Seing this week hivenaija topic on SELF DOUBT make me remember how self doubt nearly cost me an opportunity to pursue one of my greatest passions. Public Speaking
Picture is mine
It started back then in my university days, when I was invited to speak at a student leadership conference. My professor, who had been impressed by my class presentations, recommended me for the role. But when the invitation came, I froze. Who was I to stand in front of hundreds of students and deliver a speech? I didn't see myself as a leader or someone worth listening to. A familiar voice echoed in my mind. "You are not good enough. They'll see right through you."
I drafted my rejection email three times but couldn't bring myself to send it. Deep down, I wanted to say yes, but the fear of failing of embarrassing myself was paralyzing. It wasn't until I had a conversation with my best friend that things shifted. He reminded me of simple truth. "You were chosen for a reason. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be real."
That night, I scrapped my overly rehearsed, impersonal speech and started fresh. I wrote from the heart, sharing my own experiences as a student navigating self doubt and leadership. On the day of the event, I was nervous, but I focused on connecting with the audience rather than impressing them. And to my surprise, the response was overwhelming. People came up to me afterward, thanking me for sharing something they could relate to. Looking back, I realize that self doubt isn't something you can eliminate overnight. But I learned a few strategies that helped me move forward:
⚜️ Take small steps of courage: I didn't have to conquer the fear entirely. I just had to show up and try
⚜️ Reframe the narrative: Instead of focusing on the fear of failure, I shifted my mindset to view the experience as a chance to grow
⚜️ Sorround yourself with encouragers:The support of my friend gave me the courage to silence my inner critic
Now, every time self doubt creeps in, I remind myself that growth begins outside of my comfort zone. That one moment taught me that, I don't have to be fearless to succeed. I just have to keep showing up
Before I conclude on this topic, Let’s talk little further on self doubt and how to concer this challenges
Self doubt is the feeling of uncertainty about your abilities, decisions, or worth. It often arises from fear of failure, perfectionism, past mistakes, or external criticism. While self doubt is a natural part of being human, it can become a barrier to growth and success if it's not addressed
How Do We Overcome Self Doubt
Overcoming your self doubt needs you to challenge your negative thought about yourself, needs you to focus on progress, not perfection, needs you to build your self awareness, needs you to take action, even when it's uncomfortable, needs you to sorround yourself with positivity, needs you to learn from failures, and for the last, needs you to visualize success
In Conclusion
Self doubt doesn't have to control your life. By confronting it, reframing your mindset, and taking intentional steps forward, you can transform it into a tool for growth rather than a roadblock. Remember, confidence isn't the absence of doubt. It's the willingness to move forward despite it
