We all know that success isn’t just about talent or luck; it’s also about mindset and the habits you cultivate.

But did you know one of the biggest roadblocks to success is self-doubt?

It creeps in like a shadow, whispering insecurities that can prevent you from seizing opportunities, taking risks, and fully embracing your potential.

But here’s the truth: self-doubt doesn’t have to hold you back.

By recognizing and addressing the habits that fuel this uncertainty, you can shift your mindset and reclaim your confidence.

If you’re ready to conquer self-doubt and embrace your capabilities , it’s time to say goodbye to these eight habits.

1) Dwelling on past mistakes

Success requires us to step outside our comfort zones and take risks. But when self-doubt creeps in, past mistakes often become haunting reminders of failure, not stepping stones to success.

This habit can be crippling. It keeps us stuck in a cycle of regret and fear, preventing us from moving forward.

Instead of seeing past errors as opportunities for growth and learning, we see them as evidence of our inadequacy.

The truth is that everyone makes mistakes – it’s part of being human. The key is to learn from these experiences and use them as fuel for future endeavors.

When faced with a decision or a challenge, don’t let past mistakes dictate your actions.

Recognize them for what they are – valuable lessons learned – and use this knowledge to make better choices in the future.

2) Seeking validation from others

We all have a natural desire to be accepted and valued by those around us.

However, when this desire turns into a habit of constantly seeking validation from others, it can become a driving force in our lives, steering us away from our true path.

This need for external approval often stems from a lack of self-belief. We doubt our own abilities and, as a result, rely on others to affirm our worth.

But the key to success isn’t found in the opinions of others; it’s found within ourselves.

I’ve found that when I focus on living authentically and aligning my actions with my deepest values, the need for external validation diminishes.

I realize that my worth isn’t dependent on what others think of me but on how I perceive myself.

As Brené Brown, a research professor and author who studies courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy says, “Don’t walk through the world looking for evidence that you don’t belong or are not enough because you will always find it because you’ve made that your mission.”

Let’s make our mission about finding our own inner strength and confidence, not seeking validation from others.

3) Avoiding discomfort and failure

One common habit that fuels self-doubt is the tendency to avoid discomfort and failure.

We live in a society that often equates failure with weakness, leading many of us to shy away from challenges or risk-taking for fear of falling short.

However, embracing discomfort and acknowledging the potential for failure is often the first step towards growth and success.

When we step out of our comfort zones, we open ourselves up to new experiences, perspectives, and skills. Even if we stumble along the way, each setback provides valuable lessons for our journey forward.

In my video on embracing imposter syndrome, I delve into this concept further.

I discuss how feeling like an ‘imposter’ isn’t a flaw to be fought against, but a sign of deep self-awareness and a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment. It’s about embracing our vulnerabilities and recognizing our achievements without external validation.

If you’re keen on exploring a life with more purpose and freedom, join me and over 30,000 others on YouTube. Subscribe here to join our community.

4) Ignoring your financial health

Financial well-being is an often overlooked aspect of success.

When self-doubt sets in, it can be easy to neglect our financial health, leading to stress and uncertainty. This can manifest in various ways, from avoiding budgeting to making impulsive purchases to soothe our insecurities.

However, I believe that prosperity is about aligning our financial decisions with our deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change.

It’s not just about accumulating wealth, but about cultivating a sense of purpose, creativity, and ethical participation in the economy.

Adopting a proactive approach to your finances is essential.

• Create a realistic budget
• Save for the future
• Invest wisely
• Make conscious spending decisions

Owning your financial health allows you to build a foundation for success that aligns with your values. It fosters independence and resilience, freeing you from the anxiety that can come when we avoid our financial responsibilities.

5) Neglecting personal growth

In our quest for success, it can be easy to focus solely on external achievements and neglect our personal growth.

We may find ourselves chasing after promotions, accolades, or material possessions, while ignoring the crucial inner work that fuels authentic success.

Personal growth involves:

• Facing our fears
• Challenging limiting beliefs
• Cultivating self-compassion

This inner work can be uncomfortable and even painful at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

By investing time and energy into personal development, we become more self-aware, more resilient, and better equipped to navigate life’s ups and downs. We learn to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and learning.

My video on the illusion of happiness discusses this concept further. I explore how chasing happiness can actually lead us astray and how true contentment comes from within.

6) Trying to do it all alone

In our individualistic society, we often equate success with independence. We’re led to believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness and that if we want something done right, we have to do it ourselves.

But this mindset can fuel self-doubt and hinder our progress.

In reality, no one achieves success entirely on their own. We all need support, guidance, and community.

Reaching out for help when you need it isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. It shows that you recognize your limitations and are willing to learn from others. 

So don’t hesitate to seek advice, ask for assistance, or collaborate with others. Embrace the power of community and connection in your journey towards success.

7) Living according to others’ expectations

There’s a strong societal pressure to conform to certain standards and expectations.

We’re often taught to follow a certain path: get a good education, secure a stable job, start a family, and so on.

But when we live according to others’ expectations, we can end up feeling disconnected from our true selves and our own dreams.

True success isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mold; it’s about creating your own path. 

This requires courage and authenticity. It means standing up for what you believe in, even when it goes against the grain.

But this is your life. You are the author of your own story. Have faith in your abilities, trust your judgment, and forge your own path toward success.

8) Neglecting self-care

In our pursuit of success, it’s easy to neglect our own needs. We may push ourselves to the brink of exhaustion, skip meals, or sacrifice sleep in order to meet deadlines or achieve goals.

But neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and exacerbate feelings of self-doubt.

Taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing is crucial for sustainable success. It:

• Enhances our productivity
• Boosts our mood
• Strengthens our resilience in the face of challenges

It also sends a powerful message to ourselves that we matter.

So make time for rest and relaxation. Prioritize regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep. Take breaks when you need them and don’t feel guilty about saying no to demands on your time that may compromise your wellbeing.

The power of self-belief

As you embark on your journey to success, I invite you to reflect on this:

What limiting beliefs or habits are holding you back?

How can you transform these habits to foster self-belief and create a more authentic path towards your goals?

By shedding the eight habits we’ve explored in this article, you’ll find that your belief in yourself strengthens, paving the way for new opportunities and achievements.

For more insights on living a life of purpose and authenticity, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel here. Together, let’s explore the power of self-belief in shaping our destiny.