3 Seriously Simple Tricks To Banish Self-Doubt As A Female Leader
Self-doubt—does it ever hold you back from achieving what you really want? Maybe it stops you from speaking up in meetings, applying for that promotion, or even pursuing your dreams? If this sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone.
In fact, most of us, at some point, experience self-doubt. It's that nagging feeling that we're not good enough or that we're about to fail. But have you ever paused to ask why that doubt is even there? What exactly triggers it for you?
The truth is, self-doubt is often rooted in fear. Fear of failure, fear of what others might think, or even fear of success or hard work. These fears can paralyse us, preventing us from taking the next step toward our goals. But here's the thing: many of these fears are not life-threatening—they're simply discomforts that we’ve learned to associate with taking action.
So how can you start to overcome this doubt? How can you break free from the limitations it imposes?
Let's explore three seriously simple tricks that can help you banish self-doubt for good!
1. Normalise It and Share It Out Loud
Self-doubt often stems from a lack of confidence, which is frequently caused by fear. We look at others and think, they've got it all together, they're so much more confident or capable than I am. This comparison amplifies the doubt, making us feel inferior. But what if everyone else is experiencing the same thing? What if the person you admire is also battling self-doubt in their own way?
Research shows that over 85% of people experience self-doubt at some point in their lives. So, instead of seeing yourself as an anomaly, recognize that you're part of a larger human experience. Everyone, no matter how confident they appear, faces moments of doubt.
A powerful way to manage these feelings is to share them aloud. Whether it’s with a friend, colleague, or coach, speaking your doubts out loud helps you realise that you’re not alone. In fact, the person you confide in may be able to share their own struggles with self-doubt, offering empathy and reassurance. This simple act of sharing can lighten the load and give you the confidence to move forward.
2. Rewire Your Brain
It sounds complicated, but trust me, rewiring your brain is simpler than it seems. The human brain is hardwired for survival—when we face fears, whether it’s public speaking or fear of failure, our primal brain treats these moments the same as it would if we were facing a dangerous predator. It activates our fight-or-flight response, even though the "danger" is not life-threatening.
But here's the good news: you can train your brain to react differently. Every time you take action in spite of your self-doubt, you create new neural pathways in your brain. This strengthens the habit of confidence, proving to your brain that the fear was unnecessary and that you survived it.
Over time, as you push past self-doubt and take action, you'll begin to rewire your brain to expect success instead of fear. So, the next time self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself: This is just my primal brain trying to protect me, but I’m stronger than that. Each step you take will reinforce your confidence.
Your confidence literally compounds the more action you take!
3. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Here’s the hard truth: if you truly want something—whether it’s a promotion, speaking up in a meeting, or pursuing a new goal—you’ll find the courage to go for it. But only if your why is strong enough. If your reason for wanting something isn't deep enough or meaningful enough to you, self-doubt will continue to hold you back.
Take a moment to think about your goals. What is the driving force behind your desire to succeed? When you’ve connected with a powerful why, your fear and self-doubt will start to fade into the background. Your why will fuel your courage and determination to push forward.
Once you've identified your why, keep it in focus. Visualise the reward on the other side of self-doubt—the satisfaction of speaking up in that meeting, the pride of achieving your goal, or the joy of personal growth. Ask yourself: What do I want more? To stay safe in my comfort zone, or to take action and achieve my dreams?
When the prize is valuable enough, self-doubt no longer feels as intimidating. You’ll find that taking action becomes the natural choice.
So there you have it—three seriously simple tricks to banish self-doubt:
Normalise it and share it out loud.
Rewire your brain.
Keep your eyes on the prize.
Self-doubt is a common experience, no matter how successful someone seems on the outside. But it doesn’t have to stop you. In fact, these simple techniques can help you take control of your mindset and start moving toward your goals with confidence.
Have you tried any of these tricks before? Or maybe you’re already using some of them? Share your experiences or let me know which trick you're going to try first. I’d love to hear how you're overcoming self-doubt and moving closer to your leadership goals!
As always, I’m here to help women leaders confidently succeed without burning out. Confidence and ditching the doubts are the foundation for everything—so don’t hesitate to put these tricks into practice and enjoy the results! You can email me directly here, I always love to hear from you!
