How self doubt can strengthen you

​​Self doubt comes to us when we have a conflict about something we wish to do.  Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D in Psychology Today says there are two common reasons people do not do what they would like to do: “I’m not good enough” and “I can’t succeed” (or “will fail”).

To release this fear we can look at our indecision on a practical, logical level.   So here are some suggestions for you.

Start with yourself first - get yourself in balance so that you have a clear head before you commit to the project.   Self doubt starts when we have an inner conflict around our values and beliefs:   At times we find ourselves divided between several contradictory propositions.   Here is a simple technique to help you solve the conflict:
​1.  Find the part of you that doesn't want you to go ahead with the project and imagine it is in your left hand
2.  Find the part of you that does want to go ahead with the project and imagine it is in your right hand
3.  Look at your left hand - the part of you that doesn't want you to go ahead - and ask "what is your purpose?".  When you have an answer ask "what is more important than that" and ask again... until you get to your highest positive intention

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4.  Do the same with the right hand - the part that does want you to go ahead with the project
5.  What is interesting is that you might notice that both parts have a similar intention, and when they come together, they are even more powerful
6.  Bring the two hands together to unite them and ask them to support each other.  By working together they both get what they want.  Notice how good it feels
7.  Visualise what this would look like in the future and put yourself in the picture

Check to see whether there are any other inner conflicts and resolve them before moving on.

​Once you are clear on an emotional level, now you need to see if you are making a good practical decision.  To do this you need to gather all the facts and information about the project. ​

Doubt characterises a status in which the mind remains suspended between two contradictory propositions and unable to assent to either of them. Doubt on an emotional level is indecision between belief and disbelief. Doubt involves uncertainty, distrust or lack of sureness of an alleged fact, an action, a motive, or a decision.... Wikepedia

Looking in the right places can give us a clear answer as to whether we are well prepared and able to effectively do what we want to do.   Take your time and find out where to look, what to look for and then see if it all stacks up.    If you decide not to go ahead with your project, this could be a good preparation and confidence building for an even better one.

Now you are ready to go ahead with your project you might want to apply a method called "Scaffolding" to help you whilst you start out.  It is a system where you create for yourself support (scaffold) you while you are learning to be in a new space/new project. After all, if you were learning to ride a bike you might first have trainer wheels until you get used to the feel of it, and then someone might run beside you and hold you while you find your balance.  Finally, after a wobbly start, you get to ride it for yourself.   On a business level you might have the following people as part of your team:
a)  An accountant to advise you on financial matters and who can help you with your bank
b)  A business mentor who is familiar with the area you are working in
c)  A positive friend and cheerleader who is also in a business.
​This kind of scaffolding holds you up with all the challenges that goes with something new, but is also something you can take down when you no longer need it.