If you’ve been trying to figure out how to stop second-guessing yourself, here are six ways you can deal with this.

Some doubts race through our minds every time we’re thinking of making a decision…

• “What if it doesn’t work out?”
• “Do I even know what I’m doing?”
• “Who am I to even think this idea will fly?”

Sound familiar? 

As humans, doubting ourselves is like a habit of nature. Maybe it’s some twisted form of self-sabotage or just a bad habit we picked up from that childhood friend who can’t ever decide what to do. 

Either way, it’s time to stop doubting yourself to achieve your dreams.  In this guide, you’ll learn how to stop second-guessing yourself in six steps.

1. Ask Yourself Reflective Questions

When you know the root of a problem, it becomes easy to solve it. If you want to stop second-guessing everything you do, you first need to identify the root cause of self-doubt. 

You’re going to ask yourself some deep questions and, of course, provide raw, unfiltered answers in your journal. 

• Why don’t I trust myself?
• Is it fear of failure, lack of confidence, negative beliefs, decision paralysis, or something else?

So, take the time to sit with your thoughts and be honest with yourself. Knowing where your self-doubt stems from will help you develop effective measures to overcome it. 

2. Trust Your Guts & Own Your Choices

Anytime you want to overthink or question your decisions, don’t.

Instead, trust your instincts. Your guts, intuition, whatever you want to call it… These feelings are usually right. You might want to teeter on the edge of doubt during your decision-making process. But, don’t.

When you make a choice, own it like you’re walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week. Whether it’s choosing a latte over a cappuccino or deciding to quit your soul-sucking job, stand tall and believe that you made the right choice.

Your instincts are shaped by your experiences and knowledge. They’re a valuable tool in decision-making. By trusting your gut, you’re acknowledging the wisdom you’ve accumulated over time.

3. Know That You aren’t Psychic

Newsflash: You’re not a psychic. If you were, you’d be sipping cosmos on a beach somewhere while your psychic hotline rakes in the big bucks. 

Life’s a rollercoaster, and that’s why accepting that you can’t predict every outcome is liberating.

Part of what makes you human is the uncertainty that life brings. So, stop trying to predict the future. Stop trying to control every variable.

Make decisions based on your gut feelings or the information you have and move on.

4. Embrace Your Flaws

You’re a work in progress—and it isn’t just you. No one has it all figured out, no matter what they say.  

You don’t have to look back at the decisions you’ve made with judgmental eyes. You made the best choice you could.

Embrace your imperfections and choices—because, let’s face it, perfection is overrated. 

Self-acceptance is a powerful antidote to second-guessing. Flaunt your quirks and flaws, and find strength in your vulnerability. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that mistakes are a part of life. 

When you embrace your flaws, you reduce the pressure to make perfect decisions, which often leads to paralysis and doubt.

5. Surround Yourself with Cheerleaders

Your inner circle should be filled with people who motivate the heck out of you. If it’s not, then it’s time for a makeover. 

Surround yourself with friends, colleagues, and family members who lift you up. They’re the kind of people who will believe in you, even when you’re questioning yourself. 

A supportive network can provide perspective when you’re stuck in a cycle of doubt. They can remind you of your strengths and past successes, helping to boost your confidence in your decision-making abilities.

6. Recite Daily Affirmations for Self-Confidence

Saying daily positive affirmations can boost your confidence.

While it might feel awkward at first, consistent practice of positive affirmations can rewire your thought patterns.

Over time, these affirmations can help counteract the negative self-talk that often leads to second-guessing.

In Summary: How to Stop Second-Guessing Yourself

It’s time to own your life and make decisions confidently without doubting yourself. 

Fair warning: This isn’t a one-day transformation. Overcoming the habit of second-guessing is a gradual process. It requires consistent effort and patience. But with time and intentional practice, you can overcome self-doubt with these tips and develop a more assured approach to decision-making.

You’ll learn how to stop second-guessing yourself and become more trusting in your abilities and choices.