Whenever we commit ourselves to any type of practice, it is only natural to find ourselves experiencing doubt at some point or another. After all, life is full of uncertainty, a catalyst for self-doubt. We may be doubting our abilities, the possibility of success, or even whether we are capable of accomplishing our ultimate goals. You may wonder why you started your practice in the first place, whether it’s giving you any sort of benefit, or whether you have the physical wherewithal it may require. There are a number of doubts that may begin to form. The important part is to realize doubt is OK and you are certainly not alone, as it is a natural part of any process or practice. With that in mind, below I will outline my top 9 tips for overcoming doubt.
Acknowledge
When doubt does begin to rear its head, it is important to acknowledge it. As touched on above, doubt is simply a part of our overall journey and is not something that should be ignored or rejected. In fact, it is best to deal with doubt as soon as it begins to creep into the picture, not to imply that once dealt with it is over and gone, but simply so that we do not allow it to fester and grow, thus inhibiting our practice. Instead, acknowledge it. Say it out loud if you have to. Once you acknowledge it, you should feel a shift in your consciousness, the first step to surpassing your fears. Accept that, as is every human being, you are fallible and imperfect. You are going to make mistakes. The important part is to keep getting back up.
Analyze
When examining doubt, ask yourself where it is stemming from. Try your best to identify its roots. Even write down your thoughts if need be. All too often what is hanging us up on our mat actually stems more from how we are feeling or what is going on off of it. By examining doubts depths you work to understand it, thus taking away its power. It is then up to you to decide whether or not you wish to get over it. I’d venture to guess your answer will be yes and in doing so you have already begun the process of letting go.
Respond
Once you have acknowledged and understand your doubt well, you can begin to use it to your benefit. Doubt can actually be highly constructive and help strengthen our practice when well understood. Studies have shown the world’s best athletes not only acknowledge their doubts, but refocus that energy into getting the job done. The only way to conquer a fear, after all, is to face it. To stare it down with determination and tackle it with unwavering perseverance. Take your time, and do so at your own pace, of course, but by simply taking action and responding to doubt you work to diminish it.
Divide & Conquer
Doubt’s biggest enemy is self-confidence! When working to achieve a particular goal, formulating a clear plan and breaking down the larger tasks into smaller strategic micro goals is a great way to build self-confidence. In this way, once you are able to accomplish each of the smaller tasks, you will then be ready to tackle the bigger pieces to the puzzle, assured of your abilities to succeed.
Practice
Practice, practice, practice! It’s so simple, and yet so profound. The more you do, the more comfortable you become, and thus more confident. The key is simply putting in the time by making a commitment to yourself and your practice and sticking to it. In addition, try to maintain a good mix in your routine, not only in types of activities and movements, but between old and new challenges. The former will serve to boost your confidence while the latter is a great practice in humility.
Visualize
Another powerful tool includes visualization. Athletes have sworn by it for decades, given its incredibly positive results. For this, start by visualizing your practice down to its most granular elements, from stepping on your mat to a particular pose, its movements and execution. Picturing yourself achieving your goals helps train both your body and mind, thus helping it to manifest into reality. Also, practice visualizing past successes to remind yourself of positive experiences and what they felt like. Lastly, look to those you admire. Your idols or those you aspire to be like. Observe their practice and visualize yourself practicing on par with their level of achievement.
Think Positive & Leave Negativity Behind
I think this one pretty much speaks for itself, but really, we should never underestimate the power of positive thinking! Forgive any mistakes and leave them behind. Try your best to keep a positive outlook and not let negative thoughts infiltrate your practice, as doubt leads to tentative and rushed behavior, two crippling saboteurs of our practice. Working to cultivate happiness within via positive thinking will seep its way into everything we do, helping us feel good about ourselves and to maintain a positive attitude.
Believe in Yourself
When we don’t believe in ourselves, we can experience detrimental and devastating consequences, as doubt works to disrupt even our best of intentions. It’s that lingering and gnawing voice in our head that, whether consciously or unconsciously, tells you you can’t or you are not good enough. The truth is, we are all uniquely talented, with the potential for success. We just have to believe it. I know it may be easier said than done, but if nothing else, fake it. With time you may just find your inner critic becoming your biggest champion! Have faith that everything will unfold just as it is supposed to.
Celebrate Accomplishments
Cultivating belief in ourselves, and thus working to counter self-doubt, begins with celebrating even the smallest of successes. You may suddenly recognize an improvement in your strength, flexibility or perhaps experience a moment in which a particular pose or movement that has been alluding you suddenly clicks. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small, as every milestone is a step in the right direction—forward.
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