Andrea Johnson | March 24, 2025

Growth Requires That You Feel Self-Doubt and Do it Anyway

"Fear is excitement without breath." — Robert Heller

Have you ever noticed that whenever you pursue a new goal, excitement is quickly followed by hesitation, self-doubt, and questions of:

​Will I fail?
​Do I have what it takes?
​Will I make a spectacle of myself?

But here’s the thing—you never feel self-doubt when tackling something you’re already good at.

Through a series of recent events requiring that I step beyond my comfort zone, I experienced a high intensity and quantity of self-doubt.

While these experiences were certainly uncomfortable, they allowed me to realize how unhelpful, restrictive, and untrue self-doubt really is.

I’ve learned that self-doubt can easily deter us from pursuing new goals and experiences if we succumb to it.

And I’ve also learned that self-doubt doesn’t have to be such an uncomfortable experience; that with tools and time we can learn to befriend self-doubt and move forward despite it.

So, if self-doubt has been standing in between you and your goals like a bossy bodyguard, read on to learn how to move past it.

​

Self-Doubt: The Gateway to Growth

Our ancestors feared tigers and poisonous plants. Today, our threats aren’t physical—they’re psychological. Self-doubt is one of them.

You could stay in your comfort zone to avoid it, but that comes at a high cost: your growth, dreams, and the thrill of new experiences.

Navigating self-doubt is not a new experience. If you reflected on your past, I’m sure you could identify times when you felt self-doubt, moved through it, and not only survived but felt proud of yourself.

In truth, self-doubt is not a stop sign. It’s a sign that something worth pursuing is straight ahead—right through a door labelled “self-doubt”. It simply requires that you be willing to withstand the brief discomfort of walking through the doorway.

Self-doubt is a challenge whispering “Show me how much you want this.”

​

What Self-Doubt Taught Me (And Why It’s a Myth)

As I shared earlier, I’ve recently experienced a truckload of self-doubt and thus had the privilege of seeing self-doubt more clearly. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Self-doubt is inevitable: It’s not a sign to stop—it’s a sign you’re growing. The question isn’t if it will show up, but how you’ll respond when it does.
• Self-doubt is proof you’re stepping up: Growth means facing the unknown. If you never feel doubt, you’re probably playing too small.
• You don’t have to go it alone: Journaling, talking to someone you trust, or working with a mentor can help you reframe self-doubt and move forward.
• Action is the antidote: The moment you take the first step self-doubt begins to fade and you’ll experience the excitement that comes with expanding your capabilities.

​

Embracing the Journey Beyond Doubt

Self-doubt is the toll you pay for a life of adventure, growth, and possibility—and it’s a small price to pay.

Whenever self-doubt creeps in, remember the words of Iris Apfel: “You only fail if you never try.” At the very least you won’t have regret, and you’ll definitely learn more about yourself and the world along the way. You may even have some fun. So why not give it a go?

So, what’s the bold move you’ll make today? One step forward, one moment of courage—that’s all it takes.

Your future self is waiting.

Bliss Careers | Free Tools for Job Seekers

​Bliss Careers is a boutique career coaching firm that empowers professionals to elevate their job search strategies, boost confidence, and build careers they love.

📩 Join Career Bliss Letters for exclusive insights, strategies, and tips every two weeks.

✏️ Plus, explore our Free Tools to start optimizing your career today!