“I’ve got this! I can do it!” How many times do we say these words to ourselves during a single run? Most times, we truly believe in our capability to do well, but often, we’re just repeating the words. Sure, we’re capable of achieving whatever we set our minds to, as long as we take action. But here’s the thing: we often struggle with self-doubt more than we care to admit. It’s a constant battle of “me against me,” and it takes more than just positive affirmations to win. We need to have faith in ourselves – trust and confidence. We must build up our self-belief and be prepared to face doubts head-on whenever they arise.

This is exactly what I’m experiencing this week. In addition to the physical work and the mental focus required for my upcoming race this weekend, I have to deal with a nagging inner voice that distracts me. But not this time! I’ll do my best with confidence because I know I have a solid foundation in my training.

Remember, challenging workouts or daunting decisions often trigger the instinct to postpone because they seem beyond our reach. It’s not about how hard things can be, but rather our lack of belief in our ability to see them through. That’s just self-doubt talking. Stop listening to that critical voice inside your head. The “me against me” battle starts when our old self sabotages our progress. Dare to take on challenges, pursue opportunities, and believe!

“There is not enough room in your mind for both doubt and faith. You must decide which one gets to live there.” ~ Unknown

How to Build Self-Belief and Overcome Self-Doubt

Adopting a mindset of self-belief and overcoming self-doubt involves several key steps:

Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve.

Positive Affirmations: Reinforce your goals with encouraging words.

Break Down Tasks: Make large tasks more manageable by dividing them into smaller steps.

Visualize Success: Picture yourself achieving your goals to build confidence.

Challenge Negative Thoughts: Confront and reframe self-doubt.

Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories.

Learn from Failures: View setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Surround Yourself with Positivity: Engage with positive, supportive people.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that everyone struggles at times.

Stay Consistent: Make these practices a regular part of your routine.

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you’ll gradually build a stronger, more resilient mindset to tackle challenges and overcome self-doubt.

With love and care, Francis.