You were born to be real, not perfect.
- Have you ever ended a patient encounter and worried if you did enough?
- Have you finished a professional phone call and doubted that you expressed yourself well?
- Do you worry about what your colleagues think of your capabilities?
- Are there times you feel like an imposter who is not qualified for their position?
Thoughts of self-doubt can lead you to feel anxious, stressed, depressed, and even hopeless. In these moments, make efforts to notice the negative story that you are telling yourself about your capabilities and your worth.
Recognize evidence to support helpful thoughts.
Examples of helpful thoughts include:
- I've earned my position. I'm qualified to be in this role.
- I don't have to be perfect to be a good professional.
- I am successful, even if I make mistakes.
- My perspective is valid and valuable and I will not let it be negated by comparing myself to others.
If you notice yourself discounting the examples of helpful thoughts above, it may be helpful to work on noticing your pattern of "yes, but" thinking.
Make efforts to notice and respond to your pattern of discounting the positive.
Call to Action:
Consider meeting yourself with self-compassion when you have moments of doubt.