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10 Ways to Break Free from Self-Doubt and Build Real Confidence

  • Writer: Laurence Paquette
    Laurence Paquette
  • Jun 16
  • 2 min read
Break free from self-doubt

Self-doubt.

That quiet but relentless voice that asks, “Are you sure you’re good enough?”Or worse: “What if you fail?”


If you’re anything like me, you’ve felt that voice creep in during big decisions, tough meetings, or even just scrolling through someone else’s highlight reel on LinkedIn.

But here’s what I’ve learned:Self-doubt isn’t a flaw. It’s part of being human. And more importantly—it’s something you can work through.


You don’t need to wait until you feel fearless to take action. You build confidence by acting despite the fear. One small step at a time.


Here are 10 practical ways to do that:

1. Acknowledge Your Self-Doubt

Don’t ignore it—get curious.Where is it coming from? A past experience? A fear of comparison?Naming it helps you defuse its power.


2. Reframe Your Inner Dialogue

Replace the harsh voice with something more compassionate.Instead of “I can’t do this,” try: “I’m still learning, and that’s okay.”Speak to yourself like you would to someone you care about.


3. Focus on Your Strengths

Self-doubt zooms in on what you lack—so counter it by zooming in on what you bring.Write down your wins, skills, and qualities. Keep the list somewhere visible. You’ll need it more often than you think.


4. Take Small Actions

Self-doubt thrives in inaction.Start tiny. One email. One decision. One brave sentence.Confidence grows every time you take a step.


5. Stop Comparing

Someone else’s LinkedIn post is not your full story. Social media shows the destination, not the messy middle.Your journey is yours—stay focused on your lane.


6. Seek Support

Talk to someone you trust—a friend, mentor, or coach.A good conversation can pull you out of your own head and remind you of what’s real.


7. Reframe Failure

Failure isn’t the opposite of success. It’s part of it. Ask yourself, “What did I learn?” Mistakes are proof you’re trying, learning, evolving.


8. Practice Self-Compassion

Setbacks happen. Perfection is a trap.Give yourself credit for effort, not just outcome. You’re doing better than you think.


9. Set Realistic Goals

Big goals can feel paralyzing when self-doubt is loud.Break them into smaller tasks. Progress builds confidence.


10. Celebrate Your Wins

Even the small ones.Finished that hard email? Celebrate. Got through a tough meeting? Acknowledge it.Confidence comes from noticing how far you’ve come—not just how far you have left to go.


Final Thoughts

Self-doubt doesn’t disappear overnight.But you can quiet it, reframe it, and act anyway.


You don’t need to wait to feel 100% ready. You just need to take the next step.

✨ Which tip resonates most with you?Let me know in the comments—or better yet, tell someone you trust. Let’s normalize self-doubt without letting it stop us.


You’re not alone. You’re not behind. You’re building confidence, one choice at a time.



 
 
 

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 © 2025 by Laurence Paquette,

laurencepaquette.com

Copenhagen, Denmark

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