Overcoming Self-Doubt: How to Trust Yourself and Your Abilities

By Myanah Simmons LPC-A, LCDC-I, PMP

Confident and empowered, a woman stands proudly with her laptop in a meeting room, symbolizing success in overcoming self-doubt.

Do You Constantly Question Yourself?

You have a great idea—but you second-guess it.

You receive a compliment—but you brush it off.

You’re qualified for an opportunity—but you hesitate to go for it.

Self-doubt whispers, “Are you sure you’re good enough?” It makes you shrink, hesitate, and play it safe. For women of color, this doubt is often intensified by societal pressures, bias, and the lack of representation in certain spaces. We’re told we have to work twice as hard to prove ourselves—so when we succeed, we still question whether we deserve it.

But here’s the truth: You are more capable than you think. And you are worthy—right now, as you are.

Where Does Self-Doubt Come From?

Self-doubt isn’t just about a lack of confidence—it’s often rooted in deeper experiences, including:

🔹 Imposter Syndrome (“They’ll figure out I don’t really belong here.”)

🔹 Perfectionism (“If I can’t do it perfectly, I shouldn’t do it at all.”)

🔹 Negative past experiences (Times you were ignored, dismissed, or underestimated.)

🔹 Cultural messaging (Being taught to be humble to the point of erasing yourself.)

The good news? Self-doubt isn’t a permanent condition. It’s a habit you can unlearn.

How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Trusting Your Power

1. Separate Feelings from Facts

Just because you feel like you’re not good enough doesn’t mean it’s true.

Feeling unqualified? Look at your accomplishments.

Afraid to speak up? Remember the times your voice made an impact.

Doubting your worth? Remind yourself: Your presence is proof of your value.

Your emotions are valid, but they don’t always reflect reality.

2. Rewrite the Narrative in Your Head

Self-doubt thrives on negative self-talk. Instead of:

❌ “I don’t know if I can do this.” → Try: ✅ “I may not have all the answers, but I can figure it out.”

❌ “I’m not as good as they think.” → Try: ✅ “I worked for this and I deserve it.”

Challenge the doubt instead of accepting it as truth.

3. Take Action Before You Feel 100% Ready

Confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from action.

• Apply for the job, even if you don’t meet every requirement.

• Speak up in the meeting, even if your voice shakes.

• Share your work, even if you’re afraid of criticism.

  
  
  
  

The more you do, the more proof you give yourself that you are capable.

4. Stop Seeking Permission or Validation

You don’t need anyone else to confirm that you’re good enough. Trust yourself. If you wait for others to validate you, you’ll always be at their mercy.

5. Keep a ‘Receipts’ File

Create a collection of:

✔️ Compliments people have given you

✔️ Successes you’ve achieved

✔️ Challenges you’ve overcome

Look at it whenever doubt creeps in. Let the evidence remind you of your power.

Final Thoughts: You Are Ready. You Are Enough.

Self-doubt will always try to keep you small. You don’t have to listen to it.

You are capable. You are worthy. And you don’t need to prove that to anyone—except yourself.

Step forward, even if you’re scared. The version of you that trusts herself is waiting on the other side.