3 Easy Steps to Banish Doubt from Your Life

William Shakespeare said, "Our doubts are traitors...” If you spend a little time thinking about this quote, you’ll realise its significance and simplistic truth. The doubts that you carry around with you and repeat to yourself over and over again throughout the day serve only to prevent you from trying new things, expanding your sphere of influence, improving yourself and making a true and lasting contribution to the world. They also serve to shatter your dreams.

Most of us will usually only push the envelope when there is absolutely no choice, when it’s time to either grow or die. We may have dreams or lofty goals that call upon us to do things we’re unfamiliar with, things we’ve never done before ... things that truly frighten us. And in most cases, unless we absolutely have to, we will shy away from such situations or try to find other ways to get by in order to avoid taking on that new challenge. And all because we doubt ourselves.

How many times in your life have you seen someone doing something awesome, something you would love to be able to do yourself, and you say to yourself, “Wow, I wish I had the talent to do that.” Or, “I’d never be able to do that.” Your doubts regarding your own ability and potential bubble to the surface in these statements. And what is worse is that we all say things to ourselves just like this on a daily basis about so many different areas of life. The result is that we settle for an ordinary life, and choose not to take the risk of the new challenge because of our doubt.

So how can you banish doubt from your thinking? Here are some steps that will help you.

1. Focus on your past successes. Think of times when you tried a new thing, and it worked out great. Remember how wonderful you felt at that point. Actually take the time to close your eyes and recall this moment in as much vivid detail as you can. Remember the thoughts you were thinking at the time, the things you saw, heard and felt. Remember what an exhilarating feeling it was to have achieved that success at something that was totally new to you.

2. Think about the thing you want to do and imagine yourself being tremendously successful at it. Close your eyes and picture yourself as you succeed. Imagine what you’re wearing, what you’re saying and what you’re feeling. To give you an example, maybe you want to try public speaking, but the thought terrifies you. Think of yourself standing up in front of a huge crowd who have all come to hear you speak and impart your wisdom to them. Imagine connecting with that crowd on a deep level so that they really get the messages you wanted to convey. Imagine them giving you a standing ovation. Picture yourself grinning from ear to ear, thanking them for their generous applause as you stand in front of them. Feel how great that feels. See the sights, hear the sounds, embrace the feelings.

3. Become aware of your self talk. Notice that you have this little voice in your head that is constantly asking questions and affirming statements to you. Listen to that voice. When it says negative things to you like, “You can’t do that,” take a moment to stop and drive out that negative thought with a positive affirmation like, “I have the capacity to do anything I desire.” Every time you come up with a negative thought, replace it with a positive affirmation in just this way.

Do not let your doubts become your traitors. If you would like more help with replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations, please visit my website.