Self-doubt

A Venn diagram showing the relationship between self-concept, self-efficacy, and self-esteem.

Self-doubt is a "lack of faith in oneself: a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about one's abilities, actions, etc." The opposite of self-doubt is confidence/self-efficacy. See also: Inferiority complex

Causes of self-doubt

See also: Self-esteem and Confidence and Jonah complex

Self-doubt can be caused by a number of factors, including negative experiences, fear of failure, and low self-esteem.

1. Negative experiences

• Childhood trauma: Bullying, criticism, or humiliation may lead to self-doubt

• Past failures: Setbacks and failures can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed - especially if they have a fixed mindset instead of a Growth mindset

Jonah and the Whale (1621) by Pieter Lastman

• Poor treatment: Being in an abusive relationship or experiencing poor treatment from a parent/caregiver may cause self-doubt

2. Fear of failure

• Fear of making mistakes or risk: This can lead to avoidance or self-sabotage (See: Jonah complex). See also: Courage and Growth mindset

• Imposter syndrome: This is when an individual feels their success isn't a true reflection of your abilities

3. Low self-esteem

• Lack of confidence: This may make people feel incompetent, unloved, or inadequate

• Anxiety disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can lead to low self-esteem and poor confidence

• Mental illness: Depression or other mental illnesses can contribute to self-doubt

Symptoms of self-doubt

According to TSW Training symptoms of self-doubt are:

• hesitation when making decisions

• frequently second-guessing your choices

• struggling with feelings of unworthiness. See also: Inferiority complex

• believing that you don’t deserve success or happiness

• procrastination out of fear of making mistakes

• avoidance of taking risks or trying new things due to fear of failure

Book

"The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion." - Proverbs 28:1 (NASB)

The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance by Dr. Nate Zinsser. Custom House (January 25, 2022)

See also

• Inferiority complex
• Self-worth
• Self-concept
• Perfectionism
• Self-efficacy
• Core self-evaluations
• Self-control
• Self-regulation
• Self-talk
• Self-awareness

External links

Psychology related:

• What is Self-Doubt and How To Overcome It? Complete Guide
• Self-Doubt: Definition, Causes, & How to Overcome Doubts
• Self-Doubt: What It Is, Signs, & How to Overcome by Silvi Saxena, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C, MBA
• 7 Ways to Navigate Self-Doubt, PsychCentral
• How to Overcome Self-Doubt by Tchiki Davis, Ph.D.
• Self-Doubt: Definition, Causes, & How to Overcome Doubts ​by Tchiki Davis, MA, PhD
• 10 Tips to Overcome Self-Doubt
• Crippled by Self-Doubt? Your Impostor Syndrome Could Have Roots in Childhood, PsychCentral

General:

• The Devastating Power of Self-Doubt: How It Harms Your Education, Career, and Personal Life, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
• Overcome self-doubt (once and for all?): 8 tips to move forward

Business related:

• Self-Doubt: How To Overcome It And Progress Your Career
• How To Beat Self-Doubt And Stop Selling Yourself Short, Forbes
• Don’t Let Self-Doubt Hold You Back, Harvard Business Review
• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Our Favorite Reads, Harvard Business Review
• How to overcome self-doubt
• 3 Tips for Conquering Self-Doubt at Work
• Smart Steps To Beat Back Bouts Of Self-Doubt
• Ways to Overcome Self-Doubt

Videos:

• Self-doubt - video playlist

Podcast:

• How to Stop Letting Self-Doubt Hold You Back by Amy Morin, LCSW