Overcoming Self-Doubt

According to my mom, I'm an overachiever. In my opinion I just really like great results. But...she's right. And with being an overachiever, or even just having some kind of goal, comes self-doubt.

Once upon a time I was a brave young girl who had no fear whatsoever. I enjoyed leadership, I was our middle school mascot at a football game, I was loud, fun and over the top. Anything was possible. And then I turned 17 and suddenly, I feared the entire gosh dang world. I was overly cautious of every little move I made. I worried what people thought. I cowered down to every moment around me every day until I felt invisible. And in a blink of an eye I was starting my second year of college, changing my major to the complete opposite of what I had dreamt of since I was 9 years old because of that same fear and self-doubt. I no longer had the ambition, drive, and the heart of a fearless 14-year-old, to 'make it' in the world I had envisioned for myself for over 10 years.
But now I'm 22 and life's getting real. It's time to start living and quit hesitating.

How I overcome self-doubt

1. Avoid social media for a bit. I took a 5-month break from social media at a time when I was comparing my media timelines to my real-life timeline. Someone got engaged or married, what am I doing wrong? Someone had a baby, what am I doing wrong? Someone graduated, they probably didn't switch majors 4 times Taylor. Even when we don't realize we are doing it, it's easy to get lost in the "but she" or "but he" or "but they." Taking a break helps me get back to concentrating on what I actually want for myself, rather than trying to reach everyone else's goals.

2. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. When I think back to the point where I completely gave up on my dreams, I realize I no longer was surrounding myself with boss people who saw my potential or passion. I was isolated and in a situation where my aspirations were just dreams but never a possible reality. If the people who influence your life the most don't believe in dreaming big, you most likely won't believe in yourself.

3. I don't care if it's 2019, I'm saying it... YOLO!! I have to constantly remind myself I get ONE life. I get one chance to do the things I want regardless of what others think or say. Everyone starts somewhere and why waste your chance doubting yourself when you can give it a shot and actually reach your goals! I've been listening to the Podcast "RISE" with Rachel Hollis and in one called "How to Be Brave," she had Reshma Saujani, the author of "Brave, Not perfect" as a guest. This is one of my all-time favorite podcast episodes (and I really suggest you give it a listen). “Be brave, not perfect.” No one expects you to succeed right off the bat. No one expects you to do absolutely perfect your first time around. Instead, they will applaud your bravery, for trying in the first place.
 
Until next time,
Tay

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