When was the last time you felt overwhelmed by self-doubt? How did you overcome it?
Rejection, missed opportunities, overwhelming anxious thoughts, and situations that make you question your limits can interrupt how you show up. Even writing this newsletter was delayed by my thoughts and worries about other people's perspectives and needs for the content.
Our thoughts about ourselves and our abilities often dictate how we show up for ourselves and others. These thoughts can hinder our journey to joy and fulfillment. Learning to reframe how we think about ourselves can help us overcome these common challenges.
Here are the three steps that help me overcome self-doubt:
1.Seek Therapy: Yes, I see a therapist too! It’s a great tool to help us change our self-view and help us work through the root causes of a lot of our self-doubt. Through therapy, we can more strategically reframe our thinking about who we are and who we can be.
2.Connect with your Source: I’ve said it before and will say it forever: YOU CAN HAVE GOD AND THERAPY. For me, my faith in God and therapy combined were the keys to being the best version of myself. The way I see it, how else can I know how to operate in this life if I don’t know what my Creator said about ME? Anytime I deal with self-doubt, one of the first methods to reframing my thoughts is asking myself, “What am I telling myself and what does God say about me?”
3.Seek Supportive People: Your space should reflect who you are and where you are trying to go. You should be surrounded by people who affirm and support who you are trying to become.
Your Weekly Self-Care Challenge
Review this list of common Cognitive Distortions. Identify the examples that resonate with you and create a “What I tell myself” versus “The Truth” list in your journal.
All or Nothing vs. Acceptance:
What I tell myself: “Everything has to be perfect, or I have failed.”
The truth: “Ideals surrounding perfection are unrealistic. I will give it my all and learn from my experience.”
Discounting the Positive vs. Self-Worth
What I tell myself: “ I am unqualified for this job. I can’t do this!”
The truth: “My achievements are the results of my hard work and skills. I am qualified to do this job and I deserve to be here.
Catastrophizing vs. Realistic Thinking
What I tell myself: “Something is bound to go wrong. It will ruin everything.”
The Truth: “Challenges are a part of life. I have the strength and resources to over come all of them.”
Overgeneralization vs. Balanced Perspective
What I tell myself: “ I failed once, so I will always fail.”
The truth: “ Failure does not define me. I will learn from this experience and know how to improve.
Black and White Thinking vs. Nuanced Understanding
What I tell myself: “Things are either good or bad. There is no in-between.”
The truth: “Life is full of gray areas. I can navigate the nuances effectively.”
Remember, by seeking therapy, building a relationship with God, connecting to a supportive community, and identifying common cognitive dissonances and how they play a role in your life, we can begin to reframe our thinking and build a more positive self-image, ultimately working to overcome self-doubt.
Let us know about the cognitive distortion you deal with in the comment section.
Stay committed to this journey of self-discovery and growth. You are not alone, and together we can achieve true joy and mental wellness.
With love,
Shekinah
The Purposed Therapist
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