Ep # 2: Self-doubt is good. Don't stress.

The internet is full of quotes on how self-doubt is evil. It can destroy your creativity and progress in life. But is it really that bad? Let's find out in today's episode. 

It's time to have a word with me, Rajive Dhavan. 

If you like my content, you can also choose to follow me on Instagram. My handle is @rajivedhavanofficial.  

I hope you liked this piece of content. If you did, please rate and share. I’m sure you will positively impact someone.

For more interesting bite-sized content on self-improvement, career, finance and life, in general, do connect with me on my Social Channels.

For collaboration, Sponsorship, or any other information, please Email: mail@rajivedhavan.com

Website: https://www.rajivedhavan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rajivedhavnofficial

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivedhavn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rajivedhavnofficial

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RajiveDhavn

Thanks,
Rajive Dhavn

Transcript

Self-doubt is good. Don't stress.

The internet is full of quotes on how self-doubt is evil. It can destroy your creativity and progress in life. But is it really that bad? Let's find out. It's time to have a word with me, Rajive Dhavan. 

First things first. Well, the internet is an overloaded place with quotes that will justify every action of ours. 

There's "Look before you leap."

And there's also the entrepreneur favourite which is bang opposite. 

It says, "Jump off a cliff and build your wings on the way down." 

Both hold good. But when used out of context, they can fall flat.

So, we can't just blindly follow quotes. The context is crucial. You must weigh your current situation, environment, responsibilities, and many other factors.

Let's understand if self-doubt is as bad as it's projected.

What is confidence? It's a feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one's abilities or qualities. At least, that's what the dictionary says. Most of us feel it's the opposite of self-doubt. 

We think that people who have self-doubt lack confidence. Sometimes, we tell this story to our own selves too. However, self-doubt is a symbol of staying grounded and not being blinded. It's synonymous with you wanting to excel, to give things your best shot. 

In fact, the absence of self-doubt is the easiest way to identify those who're overconfident. 

Self-doubt is not equal to ability. Some of the most successful people in the world have their share of self-doubt. But they just don't let it define them. We can either use self-doubt as fuel to help us take off or fire to burn us down. It all depends on our mindset. 

It's great to re-look at things and believe we might be wrong. It's sometimes an opportunity to learn something new. 

A little bit of self-doubt, anxiety, or nervousness is always good. It makes us work harder too. Ultimately, we can't control the outcome of everything around us. So, things like self-doubt help us focus more on the process than the outcome. 

Self-doubt is a great motivator too. It motivates you to continue the pursuit of improving your craft. It could be art, marketing, math, yoga or anything else. The consistent zeal to learn is the only way to move out of our comfort zone a bit.

Now, if you're not somebody with no self-doubt, it's fine too. It doesn't necessarily mean you're over-confident. All of us have different ways of coping with pressure. Some of us work great under pressure and give our best; others just tumble. So, to each their own. 

Don't be unkind to yourself if you're someone with self-doubt. And there's no need to get rid of your self-doubt, either. You just need to taper it a bit if it's excessive.

Self-doubt comes from a space where one is open to accepting that they are not fully equipped for something. In today's "I-know-it-all" world, which is obsessed with perfection, self-doubt, unfortunately, is looked down upon.

Excessive self-doubt, however, comes from an absolute lack of knowledge. If you belong to this category, don't beat yourself for it. Just invest some honest time in sharpening your skills.

And remember that self-doubt is not something that defines you. It's just a part of your personality. It can be altered, it can be improved, or you can just look at channelling it positively and co-exist in harmony. That's all there is.

Look at your potential beyond self-doubt. You could be pleasantly surprised with your capabilities.

You can't just automatically, one fine day, get rid of your self-doubt. If you do, it might just be an illusion. It's a process. It takes time. It begins with acceptance. You'd be amazed to know how many people have self-doubt, but they don't accept it. 

As part of a victim mindset, you'll look at self-doubt as a hurdle, and as part of a winner mindset, you'll look at it as a companion. The choice is yours. So go ahead, take self-doubt head on.

I hope you liked this piece of content. If you did, please share. I'm sure you will positively impact someone. Thank you.