What is Self-Doubt?

Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough or that you don’t quite measure up? You’re not alone. Self-doubt can creep in at any moment, but you don’t have to let it control your career or your confidence. By taking action with these seven powerful steps, you can overcome self-doubt and step into your full potential.

Take Renee for example, a high-performing professional who had spent years doubting her own potential despite consistently delivering outstanding results. She was hesitant to apply for a promotion she’d been eyeing, fearing she wasn’t “ready” or “qualified enough.” After working with me and implementing the 7 steps to crush self-doubt, Renee transformed her mindset and confidently pursued her career goals.

Here’s how you can get rid of self doubt.

1. Remember Your Past Achievements

Think back to moments when you achieved something significant—big or small. Maybe it was landing a dream job, finishing a degree, or even winning a competition in school. Your brain stores these memories with the emotions attached to them, meaning you can tap into those positive feelings whenever self-doubt arises.

Pro Tip: Keep a “Wins Journal” where you write down all your successes, no matter how small. On tough days, revisit your journal to remind yourself of how capable and resilient you are.

Like Renee, who started keeping a journal of her achievements, this step helped her reconnect with her past successes, reminding her that she had what it takes to go after that promotion.

2. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Confidence grows with each goal you accomplish. Start your day by setting small, actionable goals that are easy to complete. When you hit these goals, your brain rewards you with a dopamine boost, helping you build momentum and crush bigger challenges.

Pro Tip: Start your morning with a goal as simple as making your bed or finishing one task on your to-do list. Small wins set a positive tone for the day and give you the confidence to tackle larger tasks.

Renee used this strategy daily, starting with small wins that built her confidence step by step. As she ticked off small goals, she grew bold enough to take bigger steps, like applying for the promotion.

3. Walk Away from Comparison

Comparing yourself to others is the quickest way to fuel self-doubt. Social media and the workplace can make it easy to feel like you’re falling behind. The truth is, you are on your own journey, and someone else’s success doesn’t diminish your worth or potential.

Pro Tip: When the urge to compare hits, shift your focus inward. Ask yourself what progress you’ve made and what steps you can take next. This re-centers your attention on your personal growth.

For Renee, leaving comparison behind was a game changer. She realized that constantly measuring herself against others only fueled her insecurities, so she focused on her own growth and journey instead.

4. Monitor Your Negative Thoughts

We all have negative thoughts from time to time, but letting them take over can be damaging to your confidence. Instead of trying to eliminate these thoughts (which is impossible!), train your brain to shift focus. You have the power to choose what thoughts you give energy to.

Pro Tip: When negative thoughts arise, acknowledge them, but don’t dwell on them. Redirect your mind by focusing on something positive or calming, like a past success, a peaceful image, or even your breath. Practicing mindfulness can help retrain your brain to shift away from negativity.

Renee practiced this regularly. Anytime doubt crept in, she consciously replaced it with a positive memory or affirmation, allowing her to push past negativity and focus on her strengths.

Order a copy of my affirmations journal, Melaninated Magic – 180 Affirmations to Nurture Your Soul and Unleash Your Black Girl Joy. It’s the perfect companion journal to practice positive affirmations so that you can decrease your negative thoughts.

5. Avoid Energy Vampires

Energy vampires—those people who constantly drain your positivity—can leave you feeling exhausted and doubting yourself. These people may be friends, family, or coworkers, but they thrive on negativity and can suck the energy right out of you.

Pro Tip: Spend more time with uplifting, positive people who encourage you. If you can’t avoid energy vampires completely, set boundaries to protect your energy. Prioritize relationships that build you up instead of tearing you down.

Renee started setting boundaries with negative coworkers who drained her energy, choosing instead to surround herself with positive, supportive people who encouraged her growth.

6. Seek Self-Validation

It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking validation from others, but true confidence comes from within. When you rely too much on external praise, you’re giving others control over how you feel about yourself. Learning to validate yourself is a key step in building unshakable confidence.

Pro Tip: Every time you complete a task or overcome a challenge, take a moment to acknowledge your effort and reward yourself, whether that’s with a self-care activity, a treat, or simply affirming, “I did that!” The more you self-validate, the less you’ll rely on external approval.

Instead of looking to others for approval, Renee began validating her own efforts. She realized her worth wasn’t determined by others’ opinions, giving her the self-assurance she needed to apply for the promotion.

7. Practice Self-Compassion

We’re often our own worst critics. If you struggle with being kind to yourself, think about how you would speak to a friend in a similar situation. Would you be harsh and critical, or supportive and understanding? Chances are, you’d be encouraging. Treat yourself the same way.

Pro Tip: If practicing self-compassion feels difficult, find a childhood picture of yourself and imagine talking to that little version of you. This simple exercise helps you tap into the natural kindness you’d extend to others and apply it to yourself.

Renee had been tough on herself for years, but once she started practicing self-compassion, her mindset shifted. She began treating herself with the kindness she deserved, empowering her to pursue her goals without fear.

Conclusion: Take Action to Silence Self-Doubt

Overcoming self-doubt isn’t about being perfect—it’s about practicing self-compassion, celebrating your wins, and surrounding yourself with positive influences. By following these seven steps, you’ll feel empowered to take control of your confidence and reach new heights in your career and life.

