Am I Smart Enough?
I tend to ask myself this question almost daily. Questioning my intelligence, my work ethic, my purpose, and my ability…
"You can't do this. There's no way you can. How dare you even try?"
"Girl, do you see what *insert name here* can do? You're nowhere near that talented!"
"There are so many things working against you. There's no way you can make a difference, let it go."
Thoughts like that surface almost too frequently, especially when I'm exhausted or I've just made a bad grade or I'm discouraged or I don't understand something from class or…..the list goes on!
Even as I'm typing this to help someone else, I am still attempting to learn how to conquer such weakening thoughts.
So what is this? What are these nagging, painful statements stemming from?
It's self-doubt.
Self-doubt is a symptom of fear, which is meant to protect us from harm. But when do we finally recognize that self-doubt in itself is harmful? It's mental torture, further distracting you and paralyzing you. You stay put because you're stuck running in a mental circle, thinking "how can I?"
Self-doubt can swallow you whole if you let it. If you continue to let the negative thoughts cycle, they will become your only thoughts and soon enough you'll believe them. You'll eventually become hopeless and helpless, and you'll begin to settle with safe.
Somewhere along the way you'll let the devil on your shoulder become your sole advisor. Instead of weighing pros and cons & coming to a sound conclusion, you'll see the cons and become afraid of what you would need to overcome.
You're fighting a daily battle with your self-doubt, and it's exhausting. It's diminishing your efforts, your actions, your strength, your talent, your strive to succeed.
What do I do about it?
How do we move forward? How do we realize our full potential and minimize the voice that is our self-doubt? How do we distinguish fear from truth?
First of all, realize that if you want to be extraordinary you will constantly face these types of thoughts. It will not go away with confidence. But that's ok because it is a reminder of what you're up against. So welcome it for knowledge sake. When you can conquer your own doubtful thoughts, you will be able to conquer the world's doubt as well. Imagine, facing yourself (the person you will live and die with) so that you may become stronger against the rest of the world's "impossible" mindset.
Second, let's see about changing our main voice to something more supportive of your endeavors. Anytime you have a negative thought, challenge it and change it into something more conducive. You don't have to accept those thoughts. Here are some alternatives to the negative statements at the beginning of this article:
"You feel as if you can't do this, but that's just because you've never done it before. You have done the impossible in other situations, and you will do it again in this one."
"That's awesome that *insert name here* can do that. Their talent will not hinder my own. Maybe we should collaborate!"
"There are factors working for a different purpose, but it will not get the best of me. If it does, I will find another way!"
Finally, let's instill some positivity into our routine. It sounds crazy y'all I know, but put affirmations and gratitude into your mornings. It feels good starting your day with encouragement from the most important person in your life, the only person whose thoughts about you truly matter. Try these affirmations from HuffPost for starters:
I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.
Today, I am brimming with energy and overflowing with joy.
My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.
I am superior to negative thoughts and low actions.
I have been given endless talents which I begin to utilize today.
I forgive those who have harmed me in my past and peacefully detach from them.
A river of compassion washes away my anger and replaces it with love.
I am guided in my every step by Spirit who leads me towards what I must know and do.
(If you're married) My marriage is becoming stronger, deeper, and more stable each day.
I possess the qualities needed to be extremely successful.
(For business owners) My business is growing, expanding, and thriving.
Creative energy surges through me and leads me to new and brilliant ideas.
Happiness is a choice. I base my happiness on my own accomplishments and the blessings I've been given.
My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless; my potential to succeed is infinite.
See their post here for more affirmations.
I don't know about you, but I feel encouraged already! Medical school is intimidating, but it will not get the best of me. It is merely a means to get to my final destination: becoming a caretaker for all. Time to win this thing over and never look back!
