Overcoming Self-Doubt: How I Learned To Stop Talking Myself Out of Greatness

Introduction:

I spent 7 years working as a chef. And for the last 2 of them, I started to feel like I needed something different. I enjoyed cooking when I first started, but as I got higher up, it became less of a creative outlet and more about managing and keeping the wheels turning.

I felt like I needed a change. The tipping point came during the pandemic when the restaurant I managed temporarily shut down for a month. This break gave me the chance to slow down and rethink what a “successful career” meant to me.

Returning to work was tough. I could feel myself getting restless and annoyed. For some reason, I felt like if I stuck around there, I would end up trapped and never reach my full potential.

Everything changed during a conversation with my chef. He had noticed my lack of focus and sat me down one day to ask if I still wanted to grow with the company. I had already been thinking about it, but the question hit hard because I knew the answer. So I told him, “Chef, I probably won’t be here in a year.”

Taking the Leap: Embracing Uncertainty

It was June 2020 when I decided to take what some might call a leap of faith and leave my 9-5. I didn’t have everything figured out, but I knew I needed to try. Almost every day since has been a rollercoaster ride of figuring things out as I go.

I started a clothing line, pivoted to learning about social media management and digital marketing, and now turning everything I learned into a money-making business. Each obstacle and roadblock was a lesson in perseverance and adaptability.

Finding Clarity: The Importance of Structure

Leaving my job was freeing, but it also came with a lot of challenges. Without the structure of a 9-to-5, I struggled to manage my time effectively. I ended up wasting hours on tasks that didn’t move me forward. I realized that passion was great for getting started but discipline and structure are what really mattered.

I started to create a routine and focus on small, achievable goals. This helped me maintain focus and momentum. Instead of diving headfirst into trying to figure it out, I took it step by step which was way more sustainable and less overwhelming.

Overcoming Self-Doubt: The Inner Battle

Another one of the biggest challenges I dealt with was silencing my inner critic. I can’t begin to explain how paralyzing self-doubt can be. That little voice in your head constantly tries to convince you that you’re not good enough or that what you’re doing isn’t going to work. Using affirmations and meditation really helped me deal with this issue.

Here are some strategies that helped me overcome self-doubt:

- Acknowledge Your Fears: Accept your doubts and fears, but don’t let them control you. Understand that they are a natural part of growth and change. Try to understand where they came from.

- Positive Affirmations: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths and past achievements.

- Surround Yourself with Positivity: Build your support system of people who believe in you and your vision. Having them by your side can be extremely helpful when facing that doubt.

- Take Action: Sometimes, the best way to silence doubt is to take action. Even small steps can build confidence and momentum. Just get started. You’ll figure out the rest along the way.

Embrace the Journey

Looking back, I’m grateful for the journey. It taught me that growth often comes from discomfort and uncertainty. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. You have to be open to change and pivot when necessary.

It’s best to learn to focus on the journey rather than the destination. Each step, even the mistakes, are valuable to your growth.

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, know you’re not alone. The journey to greatness is rarely a straight line. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and keep moving forward.

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