Overcoming Self Doubt

Most people are living under the illusion of false limitations. They are quick to believe that they can’t do something or that they can’t succeed beyond a certain level. Even when given evidence of having accomplished goals that they thought beyond their abilities, they are quick to brush it off as “good luck” or a fluke.

Quite often I’ll hear people make self-limiting statements :

“I have never been good at computers.”
“I’ve always been overweight. No matter what I do, it just comes back again.”
“I don’t like to read.”
“I am not good at speaking in front of a group.”

When my 3 year old daughter is trying to learn something new she sometimes gets frustrated and cries out “I can’t do it!”. I wonder where that’s coming from because I’m careful never to use the word “can’t”. I believe the concept of self limiting belief is ingrained in our society.

The truth is that there is very little the average person can’t do. I’ve seen people who have been obese their whole lives manage to lose the weight and keep it off. I’ve seen uneducated, single moms go back to school and eventually begin a fulfilling career. I’ve known people who were once drug addicts but had kicked the habit and now live a clean, healthy lifestyle.

If you are passionate about a particular goal it is within your abilities to accomplish it. If there are feelings of self doubt it is because deep down you know you can do it but it is contrary to your self limiting beliefs.

Zen Habits – Conquer Self Doubt