubt, one impactful approach is to harness the power of your brain and body connection. I specialize in EMDR and Resilience Focused EMDR therapies, where I help clients rewire their nervous systems to shift ingrained patterns of self-doubt. By targeting the root causes of these feelings—often buried in past experiences—I empower individuals to reprocess memories and reduce emotional triggers.
In my practice, I encountered a client who was trapped in a cycle of self-doubt stemming from early career setbacks. Through EMDR intensive therapy, we identified and reprocessed those formative memories, helping them rebuild confidence and accept new opportunities without fear. This experience taught me how crucial it is to address the underlying causes of self-doubt rather than just its symptoms.
On a personal note, I've faced similar challenges as a recovering perfectionist. By developing Psychological CPR—an approach that focuses on using body-based techniques—I learned to respond differently to stress and self-doubt. These strategies enable me to remain present and self-assured, offering the clarity needed to pursue professional and personal goals without the shadow of doubt holding me back.

Thomas Hlubin · Answer

My advice: Everyone is deeply insecure in some way or another. While some people can surely hide it, many cannot. You should know that you are not alone in your self-doubt. In fact, every single person you have ever looked up to or admired has also experienced high amounts of self-doubt in some capacity. It is just a part of human nature. We simply cannot escape it.
A personal experience I had where I overcame self-doubt was during the process of creating MentalHealthTests.com. You see, I have been making websites since 2015, and all of them but one have been successful. So, I have made about 200 sites over the years with only one success. Still, in my mind, that one success was everything! Therefore, reminding myself of my past successes as I venture into a new project has helped me to remain sedulous throughout these early stages. The fear of failure is always there in the back of my mind: the fear of wasted time, of wasted money, and of wasted effort. But there is also that "what if?" part of it, too. You never truly know what is going to happen. Therefore, you just have to try. Just trying alone builds confidence insofar as you never give up.

Sylvie Di Giusto · Answer

Self-doubt has a way of distorting reality. It convinces you that what makes you different makes you less than. It suggests that your weaknesses are obstacles rather than opportunities. But what if the very thing you're insecure about is actually your greatest strength? What if the trait you're trying to suppress is the one thing that sets you apart? Too often, we spend energy trying to fix what makes us unique, instead of realizing that it's our greatest advantage. I learned this firsthand when I struggled with one of my biggest insecurities years ago—my accent.
I was invited to appear on a television segment early in my career. Sitting alongside seasoned political experts, I felt completely out of place. Their eloquence, their vocabulary—it all felt leagues ahead of mine. And all I could hear when I watched myself on screen evening after evening was my accent. I was convinced it made me sound less credible, less polished, less expert.
One night, at the holiday party, I finally confronted the producer about it. I pointed to my lips, signaling my self-doubt, and asked about my accent, "Why do you keep inviting me back?" His response changed everything. "Because you sound like an international expert," he said. And he added, "You explain things so simply, in a way that people actually understand you, while they don't understand the others."
That moment flipped my perspective and my trajectory. What I saw as my greatest weakness was actually my differentiator. My accent wasn't a limitation—it was a signal of my global experience, my unique voice, my ability to break down complex ideas into something universally understood.
If you're struggling with self-doubt, ask yourself: What if the thing you're most insecure about is actually your greatest strength? Because more often than not, the thing that makes you different is the very thing that makes you stand out.

Susye Weng-Reeder · Answer

Self-doubt often stems from deep-rooted fears and limiting beliefs that we internalized in childhood. One of the most powerful ways to overcome self-doubt is through inner child healing. The way we speak to ourselves matters--self-love begins when we replace critical self-talk with compassion, patience, and encouragement.
I experienced this firsthand when I had to rebuild my life from the ground up--twice. When the Tubbs Wildfire destroyed my high school, I didn't just lose a job--I lost stability, community, and my sense of direction. At the same time, I went through a divorce, forcing me to start over completely. With no roadmap forward, I had to pivot my entire career, transitioning from education to tech. Years later, after experiencing mass tech industry layoffs, I had to reinvent myself again--this time as an author, digital creator, and Google-Verified Internet Personality.
At every stage, self-doubt crept in, making me question my worth and abilities. The turning point? Realizing that my doubts weren't truly mine. They were echoes of past fears, childhood conditioning, and societal expectations. Inner child healing helped me break free--by reprogramming my mindset, releasing outdated beliefs, and practicing radical self-love, I was finally able to step into my power and create a life beyond my imagination.
This journey inspired me to write my third book, "Self-Love for Women on the Twin Flame Journey," under my author name S. M. Weng. Alongside my other books, "Inner Child Healing" and "Empath and Psychic Powers Awakened," this work is part of my mission to empower others through self-discovery and transformation.
If you're struggling with imposter syndrome, negative self-talk, or fear of failure, know that healing is possible. The way you speak to yourself today can shape the version of you that thrives tomorrow.
Your transformation starts within.

Kelsey Thompson, LMFT · Answer

When facing self-doubt, I emphasize the importance of self-reflection. Reflecting on your strengths and past accomplishments can provide clarity and reinforce your self-worth. For example, in my work with girls who had been sex trafficked at Courage Worldwide, I witnessed the power of reflection in building resilience. These young women, despite their trauma, learned to recognize their strengths and use them as a foundation for rebuilding their lives.
I also recommend exploring new activities that challenge you in positive ways. While working at Recovery Happens, I encouraged clients to engage in hobbies that fostered personal growth without involving substances. This approach not only helped them gain confidence but also provided them with a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Lastly, seeking support from a therapist can be invaluable. During my time at Next Move Homeless Services, I saw how a strong therapeutic relationship could help individuals overcome self-doubt by developing emotional regulation and coping mechanisms. Therapy can be a space to safely explore and challenge self-doubt, leading to personal growth and improved mental health.

Traci Pirri · Answer

When struggling with self-doubt, I remind myself of the strengths and resources I've accumulated over the years. For instance, when my family was faced with my father-in-law's spinal cord injury, I had to draw from my professional experiences—working with medical professionals and managing my own practice—despite the overwhelming uncertainty. This process of taking inventory of past successes gave me confidence.
I advocate for practicing mindfulness and staying grounded. During challenging periods in my life, I practice being present and focusing on what I can tangibly change rather than spiraling into worry. For example, I learned to balance my professional aspirations with my personal life by focusing on authenticity and allowing room for both success and family presence.
To overcome self-doubt, I suggest building on existing strengths and seeking support from your community. In times of crisis, reaching out for help from friends, neighbors, or even professional networks has been crucial for me, like the support we received when my father-in-law needed care. We often underestimate the power of asking for help and connecting with others.

16 Tips for Overcoming Self-Doubt

Table of Contents

16 Tips for Overcoming Self-Doubt

Remember Growth Exists Outside Your Comfort Zone

Take Intentional Action Based on Knowledge

Recognize Your Skills and Small Victories

Cultivate Mindfulness and Leverage Your Support System

Address Self-Doubt Through Somatic Therapy

Acknowledge Self-Doubt as a Temporary Feeling

Reframe Your Mindset to Overcome Self-Doubt

Tackle Self-Doubt Head-On with Compassion

Challenge Negative Thoughts with Hard Evidence

Celebrate Strengths and Keep a Success Folder

Harness the Brain and Body Connection

Know Everyone Experiences Self-Doubt

Turn Insecurities Into Strengths

Heal Self-Doubt Through Inner Child Healing

Reflect on Strengths and Past Accomplishments

Draw from Past Successes and Seek Support

Up Next