Is self-doubt holding you back in life? Sometimes, our doubts about our abilities and our habitual ways of thinking can stand in the way of what we want.
In this article, we will explore some common signs of self-doubt. This will help you identify which ones may be holding you back from the things you want and deserve in life.
5 Signs That Self-Doubt Is Holding You Back In Life:
1. You Overthink Things
Do you overthink things? Overthinking is one of the first signs that self-doubt is holding you back. This can happen when you have an important decision to make, or when you’re trying something for the first time. Rather than trusting your judgment and quickly coming to a conclusion, you find yourself overthinking and second-guessing yourself.
You get caught up worrying about the details and reasons why this decision or action may not work out. As a result, your doubts and fears can seem more important than what you actually need to do. They may even paralyze you from taking any action at all.
2. You Apologize A Lot
Do you apologize a lot? Apologizing all the time is another sign that self-doubt may be holding you back in life. This is especially true in situations where you haven’t done anything wrong. For instance, you may automatically apologize to your clients, boss, or an authority figure whenever you feel nervous or anxious.
Saying you’re sorry for trivial things or nervously apologizing when it isn’t necessary can easily become a bad habit. You may justify this by telling yourself that you’re just being polite. However, it gives the impression of low self-confidence, which can cause you to miss out on opportunities, especially in work situations.
3. You’re Afraid To Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Do you feel stuck or unhappy with your current life situation? If so, this is a sure sign that self-doubt is holding you back. You may be afraid to make changes, take risks, or try something new. So you stay in the safety and routine of your comfort zone, even if it’s making you miserable.
Perhaps you’re working in a job that no longer challenges you. Or maybe you want to start your own business, but you’re afraid you might fail. What’s important to remember here is that growth always comes from outside your comfort zone.
4. You Don’t Think You Have Unique Value To Add
Another sign of self-doubt is when you hold back in conversations because you don’t think you have value to add. You may also worry about what other people will think or how they will react if you speak up and share your opinion.
For example, in a work situation, perhaps you stay silent in staff meetings; even when you have ideas or information to contribute, that could be important. You may doubt that your input is unique, has value, or deserves the attention of others, so you keep quiet.
5. You Often Ask Yourself “Am I Good Enough?”
Asking yourself, “Am I good enough?” is a tell-tale sign that you doubt your abilities and are seriously holding yourself back. You may be afraid that you don’t have what it takes. Or worry about what might happen if you take action.
Similarly, you may be taking action, but discover that you are limiting your potential by fostering perfectionist traits. You find yourself trying hard to get everything perfect in an attempt to avoid criticism or mistakes, and to feel that you’re “good enough.”
Wondering if you’re good enough undermines your confidence. It prevents you from expressing your unique gifts, talents, and abilities. To unlock your potential, you need to be bold. Let go of your doubts and be willing to take imperfect action.
Conclusion
To sum up, these are just some of the signs that self-doubt is holding you back in life. Becoming aware of the signs is the first step toward overcoming them.
Once you are aware of what is holding you back, you can make the changes you need to start living the life you deserve.