“If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” Mahatma Gandhi
This quote made me realise that there are times when I know when I feel I can really achieve something I can do it, but sometimes when my positive self-talking has abandoned me, I feel my confidence waning, or feel overwhelmed at the thought of just getting started.
I remember when I started my MBA. I felt scared, apprehensive and that I had been an idiot to even think that I could even consider studying at that level. I felt everyone else in the room was much more able than I was. I doubted myself and my abilities, and was daunted at the prospect of the huge challenges ahead. I had to believe that I could do it, and that somehow, I would develop the capacity to get through my Masters even if I didn’t feel able to or fully equipped at the time.
What I learned from this was that I did do it! I grew in confidence because I had stepped way outside of my comfort zone into the unknown, and this new territory became familiar, and which began to feel comfortable.
This and many other experiences have helped me when coaching and mentoring my clients. Sometimes we just need someone to hold our hand.
How can you overcome that feeling of doubt?
Here are some strategies I use and offer my clients which I would like to share with you?
- Ask yourself truthfully if you want to achieve your goal or project
- Write down what it is that you need to do to achieve this
- List the strengths you know you have that specifically relate to the goal or project
- Think about the areas you feel unskilled in or fear the most, and see how you can use your strengths listed above to counteract those weaknesses or fears
- Lastly work on those personal positive affirmations to keep you focused and use positive self-talking