So you have an idea, something exciting, something that could take your career to the next level. You are ready to act. But then, that nagging voice creeps in:

“Who do you think you are?”
“What if you fail?”
“You’re not good enough for this.”

Sound familiar?

Self-doubt has a way of creeping in, no matter how talented, experienced, or capable you are. It is something that I have come to terms with over the years as I stretch out of my comfort zone, learn new things, take bigger risks, and build my life by design. 

When I quit my role as Managing Director to pursue a corporate career. 

When I first launched my website and career coaching business.  

When I purchased my first investment property.

When I stood on the start line of an ultra marathon.

The frustrating thing is, you know the self-doubt is not true. You’ve succeeded before, you have the skills, and you’ve worked hard. But still, self-doubt manages to put the brakes on your dreams.

I have learned to trust my ability to learn fast, adapt, find creative solutions, and also the people who can help. And I am glad to say that despite the odd curveball, I am doing OK. 

But self-doubt still lingers, trying to hold me back. 

So, why do we feel self-doubt?

Well, it is rooted in fear, the fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of the unknown. It’s a survival instinct that we all have, designed to protect us from risk. But when it comes to making bold moves in our careers and lives, this instinct can hold us back from reaching our full potential.

In a way, self-doubt is the voice of your comfort zone. It’s the part of you that says, “Stay where you are, play it safe. Don’t risk it.” But growth doesn’t happen when we stay comfortable.

Self-doubt tells you to play small. But it’s time to stop listening.

Imagine your life without self doubt

• What if you didn’t hold yourself back?
• What if you went for that promotion you’ve been eyeing, without second-guessing your qualifications?
• What if you tried that new project or business idea, without worrying about what others might think?
• What if you kissed Brad Pitt (or whoever your dream person is!), without letting fear of rejection stop you?

This last point was concept that came up for me while I was listening to a recent podcast. The guest talked about how, in a dream, you wouldn’t hesitate to go after what you wanted. No second-guessing, no holding back. In a dream, you would see yourself as unlimited, as capable of anything.

And why is that? Because in a dream, there are no barriers. No constraints. You’re not bogged down by the “what ifs” or the “I can’t” thoughts. In a dream, you’re free.

So think what would happen if, each time self-doubt creeped in, you imagined what you would do in a dream, and brought that strength and power back to reality? Pretty cool right?

You have the ability to take action, try new things, and pursue what you really want. The only thing holding you back is you and that little voice of self-doubt.

The good news? You can banish it. And when you do, you will open up a world of possibilities.

5 Steps to Banish Self-Doubt

1. Acknowledge It: The first step is to admit that self-doubt is creeping in. Recognise the thoughts and feelings that come up, but don’t let them control you.
   Remember: Self-doubt is just a thought, not a fact.
   
   
2. Reframe the Fear: Instead of seeing fear as something to avoid, start viewing it as a sign that you’re on the verge of growth. Fear means you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, which is exactly where the magic happens.
   
   
3. Take Action, Even If It’s Small: The best way to overcome self-doubt is by doing. Start small, take one action towards your goal. Once you’ve done it, you’ll realise that your fear wasn’t as big as it seemed.
   
   
4. Surround Yourself with Support: Find people who believe in you, mentors, friends, or colleagues who can cheer you on and offer perspective when your doubts start to overwhelm you. You don’t have to do it alone.
   
   
5. Celebrate Wins, No Matter How Small: Every step you take, no matter how small, is progress. Celebrate those wins, because each one is proof that you’re moving forward, even if it feels uncomfortable.
   
   

Take Control of Your Career Today

Now, think about your Career Clarity Compass (CCC). If you’ve downloaded it and completed the assessment, you’re already taking the first step toward understanding where your career might need a shift. But here’s the big question:

What’s holding you back from turning that low-scoring area into a 10?

Is it fear? Self-doubt? The belief that you don’t have what it takes?

Don’t let that hold you back any longer.

You have the power to create a career that excites you, a life that feels aligned with who you are. Now is the time to make it happen. With the Career Clarity Blueprint, you can take your self-doubt, turn it into fuel, and start building the career of your dreams step-by-step.

Always with love,

Elsa x