3 Ways To Break Free Of Self Doubt

Feb 15, 2025

by Stephen Conca

Why is it that most of us have doubts, to varying degrees?

Self-doubt can be caused by several factors, including fear of failure, past mistakes, and perfectionism.

Overcoming self-doubt requires shifting your mindset, taking action, and building confidence through consistent effort.

Before we discuss the top three ways to overcome self-doubt, consider these two real-life scenarios from last week, in which any doubt had to be eliminated to achieve success.

On The Track

Last week Tina and I were at the Lehigh Lafayette track meet.

These schools have one of the longest-running rivalries in collegiate sports going back almost 200 years.

Whether it's football, soccer, basketball, or track, it's always a big deal.

This meet was especially significant because, for the first time in about a decade, the Lafayette men's team had a legitimate shot at winning.

Roman was running the 400, 200, and 4x400 relay.

Anyone who follows track and field knows that the 400 is one of, if not the most punishing events.

It's a dead sprint twice around an indoor track and once around an outdoor track.

There is no pacing. You just go as fast as you can for as long as your body will let you.

Running it once in a meet is tough enough.

Running it twice, and throwing a 200 in-between each 400 is almost crazy.

When only 2 teams are running the recovery time in between each event is limited.

He won the 400 in a close race and expended a lot of energy.

30 minutes until the 200.

We talked after the 400 and I could sense a shred of doubt that he didn't think would have enough in the tank for another 100% effort.

the 4x400 was one of the last races of the day and one that could determine the outcome of the meet.

The 200 was next and he needed to come in at least third to score points for the team.

He took 3rd in the 200 and his teammate took first. Mission accomplished!

45 minutes until the 4x400. Time for targeted nutrition and recovery.

He was running the anchor leg (that's the 4th person).

We both knew deep down that he had what it took to make it a competitive race.

He knew they needed to win outright to have a chance to win the meet.

We had to flick off any shred of doubt to make it happen.

You always fall back to your foundation.

In this case, it was training, nutrition/recovery, and mindset...

...and let's not forget his teammates who would set the pace for the last leg.

I'm sure those things sound familiar to all the adult clients we work with in the gym :)

Teammates. Nutrition. Training. Recovery. Positive mindset.

Roman's teammates put him in a good position. They got out to a big lead. By the time Roman got the handoff he was a step and a half ahead. The guy from Lehigh was about a foot taller and had a stride like a giraffe.

The doubts in my head started to creep in! I was looking at it purely from a biomechanical perspective. This kid's stride length is going to catch up to Roman and he's going to pass him on the last lap.

Thankfully, I was wrong!

That Lehigh runner closed the gap around the last curve but Roman's doubts were long gone.

He held on and his team won the race!

Everyone went crazy! I still can't believe it.

He said it was a combination of seeing his team putting them in the lead after 3 runners, trusting in his training and nutrition, getting out fast, believing in himself, and never looking back.

These are the exact qualities we instill throughout every Master's class!

Some have their doubts if they can ever get fit and healthy again.

Others have tried on their own but failed without the help of good coaching and great teammates.

We have another incredible group of people who flicked off any shred of doubt that they could be successful.

They are about to finish week 2!

Their race is a bit longer than the 400.

The race for better health and vitality will last for the rest of their lives.

There will be winners and losers.

However, you can only lose if you don't run the race.

You don't have to run fast, you just have to participate...at your own pace!

They understood that 50% of all age-related, illnesses and injuries can be eliminated (not delayed) due to lifestyle changes.

Thank you to all the CSF family members who have shared your stories to help inspire more people to get on a path to better health!

3 Ways To Break Free From Self Doubt

As promised, Here are the top three ways to break free from self-doubt:

1. Challenge Negative Thoughts with Evidence

Self-doubt thrives on irrational fears and limiting beliefs. When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll fail,” challenge it:
- Ask for proof: What evidence do you have that you will fail? Often, self-doubt isn’t based on facts but on fear.
- Reframe your mindset: Instead of “I can’t do this,” try “I’m learning and improving every day.”
- Remember past successes: Reflect on times you’ve overcome challenges before—proof that you’re capable.

2. Take Small, Consistent Actions

Confidence is built through action, not just positive thinking. Instead of waiting until you feel “ready,” take small steps:
- Start before you’re 100% confident—momentum creates confidence.
- Break big goals into manageable steps to make progress feel less overwhelming.
- Celebrate small wins—each success reinforces your ability and silences doubt.

3. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

The people and environment around you shape your confidence:
- Seek supportive mentors, friends, or coaches who believe in you.
- Limit exposure to negativity, including people who discourage or doubt you.
- Consume positive content—books, podcasts, or affirmations that reinforce self-belief.

Self-doubt doesn’t disappear overnight, but by consistently challenging negative thoughts, taking action, and surrounding yourself with positivity, you’ll build unshakable confidence over time.