Making self-doubt a strength

While it’s very much not alone, the marcomms industry can provide a fairly optimal environment for self-doubt to breed. In our sector, success is frequently based on opinions and differing interpretations of what works and what doesn’t. With the pressure to manage these varying perceptions, it’s easy to start doubting your decisions, your skills, and your judgment.

From speaking with colleagues and friends across the industry, I know self-doubt can be the norm for many or come in waves, dependent on the environment or the task at hand. Which in turn, can naturally impact mental health and wellbeing.

My relationship with self-doubt has always been an interesting one. I’ve been aware of it and how it can manifest - the extensive preparation I’ll always undertake, the self-criticism of my performance and my general unease of recognition – but I’ve always tried to use it as a catalyst for growth.

Instead of it being something to avoid or fear, there can be great value to see it as a strength, and something that can propel us forward. So how can we do it…

Let it be a catalyst for success, not paralyse us

Firstly, position doubt as a valuable tool to help drive growth and development.  Rather than letting doubt paralyse us, we can use it as a catalyst for self-reflection and refinement. Self-doubt makes us reconsider, re-evaluate, and reassess our work. A healthy level of vigilance and constant questioning can force us to challenge assumptions and explore alternative solutions.

It can lead to new approaches, ideas and results that go above and beyond expectations. Yes, it can be exhausting at times, but it can also be an exciting challenge to rise to.

As odd as it may sound, I often feel lucky for the many eventualities I have considered, which means I can be prepared for whatever is thrown at me.

Combat with action

Building on the above, when self-doubt strikes it’s easy to get into a cycle of overthinking.

One of the best ways to combat that stagnant feeling is by using doubt as a motivator for action. It can push you to take the next step, even when you’re uncertain.

While that sounds counterintuitive, the likelihood is that you will have already thought through so many worst eventualities of what will actually happen, so take the plunge. Be it, proposing that new idea to the client or presenting those slides in the pitch. As they say, inaction can be expensive.

Remember your past successes

When doubt surfaces, it’s easy to focus on potential failure or fear of making the wrong decision. Instead of allowing these thoughts to dominate your mindset, take a moment to reflect on times when you’ve overcome similar challenges. Think about the campaigns or sell-ins that succeeded or the tough pitches that landed.

It’s easy to forget or downplay the past. But your track record will be proof that you are capable, even when self-doubt creeps in. It can be a powerful tool for silencing the inner critic and regaining clarity of purpose.

Have a clear vision of your path

Finally, let’s be real, life happens and regardless of the above, self-doubt can be all too consuming in the moment.

So, for the above points all to work and to be able to harness the power of self-doubt, it’s important to have a clear vision and anchor point of where you’re heading.

When you know what you’re working toward - be it a long-term career goal, a specific project outcome, or personal growth - it’s easier to view self-doubt as a momentary feeling rather than a permanent state. When your vision is clear, doubt doesn’t need to feel like an insurmountable obstacle.

A strong sense of direction helps you filter out unnecessary noise and stay focused on what really matters. Knowing where you’re headed provides the perspective needed to see self-doubt as part of the process - something to be acknowledged, not feared.

While it’s never easy, when framed in the right way (like PR pros are all too familiar with), self-doubt can make us more vigilant, drive us to take action, help us reflect on past successes, and clarify our vision for the future.

If we keep it in check, self-doubt doesn’t need to be foe but a powerful ally.