Self-Doubt Debbie

When contemplating a career change with friends and family, I am inundated with responses framed from their point of view. "What if you fail?" or "What if you don't make a paycheck?" and my personal favorite, "At least you can always fall back on your old career..." Naturally, I internalize. I think, "maybe I am crazy" and "this is too big of a risk". I begin to doubt my skillset. I doubt my instincts. I doubt my years of contemplation, growth, and mindset. 

I call this thought process, Self-Doubt Debbie. It is thinking spurred by the self-doubts of others and then projected on me. It is the fear of everyone around me and their Self-Doubt Debbie's trying to jump on my shoulders and tell me what to do or not do. 

How sad is that we rarely see the opposite framing: What if you succeed in a space more aligned with your personality and purpose? What if you are happier? Have stronger relationships? Find peace? What an amazing change that would be... 

Our society equates success with high earning and loyalty. Taking a turn in a new direction is rarely encouraged and evokes so much fear for so many. To the point that when you elaborate on your plans, you are greeted with negative projections. All the Self-Doubt Debbies pile on.

Change this mindset of scarcity and fear. Believe in yourself and your strengths. To grow, we have to push our own boundaries and encourage our circles to take risks and to move from one very safe space to another one that is new and unknown. Say good-bye to Self-Doubt Debbie.  

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