Ever feel like you’re not enough?

Hey 👋 there! Ever catch yourself questioning:

• Am I good enough?

• Am I smart enough?

• Am I liked enough?

These are the silent saboteurs of self-worth.

TODAY’s TOPIC

• What does self-doubt look like?

• Why are women prone to self-doubt?

• How to address this?

WHAT

Self-doubt can manifest in many ways, and it often affects different aspects of a person’s life and can start at any age. Here are some common signs:

1. Negative Self-Talk: Frequently thinking or saying things like “I’m not good enough,” “I can’t do this,” or “I’m going to fail.”

2. Procrastination: Delaying tasks or decisions due to fear of failure or not feeling capable.

3. Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards and feeling like anything less than perfect is a failure.

4. Avoidance: Steering clear of challenges or new opportunities due to fear of not being able to handle them.

5. Overthinking: Spending excessive time analyzing situations and decisions, often leading to indecision and anxiety.

6. Seeking Excessive Validation: Constantly looking for approval or reassurance from others to feel confident in one’s abilities.

7. Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like a fraud or believing that one’s success is due to luck rather than skill or hard work.

8. Low Self-Esteem: Having a generally low opinion of oneself and one’s abilities.

WHY

“Am I good enough?”

I see numerous women haunted by this question, regardless of their age, achievements and credentials.

Self-doubt is a common issue among women, and several factors contribute to this. Let’s have a look at some of these:

1. Societal Expectations and Stereotypes: From a young age, women often face societal pressures & stereotypes that can undermine their confidence. E.g. women are frequently expected to be more nurturing & less assertive, which can lead to self-doubt when they pursue leadership roles.

2. Perfectionism: Research shows that women are more likely to feel they need to meet all qualifications before applying for a job, whereas men apply when they meet only some of the criteria. This perfectionist mindset can contribute to feelings of inadequacy & self-doubt.

3. Internalized Criticism: Women often internalize criticism deeply and are more likely to engage in negative self-talk, which can erode self-confidence over time.

Tip: Self-doubt can be paralyzing, but it's also a sign that you care deeply about your growth and success.

HOW

Here are five effective strategies to help conquer self-doubt:

1. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself thinking negatively, question those thoughts. Ask yourself if they are based on facts or assumptions. Replace them with more positive and realistic thoughts.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each small achievement, which can boost your confidence and reduce self-doubt.

3. Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you. Share your doubts with them and let them offer encouragement and perspective.

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend. Acknowledge your efforts and forgive yourself for mistakes.

5. Take Action: Sometimes, the best way to overcome self-doubt is to take action despite your fears. Each step forward, no matter how small, can build your confidence and reduce doubt.

Which of these strategies do you think might be most helpful for you? Let me know by replying to this email.

Until next week,

Jaspreet