Hello, dear friend,
How are you getting on this week? Looking back at the year and firmly in Q3, it can start to feel like “ omg, where has the time gone?”. Calm down, my dear; all of us are trying to understand the same thing.
If you really look at it, you have come through a lot, and you are doing well; you have a lot to be grateful for. Some of you are living in an answered prayer and getting bored even, some are walking through the toughest season, but still walking, not stuck, not stationary, a testimony in deed.
I remember many occasions of feeling overwhelmed and doubting if I could achieve some new goals I set for myself this year. Allowing doubt to creep into your heart can be demoralising and downright paralysing, even.
The real inner work involves knowing how to jump start your self, guard your eyes and ears from negative seed, and keep your heart soft, your mind creating, even in the face of heavy discouragement.
Take this blog, for example; it wasn’t really clear to me why I needed to start it, and I had many false starts; it took about 2 years to understand its purpose. It’s for you, you who need that extra pump from someone who has walked through that you are now walking through, someone who doesn’t carry the shame or guilt anymore that currently weigh you down. It’s for me, who didn’t know the value in my own story.
It is an exercise in overcoming the doubt and fear of what you would think, and serving you with heart and courage.
Self-doubt — it creeps in quietly but can feel louder than a megaphone when you’re about to take a big step toward your dreams. It’s that voice that whispers, “Who are you to do this?” or “What if you fail?” “what if they find out who you really are?”.
If you’ve ever wrestled with those thoughts, you’re not alone. In fact, self-doubt is one of the most common hurdles people face when trying to pursue their passions.
But here’s the truth: passion is stronger than fear when you learn how to navigate self-doubt. Let’s explore how you can move past those limiting beliefs and embrace your purpose with confidence.
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What is Self-Doubt, Really?
Self-doubt is the lack of confidence in your abilities, decisions, or worth. It often shows up in subtle ways: procrastination, perfectionism, comparison with others, or constant second-guessing.
While it may feel like an enemy, self-doubt is actually a signal. It often means you’re stepping into something meaningful, something that stretches you beyond your comfort zone. The opposition you feel is the resistance of the forces you may be stabilizing by starting that new thing and walking in your purpose.
One thing, though, it’s not a fight you can do on your own. It is the Lord who puts desires in our hearts and it is worth a pause to ask Him about execution strategy, to order your steps, supportive colabourers/ helpers, and strength for the battles you will fight. The best place to find yourself is in the will of God; we must align in humility if we are going to achieve anything meaningful.
Self-Doubt Holds Us Back
- Fear of failure: The thought of getting it wrong stops us from even trying.
- Fear of judgment: Worrying about what others might say keeps us paralyzed.
- Comparison trap: Measuring your beginning against someone else’s middle.
- Perfectionism: Believing everything must be flawless before you start.
Left unchecked, these fears silence dreams and delay growth, leaving us beaten and bitter in some cases.
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Overcome the Self-Doubt
1. Reframe Your Inner Dialogue
Spend some time reflecting on the first time someone told you something that stuck with you as negative talk. Something that set the tone for your life and altered your core belief in yourself.
Instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” try, “I’m learning and growing every day.” The words you tell yourself matter. Start practicing affirmations that affirm your worth and capabilities.
2. Take Small, Consistent Steps
Some people go all in, betting everything they have; some take it slower. Break your goals into small, achievable actions. Each small win silences doubt and builds confidence.
If you hoped to become a speaker someday, start leading family meetings, giving thank you speeches at events, and volunteering to take announcements at your local worship centre.
3. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Community is powerful. Find friends, mentors, or peer groups who affirm your dreams. Their encouragement can drown out the voice of self-doubt. I thank God for the people he brought into my life at certain milestones of my dream development. People who bet on me to perform, giving me their own wings to fly with. Pray for good friends and to find friendship in your family.
4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Every milestone deserves acknowledgment — even the small ones. Progress is proof you’re moving forward, and that’s what truly matters. Treat yourself, write cards, notes, make a big deal online, blow your trumpet.
When I started adding the buy me coffee link to this blog, I struggled with it so much, having invested my funds to build it and find an assistant to help with the graphics etc, I was spending on a rolling over basis and wasn’t making any money yet, so when I thought about sustainability, it came up with that and left it to your guys to be as generous as you feel comfortable being. I wanted this blog to be free to access, but you can see how self-doubt can stand in the way of sustainable dreams.
So thank you for giving to the blog; it means I can pay for the time my assistant spends making it all pretty and managing our DMs. Thank you.
5. Remember Your “Why”
Why does your passion matter? Who will it impact? Anchoring yourself in purpose helps you keep going when doubt shows up. You, Me, and Posterity. For God and for the Kingdom. Once we position ourselves better, we are transformed by the word of God and fit for the purpose to be used for his glory. Your growth mindset and good mental health are the foundation of a life of purpose.
Mental Health and Self-Doubt
I can’t emphasize this enough: self-doubt is not a sign of weakness — it’s a human experience. Don’t let it take root; kill it quickly with opposite courageous action, run speedily towards your dreams. If you let it grow, it becomes overwhelming or persistent, and it can also be tied to anxiety, depression, or burnout.
Seeking therapy or talking to a mental health professional can help you develop healthier thought patterns and restore your confidence.
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Final Thoughts
Pursuing your passion isn’t about waiting until you feel 100% confident — because that day may never come. It’s about moving forward despite self-doubt, choosing courage over fear, and trusting that you are worthy of living a meaningful, fulfilling life.
Do it now
Do it with courage
Do it with God
Self-doubt may knock at the door, but it doesn’t have to live in your house.
Your passion deserves action. Your life deserves purpose. And you — yes, you — deserve to thrive.
Until next time — stay soft, stay growing, stay whole.
With love and light,
Amaka