Like Renee, who used these seven steps to crush her self-doubt and land a promotion, you can take action today. If you’re ready to crush self-doubt and step into the confident, successful person you were meant to be, download my free 7 Motivation Killers, and How to Avoid Them ebook to start creating the career of your dreams today!

Watch my latest video on resolving negative thoughts which leads to self-doubt.👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

I’m an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and career coach for Twanna Carter Professional & Personal Coaching, LLC. I failed my first career transition from the military so badly, it took me the next 10+ years to build my confidence and recover. I know what it feels like to struggle with imposter syndrome and uncertainty about my worth in the workplace. It’s why I am dedicated to empowering Black women. Helping them navigate career change and uncertainty by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to be successful. Schedule a free 30-Minute Career Solution Call today.

Read my latest blogs…

• 
  Are You Trapped in Survival Mode? The Real Reason It’s Not Your Fault (and What to Do Next)
  Are You Trapped in Survival Mode? What “Survival Mode” Really Means For many Black women, survival mode isn’t just a phrase, it’s a lived experience. It’s the… Read more: Are You Trapped in Survival Mode? The Real Reason It’s Not Your Fault (and What to Do Next)
• 
  Why So Many Smart Black Women Experience Fear of Starting a Business, and Feel Completely Stuck
  The Quiet Struggle Behind Big Dreams Many intelligent, capable Black women dream of owning a business. They envision freedom, flexibility, financial growth, and purpose-driven work. Yet despite… Read more: Why So Many Smart Black Women Experience Fear of Starting a Business, and Feel Completely Stuck
• 
  Strategic Career Mapping for Executive Black Women: How to Identify Roles That Reflect Your True Strengths
  Why Strategic Career Mapping Matters More Than Ever In today’s corporate landscape, Strategic Career Mapping has become more than just a buzzword. It’s a roadmap for intentional… Read more: Strategic Career Mapping for Executive Black Women: How to Identify Roles That Reflect Your True Strengths
• 
  The Fear-Based Leadership Cycle Secretly Running Your Life. And How to Break It
  Fear is a powerful emotion. It can protect you, warn you, and heighten your awareness. But when fear begins to lead you, especially in leadership roles, it… Read more: The Fear-Based Leadership Cycle Secretly Running Your Life. And How to Break It
• 
  Redefining Success. How Black Women Executives Are Leading a New Era of Authentic Leadership
  The New Leadership Trend. Redefining Success Across boardrooms, Zoom calls, and LinkedIn feeds, a powerful shift is underway. Women of color, especially Black women executives, are redefining… Read more: Redefining Success. How Black Women Executives Are Leading a New Era of Authentic Leadership
• 
  How to Quiet the Inner Critic and Stop Second-Guessing Yourself in High-Stakes Rooms
  Understanding the Inner Critic Your inner critic is that persistent internal voice that judges, doubts, and second-guesses you. Ooften at the worst possible moments. For example, right… Read more: How to Quiet the Inner Critic and Stop Second-Guessing Yourself in High-Stakes Rooms
• 
  The Survival Blueprint. What To Do Immediately When You Realize You’re Being Managed Out
  Understanding What “Being Managed Out” Really Means. And Why Immediate Help Matters The first time I realized I was being managed out, I didn’t label it that… Read more: The Survival Blueprint. What To Do Immediately When You Realize You’re Being Managed Out
• 
  10 Powerful Reasons Why Black Women Entrepreneurs Are Leading the Rise of Entrepreneurship
  Why Black Women Entrepreneurs Are Leading the Rise of Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship has always symbolized courage, innovation, and self-determination. And no one represents that spirit more powerfully than… Read more: 10 Powerful Reasons Why Black Women Entrepreneurs Are Leading the Rise of Entrepreneurship
• 
  The Leadership Myth That Hurts High-Achieving Black Women. Why Slowing Down Doesn’t Make You Weak.
  Slowing Down Doesn’t Make You Weak Leadership isn’t just about speed, stamina, or sacrifice. It’s about authenticity, vision, and sustainable strength. Yet, a damaging leadership myth persists…… Read more: The Leadership Myth That Hurts High-Achieving Black Women. Why Slowing Down Doesn’t Make You Weak.
• 
  Quiet Cracking -7 Signs You’re Not ‘Fine’. You’re Burning Out in Silence
  Understanding Quiet Cracking Quiet cracking is a modern mental-health phenomenon that describes the slow, invisible unraveling of your emotional resilience. TalentLMS reports that over 50% of US… Read more: Quiet Cracking -7 Signs You’re Not ‘Fine’. You’re Burning Out in Silence
• 
  Top 10 Powerful Reasons for Career Change. Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Fresh
  Understanding the Need for a Career Change Changing careers is no longer rare. It’s the new normal. Today, professionals across industries are re-evaluating what truly matters in… Read more: Top 10 Powerful Reasons for Career Change. Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Fresh
• 
  The Hidden Cost of Being the Strong One at Work
  The Unseen Weight of Being the Strong One at Work At every office, there’s usually one person everyone leans on, the dependable one, the calm in the… Read more: The Hidden Cost of Being the Strong One at Work