Stark Raving Monday v4: Questioning Self-Doubt
It’s something I always do: I get all gung-ho about a project, dive right in — and then choke. I question my motives, my commitment, and most of all my qualifications and credibility, my ability to compete with the big boys and girls. I’m almost 41, and many days I still feel like I’m 12.
For those of you who don’t already know me, I’m also an astrologer. The school of astrology that I’m affiliated with has developed an astounding tool that reveals the sequence of reflexive behaviors a person employs in any given situation.
True to form, two months ago, I jumped straight into Stark Raving Muse with both feet, eyes shut, deep breath — and I’m just now coming up for air. I’m not questioning whether it’s the right direction for me but, yes, I am questioning.
Only this time I’m making myself get some perspective on my questioning. This is a good thing. Rather than believing those niggling voices that say I can’t do it, I’m listening to them honestly, taking their criticism for what it’s worth, and discarding the rest.
I’m signing up for some classes in the fall to give me more confidence in my skills. I’m discarding self-doubt this time around. It can, after all, be a good teacher, as long as you take it with a grain of salt.
You just can’t let it overwhelm you.
Good questioning this week. Very good.
What are you questioning today?
In: Everything I do sucks., I have a horrible inner critic., I have no support for my art., I'm afraid to create., I'm in a creative block., I'm just an amateur.
on August 17, 2010 at 10:11 am
· Permalink
Kathy,
I’m very happy that you have decided to talk some classes to work on your self-confidence; building more self-confidence will take care of that nagging self-doubt that comes your way. I run a self-confidence workshop…and the funny thing about me and self-doubt that I’ve come to realize is that I actually take on too much and have huge, unrealistic expectations. It’s not self-doubt that I experience but rather the realization that I’m simply crazy to expect so much from myself. No matter what’s talking to you; self-doubt or fears – you have to listen to find out what they’re all about. It’s the only way to make them go away
on August 19, 2010 at 1:29 am
· Permalink
Ann, I totally agree — and not just listening to fears but going toward them, getting a little taste of them, acclimating yourself to doing what you fear: That’s powerful stuff.
Thanks for your comment!