The Secrets to combat anxiety, fears, self-doubt, and low esteem | Steven Dossou

We all have our equal share of bad days where we feel that we’re not enough. There is no motivation and it feels like no matter what you do, you’re never gonna make it. Well, this is the time when you make it or break it. Shed off the fears and move forward, or stay in the dark and stay there forever.

It's you who can decide, no one, I repeat, no one can do this for you. Only you are the one to help yourself. Here are a few things you should do if you ever doubt yourself, feel anxious and depressed about it, or experience low self-esteem.

Locate the Problem:

The first step is to find out the problem. Many people would say that there is no problem. We can’t seem to figure out the problem. But no, the problem is there. You just have to figure it out on your own. Talk to someone, write a journal, recall your recent experiences and you will definitely find out something that implanted fear in you.

See if it Has a Solution:

If the problem that you are facing has a way out then you no longer have to work it out. Your job is done. For example, you doubt yourself because you failed a test recently. Now you know that you failed because you didn’t study enough. The solution is to pay due attention to the class and study for the next test. Problem solved.

However, in another case, if the problem has no way out, it still should not bother you at all. Why worry about something that is not possible? Right?

Make a Strategy:

If you have succeeded in figuring out the root of fear that causes self-doubt and anxiety, it's time to devise a strategy to get out of it.

For example, you’re lagging behind your schedule at work. Due to the guilt of not being able to give your best, you start fearing losing your job. This leads to anxiety and depression. Now, what shall be the strategy? It's simple! Wake up an hour earlier and sleep a little late. Take the extra work to your home and try to work hard to cope up. Within a few days, you will observe that you’re getting back on track.

Maintain a Journal:

Writing a journal is just like talking to a friend, having a companion, having a listening ear, and a crying shoulder, all in one. Therefore, it helps you let out all your frustration and feel light. This leads to a motivating force that will take you out of the darkness.

Think About Good Times:

Whenever you feel low, think about all the times you have felt the happiest. If the happy times are no more, the sad times will also fade away. Nothing is permanent, right? Then why not be hopeful about the good times? Why keep mourning the negative things in life?

Surround Yourself With Good People:

No matter how much you try, the people around you do have a major influence on your life. Therefore, it is necessary to gain support and assurance from your loved ones. Try to talk to them and convey your message in a peaceful manner. Self-doubt and low esteem do make you feel like you’re the only one suffering. But there might be someone who would be able to understand you and help you on the way out. It is said that happiness is multiplied when you share it with others and sorrow is reduced by sharing.

Something is Better Than Nothing:

Even if you are going through bad times, be sure that this time will not remain the same forever. There will always be a new day, there will always be a new beginning. Staying in the dark intentionally will not help but struggling to get out of it definitely will. You should be thankful for everything you have rather than mourning for something that you have lost or something you can’t have right now. Be thankful for your life, and be thankful for a healthy body. Believe me, you are capable of doing anything and everything in the world only if you learn to thank for what you have.

Listen to Others’ Stories:

It is always a good idea to learn from others’ experiences. It is not necessary that you must go through every experience to learn the good and the bad. Take inspiration from other people's life experiences and seek advice.

Find your Style of Coping:

For some people, walking, listening to music, reading, watching the sunset, swimming, running, and working out helps to cope with anxiety. On the other hand, some people like to take their time alone, think and locate their problems in order to resolve them. Some of them seek peace in talking and discussing with others. It is different for everyone. Therefore, you should not expect that if some coping strategy has worked for others, it will work for you as well.

Discover your own style instead. Look for something that helps you get out of it. It might be unique, it might not. Just listen to your heart.

Never Give In:

When there is a will, there is a way. So if you are optimistic about coming out of the self-doubt situation, you have got this. Nobody can stop you from achieving your goal and that is peace. If you get exhausted, take a little break. It is okay to take little breaks. It will help you to come back with even greater energy. Giving up shall never be an option. Motivate yourself each day because you are your biggest inspiration.

Conclusion:

Hope is the key. Be sure that one day you will be the one you have always wanted to be. Therefore, just keep on going on the path that you’ve chosen yourself.