Self-doubt is a common experience that can prevent us from reaching our full potential. It can hold us back from achieving our goals and lead to negative self-talk and low self-esteem. However, overcoming self-doubt is possible, and some strategies can help.

Here are ten tips, backed by research, that can help you overcome self-doubt:

1. Identify your negative self-talk.

Negative self-talk is a common symptom of self-doubt. Identifying the negative thoughts that go through your mind and challenging their validity can be helpful. For example, if you find yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” ask yourself, “Is that really true?” or “What evidence do I have to support that thought?”

2. Practice self-compassion.

Self-compassion is the ability to treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Research has shown that practicing self-compassion can lead to increased self-esteem and decreased levels of anxiety and depression. Try to be gentle with yourself and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

3. Set small goals.

Setting small, achievable goals can help you build confidence and overcome self-doubt. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and use them to inspire you to keep going.

4. Surround yourself with supportive people.

Having a solid support system can make a big difference in overcoming self-doubt. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your abilities.

5. Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and non-judgmental. It can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, which can be helpful when trying to overcome self-doubt. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

6. Challenge your limiting beliefs.

Limiting beliefs are beliefs that hold you back from achieving your goals. They can be difficult to identify, but once you do, you can challenge them. For example, if you believe you’re not good enough, ask yourself why and challenge that belief with evidence to the contrary.

7. Take care of your physical health.

Taking care of your physical health can positively impact your mental health. Exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet can all help you feel better about yourself and increase your confidence.

8. Practice gratitude.

Practicing gratitude is the act of being thankful for what you have. It can help shift your focus from what you don’t have to what you do have, which can be helpful when trying to overcome self-doubt.

9. Visualize your ideal life.

Visualization is the practice of imagining yourself succeeding at a particular task. Research has shown that visualization can lead to increased confidence and improved performance.

10. Seek professional help.

If self-doubt is interfering with your daily life, seek professional help. A therapist or coach can help you identify the root causes of your self-doubt and provide you with strategies to overcome it.

In order to overcome self-doubt, you must practice patience and perseverance. You will stumble, and that’s okay. Recognize those stumbles; accept them as part of the process. No one experiences growth without a few setbacks along the way. Remember to celebrate the small victories, even if they seem insignificant at the time.

The only way to overcome self-doubt is, to be honest with yourself and to keep pushing forward. Whatever your biggest challenge may be right now, whether it be imposter syndrome or feeling discouraged about achieving your dream job, you can overcome self-doubt if you’re willing to put in the effort. Just remember to take things one day at a time. Every single day is an opportunity for growth and change.