Have you ever had an idea, desire, or goal and at first you’re all excited about the possibility, creativity, hope, and expansion?
For example it might be a new story idea, or maybe it’s a business idea, a new gym membership or way of eating, a marketing campaign or branding idea, sending a note to a romantic interest, an adventurous or luxurious trip, a new hair cut / outfit / style.
And then…
You start questioning, shrinking, back peddling, doubting?
All of that excitement gets shut down so fast, you’re talking yourself out of all the good that just massively engaged your soul.
This isn’t very good.
This will never work.
What if he / she / no one likes it?
What if I can’t do it?
This has already been done before.
I don’t know what I’m doing.
This seems easier for everyone else.
Maybe I should try and be more like so-and-so.
I think I’m hungry. I should just go look in the fridge/cupboards. Lol, just me? 🙂
That initial excitement means something. But we’re all human, with human brains that 1) try to keep us safe from perceived risk and danger and 2) have adopted limiting ways of thinking, believing and operating on what’s possible along the way.
The doubt is common and it wins too often!
But doubt doesn’t have to (or get to) guide us, delay us, or determine our outcome. We don’t have to grind or force (or convince) our way out.
Here are 5 things I reminded myself this week when the doubt and fear started to creep in:
- You can take up space. Stop shrinking yourself with outside noise. Courage can become diluted by others opinions, beliefs, & limits on how the world works (when not aligned) for them. Let yourself be the potent you.
- Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Constructive criticism is always important but don’t take advice from people who have never done what you are trying to do. Put yourself in proximity of people who take action in spite of the fear, don’t believe in shoulds, and often ask, “why not?!” Courage is contagious and liberating.
- Be kind to yourself and aware of the language you use. Words you say to yourself matter. Especially anything that comes after “I am…”. So write new beliefs, stories, and truths for you. A favorite line I use… “I am becoming someone who ” Example: I am becoming someone who trusts my desires and takes action in support of those.
- Remember that you are more than just one thing. We either win or we learn. The sooner you can allow yourself to detach from the outcome the easier it is to pursue. I know, it’s easier said than done. But the outcome doesn’t have to mean anything about who we are, what we are worthy of, or the potential we can reach in our lives. It can just be.
- You are worthy of success, have faith in yourself and keep trying. I know I would rather spend my time on earth working towards things that light my soul up and make me feel alive than to sit quietly and let my time pass me by.
There can be a different way to move through doubt and design our lives and become who, and do what, we’re meant to. I know that none of us are meant to leave a life half-lived.
So for now, let’s just take 1 next step in the right direction.
Happy writing!
Catherine
PS If you’d like to receive books news and other bits from me you’re welcome to sign up to my newsletter by clicking here.
Catherine Croft 