The Weekend Bite™ Part 2, January 2017

 

Hello Friends, it's been a great January so far. So we've gotten some clarity on what we want to achieve and we've started pursuing our goals. However, what do we do when we experience doubts about our plans or dreams or just don't believe in ourselves anymore? This one's called #selfdoubt

Self-doubt entails uncertainties or disbelief in one's self, abilities or dreams. It can also involve a lack of self-confidence. We've all experienced this at one time or the other and it's even more difficult when you are about to take a big step. The beginning of the year is a bad time to feel self-doubt because you'll have no enthusiasm or drive to push yourself throughout the year, if you are unable to overcome it. 

So how do you deal with this?

First, identify the source of your doubts. Is it because you don't get positive feedback from others? Is it because you've had a few failures in that area or just because you don't think you are strong enough to follow through? Are your doubts about your appearance, the way people see you or what they say about you? Are there internal or external  factors that contribute to these doubts?

 
The problem with doubts is that if they are not tackled, they keep growing and eventually knock you down. So the next step is dealing with your doubts. Don't let your failures or issues make you lose faith in your capabilities. The fact that you failed yesterday doesn't mean you can't excel today. Instead of doubting yourself, turn that energy around and encourage yourself to improve. Separate the unfavourable event from your person, deduce any relevant lessons, and see yourself as able to succeed. Likewise, don't be discouraged by lack of positive feedback or by what people say. Even if no one believes in you, you should believe in yourself. Even if no one commends you, keep going, keep doing what you're meant to, and keep pursuing your dreams. Many people may be influenced by you and may not say it. Don't let the negative message of haters or the absence of likes or comments on a message you put out there discourage or derail you from your purpose journey. Keep encouraging yourself and keep going!

Lastly, have a positive confession system and environment. If your doubts say you are not strong, smart, beautiful or good enough; you need to tell yourself that you are. Keep your mind positive and your body will follow suit. I still remember some words from a movie called 'The Help'. The maid constantly told a little girl who was abused by her mother these words "You is kind, You is smart, You is important". Those words definitely helped her build her confidence despite what her mother did to tear it apart. Not everyone has a good support system. If your environment is filled with negative people who constantly speak ill-words over you, you may need to reposition yourself. Listen to positive messages and confessions. Write them down and paste them by your mirror. Look at yourself and say with all your heart that you are great, beautiful and capable; you can do anything you set your mind to. 

When the doubts come calling, send them on a one-way journey to the abyss. Never let them define you or keep you from being who you are meant to be. You are able and I believe in you! You've gotta believe in yourself too!

Cheers!

© LAW Afolabi, January 2017.

Excerpts From The Weekend Bite™ is available bi-weekly on Twitter via @lolawilliams02