7 Gentle Ways to Overcome Self-Doubt and Believe in Yourself Again

Do you struggle with feelings of not being good enough? Or that your thoughts, emotions, opinions and beliefs are somehow not worthy? Believing in yourself is a vital component of living intentionally. In this article I explore 7 gentle ways to overcome self-doubt so you can start living the life you want.

DOES SELF-DOUBT HOLD YOU BACK?

Self-doubt is something we all face from time to time. Whether it’s questioning our abilities, comparing ourselves to others, or feeling like we’re simply not “enough,” those quiet little thoughts can quickly grow louder and hold us back from the life we truly want to live.

But here’s the truth: self-doubt doesn’t have to run the show. And you don’t need to “fix” yourself or become someone totally different to quiet it down. Sometimes, the most powerful shifts happen not through grand, bold action—but through gentle, consistent steps forward.

“Doubting yourself is normal. Letting it stop you is a choice.” (Mel Robbins)

HOW SELF-DOUBT RELATES TO INTENTIONAL LIVING

Intentional living is really just a fancy way of saying you know what you want and you take steps to get it. Whether that’s making your daily life that little bit easier through setting up routines and systems at home or setting goals and creating a 10 year plan for your career.

Whilst most of us want health, happiness, food, shelter and financial security, how that looks in detail might differ for all of us – but there’s one common denominator. To live an intentional and purposeful life, you’ve got to make things happen. An intentional life doesn’t just land in your lap.

But this is where the sticking point comes. You might be asking yourself…

• What do I really want?
• How do I know if I’ll still want that in the future?
• What if I make the wrong choice, or the wrong decision?
• Am I capable and/or worthy?
• But what I’m choosing isn’t what other people normally choose?
• What if I’m different?
• What will other people think?

That’s a lot of questions – and doubt. Doubt about your thoughts, emotions, opinions and beliefs.

Whilst I completely understand the challenges of doubting oneself, I also believe that there are ways we can quieten our inner critic and stand strong instead. It’s just a question of learning why we think like we do and shifting our mindset in another direction.

7 GENTLE WAYS TO OVERCOME SELF-DOUBT AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AGAIN

So, if you’ve been struggling with self-doubt lately, here are 7 gentle strategies to help you reconnect with your confidence and believe in yourself again.

1. Speak to Yourself Like You Would a Friend

Think for a moment how you speak to someone you love when they’re feeling uncertain. You’d likely offer kindness, encouragement, and reassurance—not criticism or judgement.

Yet when it comes to ourselves, we often default to harsh inner talk.

Try catching that inner voice when it starts to spiral. Ask yourself: Would I say this to my best friend? If not, it might be time to reframe the message. Instead of “I’m terrible at this,” try “I’m still learning, and that’s okay.” It takes practice, but choosing gentler thoughts and kinder words builds inner trust over time.

2. Reflect on Times You’ve Been Brave Before

Self-doubt convinces us we’ve never done anything “big” or “worthy,” but the truth is—courage shows up in everyday moments. Maybe you spoke up at a meeting, applied for a role you weren’t sure you’d get, or simply got out of bed and kept going on a hard day.

Take a moment to list five times you acted with bravery, strength or quiet determination. Let them remind you that you’ve already proven your resilience. You can do it again.

3. Limit the Comparison Trap

Social media, with its endless highlight reels, can be a major source of self-doubt. We see someone else’s success, confidence or lifestyle and assume we’re falling short.

But remember: you’re seeing a filtered snapshot, not the full story.

Try curating your feed with accounts that inspire rather than intimidate. Follow people who share honestly and help you feel grounded, not lesser. And when comparison sneaks in, gently remind yourself: Their journey isn’t mine—and that’s perfectly okay.

I’ve put screen time limits on my social media apps. I found myself comparing my blog to bigger sites with more followers and it made me feel like I was doing things wrong or not well enough. I had a little chat and reminded myself that my writing may help others in a quiet way that other blogs don’t. There is space for everyone and we all have something unique to offer. Screen time limits helped save my motivation, creativity and resilience and keep me out of the comparison trap.

