I bravely hit the go-live button as I post my latest blog.
Then it happens, self-doubt explodes in my mind. Is what I've written any good? Will somebody read it? What will my children or parents think of it? What will God think of it?
What if my thinking is wrong and I'm giving inaccurate information or incorrect directions out. Should I pause it and rewrite it? Should I delete it?
I've researched the subject and prayed about how to present it. I've written, edited, rewritten, and edited it again. But the self-doubt remains. Maybe I shouldn't be posting my writing at all!
A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself. He makes his failure certain by himself being the first person to be convinced of it. Ambrose Bierce
Self-doubt doesn't just occur in my writing; it sneaks into every area of my life. Did I choose the correct colors for this quilt? Did I give the right advice to a friend? Does this outfit look ok on me? Should I have served corn instead of green beans with supper?
Ok, that is a little exaggerated, but you get the picture.
We all face self-doubt daily
. A little self-doubt is a good thing. It is normal and even healthy. It can provoke you into doing your best. It caused you to identify your mistakes and learn from them. It helps keep you humble. But a little goes a long way.
Self-doubt left unchecked, breeds fear and insecurity. It will have a negative impact on every area of your life. Your ability to do what God has called you to do, your prayer life, and your relationship with Him and those around you will suffer.
Breaking the habit of self-doubt
A habit is a usual way of doing things. It is a behavior pattern that is developed by frequent repetition. In order to break the habit, we have to discover the areas that self-doubt has become a disruptive force. Spend a day or two observing yourself. In what situations does self-doubt raise it's head? Is it healthy or negative?
Once you have identified where harmful self-doubt has become a habit, it is time to change it. Habits can be hard to break, so let's change it instead. Adjust your inner dialog from negative to positive by declaring what God has said.
For example, when self-doubt attacks as I described in the beginning of this blog, I go to 1 Chronicles 28:10 from the Message Bible:
"Look sharp now! God has chosen YOU to build this. Be brave, determined, and do it!"
Find a scripture, inspirational or motivational quote to combat every self-doubt that you have identified as harmful. Then use them as weapons to fight that self-doubt.
Win the self-doubt war
In addition to combating these self-doubt conflicts, you'll want to do something to win the war. The most strategic way to accomplish this is to see yourself as God sees you. Joel Osteen has his congregation raise their bible and declare this truth.
This is my bible.
I am who it says I am.
I have what it say I have.
I can do what it say I can do.
To break the habit of self-doubt over your life, you have to believe that confession. Then you need to start acting like that person would act, doing the things that person would do, and believing what that person believes. By your actions, create the life you want to live. Fight the self-doubt and fear that says you can't.
Acting as if you were what you want to become and know you can become is the way to remove self-doubt and enter your real-magic kingdom. Wayne Dyer
The real magic kingdom is the kingdom of God. As a Christian, you bring that kingdom down to earth. The Father wants you to experience all it has to offer. He prearranged and prepared it ahead of time for you to walk in it. Self-doubt and the fear and insecurity it brings with it, will close the door to that kingdom. Breaking the habit of self-doubt will enable you use your faith to step more fully into it.
Creating a habit of living the life God has chosen and prepared for you is a journey that will last your entire life. You are not alone in it. Holy Spirit has been sent as your teacher and guide.
Do you have a self-doubt habit? What are the steps you take to break it?
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3 comments
I know this all too well, can anybody say double minded?
“Win the self-doubt war….” Yes!!
What an inspiring post! Self doubts have ruled me in the past which led to self sabotage. It was a seemingly never-ending vicious cycle. Thank goodness for God’s promises, I have managed to overcome! Many Blessings to you! :)