Self-doubt is a common challenge many individuals face in their pursuit of success. Even for those who are intelligent, self-motivated, and have access to resources and opportunities, self-doubt can be a significant obstacle to achieving their goals. It can feel as though there is a glass ceiling above their heads, preventing them from breaking through and reaching their full potential. However, the truth is that a lack of resources or opportunities is only sometimesthe root cause of this problem. There are more resources and opportunities available now than ever before in history.
So, what is the problem? Our nervous system is hardwired for comfort, so we naturally seek comfort and avoid discomfort. This can make pushing beyond our comfort zones and reaching our full potential challenging. Our soul, on the other hand, is hardwired for growth. The tension between these two opposing forces causes frustration for many individuals and keeps them in a mediocrity cycle.
To understand how to overcome self-doubt, it is essential to examine the human brain. The neocortex, or frontal lobe, separates humans from animals and operates at a brain wave length of alpha or beta. However, this part of the brain fully develops at age seven. Children operate in theta and delta waves, which are why they sleep so much and are very impressionable. Aristotle famously said, "Give me a child for seven years, and I'll give you the man." This is because much of our opinion of ourselves is formed in our childhood years, and this can impact our ability to achieve success.
But it's not all doom and gloom. There are ways to combat self-doubt and overcome the obstacles that keep us stuck. One way to do this is to stop putting the wrong things into our minds. The mainstream media and our peer groups can significantly impact our unconscious programming. The media is designed to stimulate the amygdala, part of the brain that notices negative before positive. It can be challenging to maintain a positive outlook if we are constantly exposed to negative news and negative people. Instead, we should expose ourselves to positive information supporting our potential and greatness.
Another way to overcome self-doubt is to start putting the right things into our minds. We live in a time where information is readily available, and we should take advantage of this by exposing ourselves to inspirational interviews, books, and the lives of successful people. For example, we can study the lives of individuals like Colonel Sanders, who retired broke at 65 before starting KFC, or Oprah Winfrey, who overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the most successful media moguls time. We can also look to individuals like Helen Keller or even Albert Einstein, who dropped out of school at 15 and then failed the entrance exam for the Zurich Polytechnic. Exposing ourselves to these stories can start demagnetising a compass needle positively.
Finally, we need to eliminate the things that shouldn't be in our minds. Working with a mentor or coach can help us navigate the minefield of human behavior and address our unconscious programming. By doing this, we can create the best habits possible and become the best versions of ourselves. Ultimately, self-mastery is the key to success. By mastering ourselves, we give ourselves the best shot at becoming the best and greatest versions of ourselves. This, in turn, allows us to become an example and an invitation to others to change for the better.
In conclusion, self-doubt is a common challenge but not insurmountable. By understanding the workings of the human brain and taking control of what we put into our minds, we can overcome self-doubt and achieve success. It requires a commitment to ongoing learning and growth, but the rewards are worth the effort. By becoming the best versions of ourselves and looking to successful individuals as examples, we can inspire others to do the same and create a world where more individuals reach their full potential.