OverCome Doubt

Behind every genius idea, new project, work of art, budding love relationship and step into the unknown, doubt lurks. Following an ahha moment where the clouds of confusion part and we see with clear awareness, there often comes a time of questioning. Self-doubt can make you feel as if you are inwardly divided and at odds with what you know to be your truth. Your creative, inspired and intuitively insightful spirit and your cautious, fear based ego mind seem to be at war with one another.
Doubt traps the authentic self in a small and dark corner. A form of judgment, doubt arises when we expect certain outcomes. For years I wanted to write a book. I had a lot of ideas, but whenever I started to write them down, I doubted my abilities. I would torture myself with questions like: What if I failed? What if I spend months and maybe years writing a book and I cannot get it published? What if no one reads it or likes what I write? My expectations were high. If I wrote a book I wanted it to be, published, read and successful. Doubts plagued me.
Lacking the conviction that I could be a successful writer, I turned my attention to other areas. I devoted myself to becoming a better and more accurate intuitive and medium and increasing my clientele. I also worked part time as an art therapist at a treatment center for troubled youth. It was in this unlikely environment that my fears and anxiety about writing were transformed.
A large part of my work as an art therapist involved creating stories to engage and motivate the students. When they expressed enthusiasm with one of the stories, usually an outrageous and ridiculous one, I quickly wrote it down. Hopeful that the next class would also find it as interesting. The more I wrote, the more I relaxed and enjoyed it. No longer feeling pressure, my relationship to writing changed. Writing, I realized, helped me to feel alive, vibrant and full of energy. It was a transcendent experience where all of me came together with passion and purpose. The dread of publishers, others opinions and my own perfectionist self-judgment began to fade and be less important. Writing no longer felt like a choice. I wrote for my soul, it was the elixir that helped me to feel fully alive.
If doubt immobilizes you here are a few suggestions.
Take a break and get away from the project or issue that you feel doubtful about. Do something that helps you to feel confident and happy, It doesn’t matter what it is. Go for a walk, play your favorite sport, listen to music, watch a good movie or go to a museum.
Be honest about your expectations. Ask yourself the following questions. What are my expectations? Are they realistic? Am I expecting too much of myself?
Share your feelings with someone that you can trust and who is supportive. Be careful not to confide in those who allow their own doubts and a negative perspective, to limit them. Learn how to take care of yourself and share your dreams with those who have followed theirs.
Be with those who uplift you and will love you for who you are.
Listen within, for what is right for you and trust your intuition.
Spend some time alone. Listen to your heart and your gut. Ask yourself: “If I knew that I would succeed and that everything is possible what would I do? What is my truth?
Write down a plan for what you would like to accomplish and experience. Break it down into manageable steps. Give yourself small daily and weekly goals. Celebrate your progress. If you begin to feel doubt, take a time out. Refocus on what you have accomplished and what your next steps will be.
Give it your all and remember that choosing the safe sure thing does not necessarily mean that you will be happy, successful or better off. You cannot control outcomes, but you can choose to participate in what brings you joy and what feels right for you.

From the Book, Discover Your Authentic Self