4. Do One Small Thing You’ve Been Avoiding

Often, self-doubt keeps us stuck in indecision or procrastination. We wait until we feel “ready” or “more confident”—but sometimes confidence comes after action, not before it.

Pick one small thing you’ve been putting off. It doesn’t need to be big or bold. Maybe it’s making that call, sending the email, or signing up for the class.

Each time you take a tiny step forward, you prove to yourself that you can. These small wins stack up and slowly quiet the doubt.

5. Create a “Self-Belief Folder”

This one might sound a little cheesy, but it works. Create a digital or physical folder where you keep reminders of your strengths—compliments, kind messages, thank you notes, positive feedback, or journal entries where you felt proud of yourself. A journal, notebook, scrapbook or even a small box would work just as well.

On the days when self-doubt creeps in, open the folder. Read it slowly. Let those words sink in. They’re real. They’re evidence. And they came from people who’ve seen your light or your value, even when you can’t.

6. Simplify Your Environment and Routines

Self-doubt often feels worse when everything else feels cluttered—our minds, our homes, our schedules.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider simplifying a few areas of your life. Declutter a drawer, tidy your calendar, or take one thing off your plate. These small actions create space—not just physically, but mentally too.

Intentional living can support self-belief by giving you room to breathe, think clearly, and reconnect with what really matters.

So, tell me, how does self-doubt stifle you or remove you from really living to your full potential?

7. Remind Yourself That You’re Allowed to Take Up Space

This one is powerful. So many of us shrink ourselves because we’re scared to be “too much” or “not enough.” But your presence, your voice, your dreams—they matter.

You don’t need to wait until you’ve achieved more, earned more, or changed who you are. You are allowed to take up space exactly as you are right now.

Try saying it out loud: “I am allowed to take up space in this world.” Repeat it often. It’s a truth worth remembering. Stop playing small and celebrate your greatness.

SELF-BELIEF ISN’T ABOUT PERFECTION

The road to self-belief isn’t always straightforward. Some days you’ll feel strong and capable. Other days, not so much. And that’s okay.

What matters is showing up with kindness, even when your confidence wobbles. Because building belief in yourself doesn’t mean never doubting again—it means learning to keep going despite the doubt.

So take a breath. Be gentle with yourself. Keep walking your path, one small step at a time. You’re growing, you’re learning, and you’re far more capable than your inner critic gives you credit for.

FAQs ABOUT OVERCOMING SELF-DOUBT

Here are some common questions I think many of us ask about the doubt we hold onto.

1. Is self-doubt normal?

Absolutely. Everyone experiences self-doubt at some point—it’s part of being human. Even the most outwardly confident people have moments of questioning themselves. It’s not a flaw, just something to work through with care and self-compassion.

2. Can journaling help with self-doubt?

Yes! Journaling can help you understand your inner thoughts and where your doubts are coming from. It’s also a great way to track progress and remind yourself of the positive steps you’re taking.

3. How long does it take to build self-confidence?

It varies from person to person. Confidence isn’t a destination—it’s more like a muscle you strengthen over time. Consistency, small wins, and kind self-talk all help.

4. What if I’ve struggled with self-doubt for years?

You’re not alone, and it’s never too late to start shifting things. Start with one or two small habits. Over time, even long-standing patterns can soften and change. Gentle progress is still progress.

If you’re keen to build your best life but your confidence and self-doubt are getting in the way, I hear you. That happened to me too! I found that setting small, realistic and meaningful goals gave me some sense of direction. I could also track my progress and see just how far I’d come and what I’d achieved. Maybe the same would work for you? Find out more about my Goal-Setting Workbook here.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Here are some more related articles you might find helpful:

• 14 Essential Mindsets to Help You Get More Out of Life
• 60 Positive Daily Affirmations for a Happy and Healthy Mind
• How to Show Up for Your Life and Make It Meaningful
• 15 Helpful Habits for Positive Thinking
• 20 Ways to Be Happier
• Feeling Overwhelmed? Try This Stoic Mindset Shift

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