Don't Let Doubt Be The Loudest Voice

In last week’s newsletter I admitted I haven’t been writing. Which kicks up a whole bunch of feelings for me including the feeling of being a fraud. My first thought when I sat down to write that newsletter was “what if people think I’m a bad coach, a fake writer? What if they don’t believe in me anymore?” And the doubts flowed out. 

But here’s the thing: just because I’m not writing it doesn’t mean I have forgotten how to write. It doesn’t mean I’m not a writer. It doesn’t mean I’m a bad writer. I haven’t lost the 10 years of writing experience, or anything I learned from my masters program. It just means I’m not currently typing a story.

I think many people suffer from Imposter Syndrome. I know I have my whole life. I’m kind of resigned to the thought that I might worry about being an imposter for the rest of my life. Those doubts, those worries, they aren’t true. They might be true feelings but they’re not true facts.

I am a good writer. I am a good coach. And for good measure, I’m a good human. One who has a lot of doubts right now thanks to the Uncertainty Of These Times. 

So, if you’re like me and riding the doubt train on the uncertainty express, know that doubts are fears, and fears are feelings, and feelings won’t kill you. And what do you do when you’re feeling doubts? 

This is what I do: journal. Talk to friends. Make a list of all the things I like about who I am and what I’m working on. Look back at old photos to remind myself of different times. Write about something that feels good. Dance around my kitchen. Smile at myself in the mirror while saying positive affirmations. 

Whatever you do, just don’t let doubt be the loudest voice in your head. Don’t let it be your north star. YOU are your north star.