3 Steps to Overcoming Self Doubt

Every person has a list of habits and routines they trust themselves to accomplish each day. But when it comes to achieving the goals we say we really want, there's often a lack of self-trust that they will ever be accomplished. Doubt is right under the surface.

How can you overcome self-doubt and get on track to achieve the big goals you have in mind?

It comes down to putting the proper habits in place, and creating self-discipline that drives you in the right direction.

Bestselling author H. Jackson Brown Jr. described the need for discipline this way: "Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways."

Here are three steps you can take to get unstuck and start seeing success.

Step 1: Start Small

It might seem counterintuitive that small steps will help you to achieve big goals, but it works.

That's because making big, monumental changes all at once can seem overwhelming. Quitting cold turkey, completely changing your diet, or reorganizing your finances overnight can seem impossible.

As a result, most people don't even start.

Small changes are easier to achieve. And each time you accomplish a small step you gain self-confidence. That confidence then empowers you to take another step. Repeated small steps create good habits that become routine.

Want to start working out? Start small. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car further away to add walking time. Or download an exercise app that gradually builds your strength.

Want healthier eating habits? Take one step by starting your day with a green juice. If the idea of a juicer and prepping all those veggies seems too much, get an organic green juice powder. In 30 seconds you'll have taken a significant step to nourish your body.

By taking small steps in the right direction, you'll start creating the momentum you need to see real change in your life.

Step 2: Increase Mindfulness

With everything you have to do each day, it's easy to go on autopilot as the time passes in a blur.

It's important to accept where you are in order to get where you want to be.

Increasing your mindfulness can help. When you focus on what you're actually doing, you're setting the stage to make conscious choices.

Acceptance does not mean you should judge yourself harshly. It simply means consciously observing what you are doing, and how you are feeling in the moment.

Adding in just 10 minutes a day of meditation can help to focus your conscious and unconscious brain on what you really want, and make those goals easier to achieve.

Step 3: Practice

Discipline is not achieved by flipping a switch. It's a practice that you engage in every day.

Don't expect perfection as you start making positive changes. If you find yourself getting sidetracked, take a deep breath and start fresh the next day.

As author Carl Bard said, "Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."

Your ability to pick yourself up after you fall down will train you in the art of discipline and build your self-confidence. Over time, that discipline will become an automatic habit.

With practice you'll find yourself making real progress toward your goals.

With these three steps you can effectively venture outside your comfort zone and experience meaningful success. Start today and soon you'll be on track to conquer self-doubt.