How many times has the self doubt in you has your inner self asked you,
‘Chahta kya hai tu?’
What do you want in life?
And how many times were you able to answer it? That answer is what we are supposed to seek and pursue in life. That self-awareness will only be found after climbing a mountain of self-doubt.
Let’s start slow.
You Are Not Alone
First of all, you are not alone. Yayy!
Self-doubt is a common human experience. People who are struggling indeed have their doubts to clarify, society to prove, and validation to seek. According to a study, 70% of people experience Imposter Syndrome—a condition where people who have achieved significant success by worldly measures have a constant fear of being exposed as frauds.
The Key to Overcoming Self-Doubt
But what if I told you that the key to overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome lies in self-awareness?
“I thought I’m an artist,
Only to realize I’m an amateur.
I thought I was learning,
Only to realize I am naive.
I thought I was happy,
Only to realize I forgot my sorrows.
I thought I was alone,
Only to realize I was lonely.”
—Harmony
This particular feeling of ambiguity and the fog of self-doubt can only be overcome with the dawn of self-awareness.
The Science Behind Self-Doubt
When a person experiences self-doubt, the amygdala and prefrontal cortex become activated, heightening feelings of anxiety and insecurity. One neurological solution is to create dopamine, which helps subdue these feelings of insecurity.
What Can You Do?
A therapist might suggest setting small goals and achieving them, providing a reward signal to the brain and helping you overcome self-doubt.
What would your friend say?
“Grab a drink and forget about it.”
While alcohol and drugs satisfy the brain’s need for dopamine, they come at a cost. These substances flood the brain with dopamine, giving the illusion of relief, but they can harm your lifestyle. This temporary fix can lead to addiction, as the brain becomes dependent on external sources of dopamine rather than healthier, sustainable solutions.
Here are the 5 ways to actually overcome self-doubt.
5 Ways to Overcome Self-Doubt
1. Assess What Makes You Happy
Take a moment to think about what truly lights you up. It could be anything from a good book to dancing in your pajamas. Happiness is personal – find yours and own it!
2. Be Curious
Ask questions, explore new things, and let your curiosity take the wheel. Who knows? You might stumble upon something that surprises you. Curiosity didn’t kill the cat – it gave it nine lives!
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
3. Reward Yourself as You Achieve It
Celebrate those small wins! Every little goal completed is a victory. A pat on the back or a treat – your brain will thank you for it. After all, who doesn’t love a good celebration?
Take a break, Take a KitKat
Cadbury, Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye
4. Make These Your Hobbies
Turn what you enjoy into something you can do regularly. It’s the best way to keep the dopamine flowing. Hobbies aren’t just pastimes – they’re brain fuel!
5. Experience the Change
Feel the shift as you start building healthier habits. It’s not magic; it’s your brain rewiring itself. Small changes, big results – it’s like a makeover for your mind!
Do This Now
- Take a paper and pen.
- Write 3 things that are present in your room.
- Write 3 things that make you smile (things, not people).
- Go to the market and buy what’s lacking.
One of the simplest ways to cultivate self-awareness is to find a hobby—an activity that brings you joy, regardless of monetary gain. This could be anything from painting to playing an instrument, writing to gardening, or literally anything!
The Moral of the Story
The only way to overcome self-doubt is to keep knocking on every possible door, giving it your 100%. And it’s not just about your 9-to-5 job but also about your non-working hours. Because your non-working hours are not your non-living hours.