It’s all too easy to let the waves of self doubt wash over you from time to time. It may start as something really small, but it easily grows unless you can truly believe in yourself. Steven Pressfield would refer to this self doubt as ‘resistance’ in his book “The War of Art” (which I would thoroughly recommend reading by the way!)
This resistance comes from within. It’s not anyone else doubting you, or saying that you’re not good enough. It’s you thinking it. And while some people would say to ignore this resistance, you shouldn’t. Resistance only rears it’s head when you’re making progress; it will guide you to what is important.
So take note, and fight back!
Now resistance will show itself in many different forms, and you probably won’t notice it straight away. But the key is to recognise it, face your fear, and show that you can push on through anyway. I wish it was always that easy, but in reality it isn’t.
I could very happily have given into the resistance, and gone to bed early tonight. I could have very easily just skipped writing, thinking that I’ll catch up tomorrow. Or at worst, what’s one missed day?
But that’s not what happened.
Instead, I focussed on why I was working and believed in myself that I could work through it. So, I turned to my notes and found myself reading through my highlights from “The War of Art” and the following really stood out for me when I read it, and again now;
Think like a professional
Professionals don’t get to pick and choose when they want to work. They have to show up time and time again, and get the work done. So treat your side hustle or creations in the same way. Get up and get on with it.
The following comes from a Weekly Quote Drop
The path to success is to take massive, determined action
Tony Robbins
This is a long game
We are so accustomed to instant gratification, but this is a long game. You’ve got to keep showing up, keep improving 1% each day. It may not seem like it, but every day you show up you get a little bit nearer to reaching your goal.
Concentrate on how
Rather than thinking of why or what; just think about how. How do I go about writing? Well I sit at my desk, open my laptop and open the document. I can then refer to my article planner and just start getting words down.
By focussing on the how, the process becomes simpler. Don’t overcomplicate it, just think about it and do it. Plus, the more you delay, the less likely you are to do it.
Believe in yourself
I wish there was an easy way to achieve this, but there really isn’t. You just need to feel without any doubt that you have the power to take control, and that you can do this.
The thing that really helps me is knowing that self doubt shows that you’re on the right path. Also, resistance will increase the nearer the you get to you goal. Resistance will do all it can to distract or divert you.
So take comfort in it’s efforts.
You’re getting there, and just need to trust your systems, knowledge and skills and you will conquer.
Check out “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield here.
