I'm going to kill you
Self doubt is a disease that robs us of our dreams, pains our heart and numb our mind into believing we are not enough. And maybe it’s true. Maybe we do suck that much. But so what?
It goes without saying that the only thing that is fair in life is death. Many restrict themselves for the fear of meeting the inevitable while some get past the fear and live life to the fullest.
If you really think about it, it’s no different than self doubt, only you don’t have to die if you fail.
Conscious or not, we all have that little chicken in our heart that keeps telling us to stop what we are doing because we just don’t have what it takes. But do you want to know the truth?
Truth is, that chicken is a part of us and his name is Cowardice and this is how to kill him.
1. Stop assuming – I can’t is an assumption. Why? Because you can’t possibly tell if you haven’t given your best yet. The next time you say those words, try to reflect if you have actually tried your best.
2. Stop comparing – Comparing is a good exercise if you do it right. It drives us for action. But if you were to compare to yourself with someone who is far better than you, you’re in for a disappointment.
3. Dare to fail – Here’s the thing with failing, you don’t die. So you’re probably going to get laughed at, what’s the big deal? At least you’re not a coward. As a matter of fact, the more you fail, the stronger and smarter you will get. And the chances to succeed are even higher.
4. Be naive – Imagine young Bill Gates telling his friends he is going to be rich by selling a product to a market that barely existed back then. And young Warren Buffett must be dumb to think he can beat the market. Oh, Leo Babauta started his blog for the fun of it. I can go on but you get the point.
5. Stop listening to others – Healthy criticism is one that improves you and the only one you should listen to. Always be on a lookout for haters. You can easily identify them by their consistent negative criticisms on whatever you plan to do.
6. Stop listening to “Cowardice” – “I’m not enough, I don’t have what it takes, I suck.” The next time any of these echoes in your mind, remember to shut the hell up get rid of the thought and get back to work.
7. Focus – If you’re a regular, you would notice that I have been consistently repeating myself this advice over and over again. Stop worrying about things you have no control over and instead focus on things you do have control over.
Self doubt is a disease that if you don’t get rid of, you will forever be imprisoned by your own restrictions. A restriction that never actually existed other than through your very own imagination.
Now that cowardice is dead, subscribe me so I’ll kill the loser in you. If you have any… Please feel free to add or share your thoughts. I would love to hear your opinions.
PS: For regulars, I would love to hear your thoughts on my new theme if you have any. If there’s any improvement I should be aware of and make, etc. Thanks in advance 
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Please don’t kill the loser in me. He’s my friend
Charles´s last blog ..Celebrating 20 years of shotokan karate.
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Why would you make friends with losers…. Joking. I have one myself. But I’m not going to talk about it in my own blog. Not just yet! I hope you enjoyed the article Charles
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Yes a great opportunity to talk about the loser friend in me that I cannot talk about on my own blog either just yet!
I’m not quite as positive as you are. For me, the stakes have to be weighed carefully. There is only so much you can risk. Embarrassment, fine. Losing your home to foreclosure, something to think twice about.
Charles´s last blog ..Celebrating 20 years of shotokan karate.
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I can see what you mean Charles. But then again, some risk are worth taking. If you don’t take any risk in life, especially when it comes to living your dream, wouldn’t that be boring.
I guess if the risk is big (capital needed), then for those who have tons of responsibilities, house mortgage, kids to feed, etc, they would seriously need to weigh things carefully.
I do agree with you Charles. Thanks for adding insightful comment to the discussion
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Hi Karlil,
Thanks for your post. It’s an important topic.
I would add…
Check your beliefs. So often we can be carrying around disempowering beliefs without even realizing it. They just sit in the back of our mind and sabotage any attempt to build up self-confidence.
Best, Robin
Robin Dickinson´s last blog ..Moving ovation for a hero: Jobs thanks his life-giver
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This is really good advice! You can take the loser from me anytime.
