Navigating the Storm: How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Boost Confidence When Anxiety Strikes

Hey there, friend! Life has its ups and downs, and sometimes, self-doubt creeps in like an uninvited guest. But guess what? You're not alone. We all face moments when anxiety cranks up and confidence takes a hit. In this blog post, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of how to tackle self-doubt head-on and elevate that self-esteem, even when anxiety is running high. Buckle up, because we're in this together!

Understanding the Self-Doubt Vortex

First things first, let's call out that sneaky beast – self-doubt. Self-doubt can be a constant hum like that annoying jingle that you can’t get out of your head. It's like a cloud that blocks out the sun, making you question your abilities and worth. Anxiety joins the party, amplifying those of noise of those doubts, fears, and random thoughts that seem to be playing on a loop taking it to a whole new level. But fear not, because you're about to flip the script with some useful tools.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

You're human, my friend, and feeling anxious or doubting yourself is okay. Start by acknowledging those emotions. They're not your enemies; they're just signals that something needs attention. Jot those feelings down, speak them out loud-why? Because your feelings are valid and it is important to validate your experiences and not dismiss them. Dismissing causes more doubt.

Challenge Your Inner Critic

Ever had that inner voice telling you you're not good enough? Time to put it in check! Ask yourself, "Is this thought really true?" Most of the time, it's just fear talking, not reality. Sometimes we create habits of beating up on ourselves and that creates a pathway to make it easier to do when we get anxious about something. Anxiety often loves to lump all your worries together. Take a breather and break down your fears into bite-sized chunks. Tackling smaller pieces is less overwhelming and gives you a sense of control. Imagine your mind as a radio station. When negativity starts playing, switch to the positive vibes channel. Replace self-doubt with affirmations like, "I'm capable," "I've overcome challenges before," and "I got this!"

Boosting Self-Esteem

Now, let's roll up our sleeves and give your self-esteem a serious power-up. It's time to remind yourself that you're the SHIT in your own right. Remember that time you nailed that presentation, cooked a great meal, put together a fly event, put a big smile on your friend’s or child’s face? Or the day you conquered your fear of heights? YOU did that. Celebrate every single win, because they're proof of your awesomeness. Close your eyes and picture yourself owning that interview, acing that project, or nailing that speech. Visualization tricks your brain into believing in your capabilities, boosting your confidence. Confidence grows when you challenge yourself. Take small steps outside your comfort zone – whether it's trying a new hobby, speaking up in a meeting, or even wearing that outfit you've been eyeing. In karate chopping anxiety and self-doubt, refocusing on wins and visualizing the future you want is critical.

Practice Self-Compassion

Treat yourself like you'd treat a good friend. Be kind and patient with yourself, especially when things don't go as planned. You're a work in progress, and that's perfectly okay. Perfection is overrated, my friend. Embrace your quirks, flaws, and uniqueness. These are the things that make you beautifully you. Make time to pour back into yourself and weed out things AND PEOPLE that don’t support this journey of kindness, honesty, and progress.

Managing Anxiety

Lastly, let's tackle anxiety head-on. It might be a tough customer, but with the right approach, you can keep it in check. Anxiety loves to drag you into the past or push you into the future you don’t want. Mindfulness keeps you grounded in the present moment, reducing anxiety's grip. When anxiety kicks in, take a deep breath. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat a few times. This simple technique calms your nervous system. Physical activity releases those feel-good endorphins, acting as natural stress busters. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or dancing in your living room, move that body! Kickbox a punching bag (not a person because we don’t have bail money for that!) There's no shame in asking for help. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional when anxiety feels overwhelming. Sometimes, sharing the load makes it much lighter.

In the end, overcoming self-doubt and boosting self-esteem isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Be patient with yourself, keep practicing these strategies, and soon enough, you'll see that cloud of self-doubt slowly lifting. You got this, and you're stronger than you think!

Latisha Taylor Ellis, LPC

Latisha Ellis is a therapist at her practice Empowered Transitions Counseling. She is very passionate about  self-empowerment for parents and adults and helping people through group work that focuses on working through the challenges of life, being present, tackling anxiety, setting boundaries, and communicating honestly in all types of relationships. Please be sure to check out her blog and social media links!