Have you ever had one of those moments where your inner critic feels louder than anything else? Maybe you’re standing in front of the mirror, doubting if you’re enough, or second-guessing every decision you’ve ever made. UGH, me too.

Self-doubt has a sneaky way of showing up when you least expect it, and it doesn’t care how much you’ve already accomplished. It whispers, “What if you fail?” or worse, “What if you’re not good enough?” But here’s the thing—self-doubt doesn’t get the final say.

In this post, I will to share five strategies that helped me kick self-doubt to the curb and rebuild my confidence. They’re simple, powerful, and, most importantly, they work

I’ll let you in on a little secret—journaling has been my lifeline when self-doubt tries to take over. It’s like a private, no-judgment zone where you can pour out every fear and insecurity.

Why It Works

Journaling gives you the space to see your thoughts for what they are—just thoughts. It’s a chance to question them and decide if they’re even true. Spoiler: they rarely are.

How to Start

Brain Dump: Write down everything on your mind. Don’t filter or edit.

Spot the Patterns: Look for recurring doubts or fears.

Challenge the Story: Ask yourself, “What’s another way to look at this?”

A Quick Example

Let’s say you write, “I’m not good at my job.” Pause and ask, “Is that 100% true? What evidence do I have that says otherwise?” Write down those counterpoints. It’s like turning the volume down on self-doubt and turning up your inner cheerleader.

I used to roll my eyes at affirmations. I thought, “How is saying a few words going to fix anything?” But then I tried them. And let me tell you, they’re a game-changer.

What Makes Affirmations Work

The words you say to yourself matter. Positive affirmations help rewire those negative thought loops by creating new, empowering ones.

How to Use Them

• Choose a Statement: Pick one that resonates, like, “I am capable and deserving of success.”
  
• Say It Like You Mean It: Look in the mirror and say it with confidence, even if you don’t fully believe it yet.
  
• Repeat Daily: The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
  

At first, it might feel silly. But stick with it. Over time, those affirmations start to feel like truths.

Here’s the thing about self-doubt: it thrives on overthinking. Mindfulness has been my go-to for shutting down that mental chatter and staying grounded.

The Power of Being Present

When you focus on the present moment, self-doubt loses its grip. You’re no longer stuck replaying past mistakes or worrying about future outcomes.

Simple Mindfulness Practices

Breathe It Out: Close your eyes and take five slow, deep breaths. Focus on the sensation of air moving in and out of your lungs.

Body Check-In: Notice where you’re holding tension—maybe in your shoulders or jaw—and consciously release it.

Mindful Walks: Step outside and pay attention to the sounds, smells, and sights around you.

Mindfulness isn’t about silencing every thought. It’s about observing them without judgment and choosing which ones deserve your attention.

When self-doubt tells you that you’re not capable, prove it wrong—one small win at a time.

Why This Works

Big goals can feel overwhelming, and self-doubt loves to remind you of that. But when you break things down into smaller, manageable steps, you build momentum and start to trust yourself again.

How to Start

• Pick One Tiny Step: If your goal is to exercise more, commit to a 5-minute stretch today.
  
• Celebrate Your Progress: No win is too small. Did you send that email you’ve been avoiding? Amazing. Acknowledge it.
  
• Build Momentum: Once you nail one step, take another. Confidence grows with every action you take.
  

Think of each small win as a building block. Over time, those blocks create a solid foundation of self-belief.

Let’s get real—who you surround yourself with matters. Negative, unsupportive people can fuel your self-doubt, while uplifting, encouraging people can help you see your worth.

How to Build a Supportive Circle

Seek Out Positivity: Spend time with people who inspire you and believe in your potential.

Set Boundaries: Limit interactions with people who drain your energy or criticize you unfairly.

Lean on Your Tribe: Share your struggles and wins with trusted friends or mentors.

When you’re around people who lift you up, their confidence in you starts to rub off. And suddenly, self-doubt doesn’t feel so powerful anymore.

Introspective Questions to Reflect On

• What’s one belief about yourself that’s holding you back?
• What would your life look like if you replaced self-doubt with self-trust?
• Who in your life inspires confidence in you, and how can you spend more time with them?

Self-doubt doesn’t define you—it’s just a speed bump on the road to confidence. By journaling, practicing affirmations, embracing mindfulness, celebrating small wins, and leaning on your support system, you can rewrite the narrative.

You’ve got this. Confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about trusting yourself enough to try. Take the leap. You’re worth it.

And remember—you’re not alone in this journey. Ritual Roots is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s reconnect with your inner wisdom together