BTW, I’m new to your site and I like the new theme. Nothing I can see needs to be improved.
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Hi NIk, some good points here, and self doubt really is a disease that can be treated.
Steven Aitchison´s last blog ..Sunday Siesta – Special Appeal
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Awesome list! Well, I don’t make friends with critics or losers.
Naive + dead on focus = exceptional results!
Daniel Richard´s last blog ..Suddenly Unemployed: 4 Steps To Cutting The Leash + 7 Sins That Will Be Tempting You
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Hi Karlil,
Nice article, thanks for sharing.
Oscar – freestyle mind´s last blog ..The Zero Hour Workweek By Jonathan Mead
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One thing for sure is that your writing continues to get better. Thank you for pointing out that “I can’t” is an assumption. I’m in the middle of testing my limits, I haven’t found them yet. I do like the new theme, it looks great. Another point for Thesis. The point you made about death and failure is interesting, me and Patrick@unwrapyourmind were just talking about that yesterday.
Justin- AlittleBetter.net´s last blog ..The ADD Blogger’s Guide to Focus
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@Robin
That is true Robin. I can’t agree more. However, checking alone does not kill the thoughts. I figure if I write it in the list, it would not match with the others on the list. However, Yours deserve a post by itself
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@Lynn
I’m sure you don’t have one Lynn. I was just messing around in the post. I’m glad you subscribe though. I talk to you later on twitter Lynn
Karlil´s last blog ..PDPro: @cloud_cave_daze I sure will Jonn
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@Steven
Thanks for dropping by Steven. Not to mention the awesome stumble
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@Daniel
Now that’s a formula for success Daniel
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@Oscar
Hey Oscar, What are you up to lately?
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@Justin
You just made my day man. Haven’t seen Patrick lately. I thought he went for vacation?
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Karlil,
I’ve also been using the theme by Thesis, and it’s been doing its job. I like the 3 column set you up got going here!
Ken
Wasabi Burger
Ken Kurosawa´s last blog ..5 Lessons I Learned From a 300 Million Dollar Man
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Self doubt can be cured by developing certainty thought positive thinking and visualization. Mix those two together on a daily basis and you will reach your goals in a matter of weeks. Consistency of visualization can lead to unbelievable results within a matter of days and weeks!
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@Ken
Glad you like the theme Ken. I’m actually a big fan of Copyblogger. And now you know where my inspiration comes from.
Karlil´s last blog ..PDPro: @CafeNirvana if i can pick a better one
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@Jonathan
Hi Jonathan. I’m actually not a big fan of the book Secret. I just don’t see how by visualizing, you can attract the things you want. What about the effort needed? My opinion anyways.
Though i must say, the concept of visualizing and having faith in oneself can certainly help in getting rid of self doubt.
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Hey karlil, nice post u have there. I can totally put myself in the shoes of a cowardice that you have mentioned. Despite many aspiring thoughts, my motivation is often killed off by self-doubting and the number of challenges ahead of me. It is just so difficult to fight the challenges head on some times and many a times I would just turn to the easy way out. Maybe you are right, this boils down to the fear of failure. The fear of failing is the inertia that stops us from pursuing our aspirations.
CueZee´s last blog ..Think You Did Your Best? You Are Lying!
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Hey CueZee, I hope you managed to get rid of your self doubt at the time of this writing. I understand in parts why people doubt themselves. Certainly I would lying if I never. To be honest with you, I was also writing this article to remind myself not to doubt on my own capabilities just because the future is unpredictable. This post will work great as a reminder for me, and i hope it do you the same.
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Karlil,
great to see you switched to Thesis. Need to adopt it a bit, like myself.
For your post, one thing coming to my mind:
“Don’t blew it out of proportion. Your problems are never like Sophie’s choice and for the universe are mostly irrelevant like a fart in the wind.”
Patrick´s last blog ..The 2 Most Important Steps to Revitalize Your Relationship from Death
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