Self doubt is something we as medical professionals might not want to admit to facing. We’re the strong ones, after all – the carers, the highly-trained authorities. The pillars that people need to feel supported by in times of distress.
But the truth is, everyone struggles with doubt from time to time. You aren’t alone.
No matter our backgrounds, our skill sets, our careers, financial situations or any other kind of status, self doubt is a natural part of the human condition. What makes self doubt such a curious beast, however, is that whatever it is we are doubting usually isn’t true. That’s why it manages to grip us so harshly – our knowledge tells us that what we’re thinking isn’t reality, but it clashes with a different internal voice we also want to trust.
Yes, it can be incredibly tough – but no, it doesn’t have to rule your life… nor hold you back from achieving everything you know you can. Use these quick tips to address self doubt and banish it from your thoughts.
Don’t justify yourself to yourself
Rationalising with one’s self sows the seeds of self doubt… and, given its nature, encourages you to take a negative view point. Be confident in yourself and in your decisions. Each time you make one, move on without looking back – you can’t change the past, so you can always be sure that whatever decision you made, it was the result of the best knowledge you had at the time.
Hear without holding on
Learn to listen to the opinions of others whilst rising above and refusing to take the bait of negativity. Listen to hear and understand, rather than to respond, especially if you know an argument is likely to ensue.
Walk your own path and don’t let anyone else bring you down – there are much bigger things for you to achieve, so send your energy in that direction instead.
Accept responsibility
By accepting responsibility for a situation, you neutralise the opportunity for finger pointing and the blame game.
Trust in yourself, in the choices you’ve made and continue to progress on your path. A stumble is just that – a quick inconvenience on the path to success. Get back on your feet, accept the slip, and forge on.
Acceptance consigns mistakes to the past – reduces them to the immaterial; a state of non-existence that cannot affect the present. Holding on, seeking to blame and dwelling on mistakes holds them in the present. It gives them an immediate power that they need not have. A power that can block you moving forward on your path.
And that’s it for now. Read over these three points again and internalise them. When these are the basis of your everyday mindset, self doubt doesn’t even get a chance to raise its ugly little head.
Peace, love and light to you.
– Dr. Haidar Al-hakim
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