How to Silence Self Doubt
- Dr Liz White | Consultant Clinical Psychologist
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 18
How Women Can Break Free from Self-Doubt and Unlock Confidence and Self Trust
Despite remarkable achievements, many successful women continue to grapple with self-doubt—a frustrating paradox where external accomplishments fail to translate into inner confidence
In our latest podcast episode Silencing Self Doubt - Practical Tips and Strategies with Natasha Scullane, we spoke with psychotherapist Natasha Scullane to explore why so many accomplished women still question their abilities and how they can reclaim their self-belief.
This blog explores the main themes that were discussed:
Why does self doubt persist?
The role of the inner critic
Building confidence through values-led living
Escape the comparison trap
Practical strategies for building self trust
Changing your relationship with self doubt
🎧Listen to the full episode here:
Why Does Self-Doubt Persist?
Self-doubt often stems from early experiences and societal conditioning. From a young age, girls are frequently encouraged to be quiet, polite, and "good" – expectations that can later manifest as uncertainty about their own capabilities. Natasha describes this as a "fear bubble"—an invisible boundary that limits women’s willingness to take risks, keeping them in their comfort zones and stalling their growth.
The Inner Critic's Role
Self-doubt rarely acts alone; it often pairs with an unforgiving inner critic which then negatively impacts your self esteem. A familiar dynamic can be that self-doubt questions your future actions, while the inner critic dwells on your past mistakes. Together, they create a cycle of hesitation and avoidance, preventing women from gaining the experiences that would actually bolster their confidence.
Building Confidence Through Values-Led Living
One of the most empowering strategies Natasha shared is aligning daily actions with personal values. Rather than treating values as abstract ideals, she encourages women to translate them into specific, intentional behaviours. For example, if you value connection, you might initiate conversations at networking events or engage thoughtfully online. This values-driven approach allows women to build authentic confidence through consistent action.
Watch an exclusive, unpublished extract of this episode:
Escaping the Comparison Trap
In today’s hyperconnected world, constant exposure to others' curated successes can fuel feelings of inadequacy. Natasha emphasises the importance of questioning the timeline you’re measuring yourself against. Are you chasing society’s milestones, or ones that genuinely matter to you? Redefining success on your own terms helps shift focus away from unhealthy comparisons and back toward your personal growth.
Practical Strategies to Build Self-Trust
Try these techniques for strengthening self-trust and quieting self-doubt:
Tune into your intuition: Learning to trust your gut and your intuition rather than self doubt feelings and anxiety can guide better decision-making.
Follow through on promises to yourself: Each small commitment kept reinforces your belief in your own reliability.
Journal your self-doubt patterns: Writing down recurring doubts helps you recognize and challenge negative thought patterns.
Embrace discomfort: Understand that uncertainty is a natural part of growth rather than a signal to retreat.
Changing Your Relationship with Self-Doubt
Ultimately, the goal isn’t to silence self-doubt entirely but to shift your relationship with it. Try 'unhooking' from self-doubt—observing these thoughts without being controlled by them. This mental distance empowers women to take action despite their uncertainties.
Takeaways
For women struggling with self-doubt, the journey toward self-belief isn’t about banishing negative thoughts—it's about learning to move forward with courage, even when those thoughts persist. By embracing values-driven action, building self-trust, and stepping beyond the "fear bubble," women can unlock a deeper, lasting sense of confidence.
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