I was watching videos of Kobe Bryant and the accomplishments he achieved thanks to minimal doubt. Of course, it is not easy to attain an elite mentality like his. However, it would be interesting to speak on a few factors of doubt.
The biggest and most terrifying feeling that continuously haunts everyone. Doubt has crushed dreams to the extent that some individuals exude their failures and pessimistic outlook onto others. We have all experienced a period in our life where doubt overtakes our judgment in school, work, or recreational activities. It’s easier to fall into an endless pit of doubt than it is to keep pushing and ignore any negative external remarks or internal feelings.
In unfavoured situations, vision is clouded, and the mind confused; the pressure and weight of our surroundings feel like a tangible object pushing down against us. The brain naturally adapts to ensure it can respond to all situations. Failure is near and dawns upon us, our dreams are no longer within arm’s reach, and our hopes falter at critical moments. It’s mental fortitude that enables you to continue in difficult times. With that said, let’s move on to a couple of methods on how to combat this dream killer we call doubt.
Step 1 - Accept what you can’t control
We are all subject to kicking ourselves after repeated mistakes. In turn, losing our motivation to continue, if we just spent more time performing and less time grovelling, we would feel great equanimity through acceptance. If only it was that easy? Well, good news, it is!
Step 2 – Staying present
I have plans to speak on this in a separate post so I will keep this step concise.
In a moment where you’re left questioning your actions, remember your responsibilities and remain present. Do not think of the consequences or setbacks and dig yourself a deeper hole. There is no value in worrying, it fixes nothing, and it destroys our mind.
Step 3 – Focus on what you can control
I understand everything I’ve said is easier said than done and I agree, it is. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to help ourselves. A great solution is ‘outside inside’, it involves changing your perspective by looking from the outside in and viewing your situation in a different light. The silly mistake you made during your test is an easy fix and controllable. The difficult questions you struggled with are uncontrollable. This simple method will enable you to focus on the important aspects and not be held up in mind games.
I’ll end this post with the following – mental fortitude and doubt is something we should take seriously and isn’t to be overlooked. I don’t care if this advice is not taken, I hope that you understand what I’m attempting to convey and look after yourself. Try to become someone who helps and supports others when their failures are clouding their judgment or when they’re not themselves. It’s easy to miss this if you’re too focused on your goals and achievements. We need to reinforce one another, that way we can pick ourselves up sooner and triumph in our endeavours.
Everything I’ve mentioned in this blog post should be taken with a grain of salt and that goes for my previous and future posts. Learn to filter, more on this in a future post.