By Leo Babauta
A hidden way we get in our own way is by constantly questioning and doubting ourselves.
Some quick examples:
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Not picking a direction in life, or with your goals, because you doubt your ability to get any of them done
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Getting stuck picking what to work on today, or right now, because it all feels equally important, and you doubt your ability to choose the “right” thing
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Choosing something to work on, or choosing a goal, and doubting yourself immediately
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Trying to do something, but not giving it your all, because of self-doubt
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Not putting yourself out there publicly, or in front of a group, because you doubt yourself
Do any of these feel familiar?
In truth, self-doubt is hiding in every corner for many people, and it the main thing tripping them up each day.
So how can we work with self-doubt?
Start by noticing that you have it. Take on a noticing practice and try to spot it when it creeps in, when you’re stuck in self-doubt, when you’re second-guessing yourself. This will bring it more and more into your awareness.
Then start to notice what’s underneath the self-doubt. What are you feeling when you start to question yourself? Can you just be present with the feeling?
This is the start of working with self-doubt, which is a deep topic. I will be going deeper into this topic in my Fearless Living Academy workshop in March …
The workshop, for Fearless Living Academy members, is called “From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: How to Believe in Yourself” … it’ll be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10 am Pacific for a 90-minute workshop that will include my teaching as well as time for coaching and questions.