🤨 How I'm Learning to Ignore Self-Doubt

Good morning.

Today, we’re talking about that thing we think no one has, yet everyone has.

Let’s get into it.

— Gordon

Everyday Insights 👀
Keeping you in the know

• Five Traits of Effective Top Teams [Harvard Business Review]

• Instagram Launches New Profile Cards [Social Media Today]

• Airbnb launches a network that lets hosts hire other hosts [Tech Crunch]

🤨 How I'm Learning to Ignore Self-Doubt

Have you ever felt that nagging voice telling you 'you're not good enough'?

Have you ever made an important decision, and immediately after, the world seemingly gave you reasons to think you made the wrong decision, and you question everything all over again?

You're not alone.

Self-doubt is part of the human experience.

And it doesn't have to limit your potential.

Two months ago, I decided to begin shifting the direction of this newsletter to be more aligned with where I’m going, what I won’t shut up about, and what I want to help business owners with going forward. Perhaps you noticed.

A few weeks after making that decision, two entrepreneurs I have tremendous respect for posted content that, on the surface, made it sound like I had it all wrong.

ON THE SAME DAY, nonetheless.

In the past, I would have immediately spiraled into self-doubt and limiting beliefs, causing me to slam on the brakes and halt all progress, killing momentum.

That day was different, though. I was different.

I thought about it for a second and concluded that my foundation was built on truth—not trends, hype, or gurus, but unshakeable facts.

I knew that when I dug deeper into their posts, their message would differ from what it sounded like. I was right.

Instead of losing days, months, or another year of focused action, I spent 5 minutes thinking this through and reaffirming my decision.

You can’t control your reaction. You can control your response.

We know self-doubt will show up when you need it the least. 😅

Some people have built such extreme confidence that their wall of awesome can’t be breached. Some people, like me, have a limited supply of supreme confidence.

Being self-aware is the most critical first step to overcoming self-doubt.

If you’re not paying attention to your thoughts, how you show up, and coming from curiosity regarding why you react and respond the way you do, you won’t be able to watch for signals and grow.

Here’s how I’ve been overcoming self-doubt over the past two years.

First, reframe self-doubt from something negative to something positive.

If I begin to question my abilities, it means I haven’t learned enough about that topic, built that skill, or experienced that challenge yet.

It’s an opportunity for growth, not a reflection of my identity.

Second, do your homework.

Are you only skimming the surface or diving deep into your passion or work?

Look for the source of truth that everything else is built on. Analyze the market and fundamental shifts in human behavior and patterns driving global change. Look outside your industry and find opportunities to adopt proven strategies and tactics for your business that your competitors aren’t utilizing.

When you’ve done your homework and understand the fundamentals, you’ll build a strong foundation of confidence, and what felt impossible before will begin to feel more like a matter of when rather than if.

Your success will be… inevitable.

When self-doubt begins to creep in, step back and look at the bigger picture.

You will likely see that the uncomfortable feeling is a sign you’re on the right track.

Growth starts outside of your comfort zone.

The more intense that feeling, the more you are growing.

The more you grow, the faster you become a better version of yourself.

See you again next week.

Thanks for reading.

ONWARD TOGETHER.

My Favorite Things 💙
What I’m reading, watching, and studying

1. YouTube: Normally, I watch podcasts; I don’t listen to them. However, after I finished listening to a podcast on a walk, another one randomly started, and it was very insightful. Our world is full of distractions, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to focus on our most important work. Watch or listen to “How to Stay Focused and Beat Distraction with Nir Eyal” on Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal.

2. Course: Last week, I completed the “Write, Grow, Sell” cohort with newsletter growth ninja Matt McGarry. This cohort was a masterclass in starting, growing, and monetizing newsletters, as well as marketing, selling, and delivering world-class courses (and cohorts). As a former regional tech trainer, I was blown away by Matt’s masterful execution.

Next Steps 👇

Whenever you're ready, here’s another way I can help you:

I help service-based entrepreneurs build content-enabled businesses to build trust at scale, dominate their local market, and create a life by design.

• Do you want to start a podcast and have no idea where to start?

• Thinking about launching a newsletter to nurture your database?

• Need a content strategy to fill your sales funnel with qualified clients?

Book a Discovery Call