5 TIPS TO OVERCOME SELF-DOUBT

Time to Reflect on the New Year or Not

I’ve spent these first few weeks of the New Year reading a ton of articles (OK, maybe not a ton) about organizing and planning for the year ahead. And truth be told, I’m an organizer and planner; whether it’s in preparation for the new year or not, I am always on the lookout for new ideas and inspiration. What I do struggle with is contemplating what the new year will hold for my family and me. So, I took some time to reflect on my wishes, my dreams, and my vision for the new year. It was lookin’ pretty good until the doubts started to wash over me like the waves of the sea. Do you have those days? You wake up ready to go, dressed in the armor of God, your full suit of armor, ready to defeat any discouragement or unhealthy self-talk, and then, out of nowhere, self-doubt knocks your feet right out from under you.

Perhaps a friend calls to overshare, a post on social media makes you feel less than adequate, your car won’t start, or you spill your coffee all over your new, shiny shoes. How’s that armor working for you? Do you shake it off, or does your head spin around as you try to control the impulse to scream at the top of your lungs or cry? I have those days, and I have those moments, I think we all do. I’m not perfect, and I’m not proud of the times my head spins around, or I sit down and cry over spilled milk. But I can happily share that those days are fewer and fewer because of Him.

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”  James 1:6 NIV

5 Tips to Overcome Doubt

Tips for overcoming doubt and preventing kinks in our armor:

1. Keep your self-talk positive. We all have those moments where self-doubt starts to creep into our thoughts, but it’s in our control to shut them down before the feelings shut us down. Don’t allow those thoughts to overtake you. Turn the thoughts around by reminding yourself of a recent accomplishment. Recite Scripture to remind you of God’s promises. A great way to overcome self-doubt is to fill your thoughts with God’s Word. I love to print Scripture and tape (washi tape, of course) it on my desk or in my car to remind me who I am: a daughter of the King. Scripture cards are an excellent way to visually surround yourself with God’s promises.
2. Take a walk in the fresh air or sit outside. I refer to this as my personal “time out.” Numerous studies have shown the benefits of spending time outdoors. From memory performance, increased attention span, a boost in serotonin, and sunshine, which is the best source of vitamin D, and the list goes on. So, take the time to step outside, soak in the sunshine, and enjoy your surroundings. Basically, stop and smell the roses.
3. Encourage someone, lend a hand. Research shows that the benefits of serving others include a mental boost, a sense of purpose, increased happiness, and reduced depression. Helping others shifts our focus from our problems to their needs. It helps us realize how blessed we are to be able to give our time to improve the lives of those around us, and we all have the power to do this regardless of our circumstances.
4. Make a list of everything you are grateful for at that very moment. I am always encouraging readers of the benefits of journaling. Keeping a list of all that you are grateful for increases your appreciation and improves your relationships. It’s always been said, “Count your blessings,” so go ahead and start counting today.
5. Call a sister-in-Christ for prayer. Have you ever had a bad day or been struggling, and the phone rang? You picked up, and it was a good friend calling to say she was thinking about you? I have, and let me tell you, I’m so grateful for my sisters in Christ who reach out to say they are thinking of me or want to pray for me. There is no better friend to have than a sister-in-Christ.

I hope you take the time to implement a few of these tips in your life. They cost us nothing but time, and the benefits are priceless. What tips for overcoming self-doubt can you share? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12 NIV