Self Doubt: How To Silence That Tricky Little Creature
Self Doubt: That Tricky Little Creature
I have a theory.
Self Doubt is not just a feeling. It’s not a fleeting thought or a moment of hesitation.
No, Self Doubt is a creature. An invisible one.
It doesn’t stomp into your life uninvited, demanding attention like a toddler with a tambourine.
No, it’s far more sophisticated than that.
Self Doubt slinks in quietly. Wears a well-fitted cardigan. Sips herbal tea. And then, with a soft voice and a raised eyebrow, it asks:
Are you sure you should be telling this story?
Maybe someone else already said it better.
Is this really the right time?
It’s clever. Charming, even.
It doesn’t scream. It suggests.
It’s not cruel. It’s concerned, or so it says.
But let’s be real: this creature has one job.
To cleverly, invisibly, relentlessly keep you from being you.
From showing up authentically.
From living in the now.
From embracing your joy.
And the worst part?
Self Doubt doesn’t think it’s the villain.
It thinks it’s protecting you.
Like a misguided bodyguard who blocks you from the stage because it’s afraid you might trip over your words.
Like a friend who whispers, don’t dance, people are watching.
Like a talent scout that only sees flaws.
But here’s what Self Doubt doesn’t know:
Joy doesn’t wait for a perfect moment.
It’s not hiding behind perfection or tucked away in some future version of you.
Joy is right here. In the now.
Imperfect. Unfiltered. Fully alive.
When we listen to Self Doubt too much, life becomes a second draft revised, cautious, muted.
We hesitate before speaking.
We overthink before acting.
We edit ourselves into silence.
But real life? Real connection? Real joy?
They all live in the messy, brave first take.
The story you haven’t told yet?
It’s yours for a reason.
The dream you’ve quietly been holding?
It’s not silly it’s sacred.
And the voice in your head that says who do you think you are?
Well, that’s just the creature talking again.
Let it talk. But don’t give it the mic.
Here’s what to do instead:
Acknowledge Self Doubt. Ah, there you are again.
Let it sit in the back row. Not the front. Not the driver’s seat. Not anywhere near the playlist.
Keep showing up.
Keep being you, even if your voice shakes, even if your post only gets three likes, even if you’re the only one dancing.
You don’t need permission to be yourself.
You just need practice.
And patience.
And maybe a little bit of rebellion.
So go ahead.
Write the post.
Tell the story.
Speak up in the meeting.
Wear the weird hat.
Dance in the grocery store aisle.
Because real, wild, contagious joy isn’t waiting around the corner.
It’s here.
Now.
Exactly as you are.
And if Self Doubt shows up tomorrow in another sweater, just smile and say:
Thanks for your concern, but I’ve got this.
If this resonated with you, share it with someone else who might be letting that little creature call the shots today. Let’s remind each other: we were never meant to live small.
