Break the curse of self-doubt

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May 29, 2023

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break-the-curse-of-self-doubt

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Public

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💬 Thoughts

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Jun 3, 2023 08:51 PM

Self-doubt is one of the important obstacles in the way to self-acceptance. Some of us feel self-doubt all the times, even after working hard, and achieving what some may call success. Few triggers contribute more to our self-doubts.

One of the cause for Self-doubt is fear of the future or worrying about the past. Dissolving both of these wholly unreal expectations and criticisms, what else could exist but a mind free of anything that requires “four walls and a roof”. This is just my take on it. But once you realize the essential core message of Stoicism is that in the wake of our physical attachments to concepts that we use to determine who we are on an “extra-conscious” level, we are left with our existence in its purest form. Fundamentally freed from such ego-defining restraints.

“These reasonings are unconnected: “I am richer than you, therefore I am better”; “I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am better.” The connection is rather this: “I am richer than you, therefore my property is greater than yours;” “I am more eloquent than you, therefore my style is better than yours.” But you, after all, are neither property nor style.” ~ Epictetus

Another reason for Self-doubt is comparing with others. As Epictetus said, Stop using the differences between you and another person as a measure of your self-worth.

Reminder: Success only lies in virtue. Are there any steps to increase virtue that you have entertained but not acted on? Pick one out and act on it, start small and pragmatic. Pursue virtue and you will be building stoic confidence.

Also, do these feelings of low self-confidence have a specific situation where you tend to be more aware of them? Is there something specific casting a shadow of self-doubt? More specifics might help the community respond more effectively.