Today I want to talk about insecurities – the challenge we all face in many different ways !
Lets face it, no one feels 100% confident, 100% of the time.
We’re faced with questions about work or running a business that we don’t know the answer to. We get outside our comfort zone when we try a new hobby or activity. First dates naturally give us the jitters. It’s all completely normal.
Overcoming our insecurities is a challenge each and every one of us must face. In business, relationships and all of life, many of us struggle with self-doubt as we question our skills and abilities. This breeds a negative state, and the fallout can wreak havoc on our work performance and overall well-being. But with the right tools and strategies, we can learn how to overcome them.
What are Insecurities?
Insecurities refer to feelings of doubt, uncertainty, and inadequacy that individuals may experience in various aspects of their lives. These feelings often stem from a lack of self-confidence or a negative self-image. Insecurities can manifest in different areas of a person's life, including personal, professional, and relationship insecurities.
PERSONAL INSECURITIES
Include lack of confidence about how you look and what others think of you. You may feel anxious in social situations or avoid photos and mirrors. They often lead to unhealthy habits that are used as coping mechanisms.
PROFESSIONAL INSECURITIES
Perhaps you may be nervous about giving presentations, answering questions or going for that big promotion. You may think your skills don’t measure up to your colleagues or even suffer from imposter syndrome.
RELATIONSHIP INSECURITIES
Feelings that you don’t deserve love or that your partner doesn’t really love you lead to jealousy, arguments and controlling behavior. None of these are healthy for your relationship.
Overcoming these insecurities means examining what is causing your self-doubt so that you can learn to control your emotions.
Understanding and overcoming insecurity begins with identifying its root causes.
Insecurity, like any emotion, originates from our perspective and beliefs.
When we perceive failures as obstacles rather than setbacks, it shapes our perspective positively. Our beliefs also influence our emotions; changing our beliefs about ourselves and the world can reduce insecurity.
Here are 3 journaling prompts to help you understand and overcome insecurities:
- Identify Your Triggers:
Reflect on situations or events that make you feel insecure.
What common themes or patterns do you notice?
Write about the circumstances, your emotions, and any recurring thoughts associated with these triggers.
- Explore Your Beliefs:
Write about the beliefs you hold about yourself, your abilities, and your self-worth.
Are these beliefs empowering or limiting?
Challenge any negative beliefs and explore how changing them might help you feel more secure.
- Practice Self-Compassion:
Describe a recent situation in which you felt insecure.
Write a letter to yourself, offering the same kindness, understanding, and support you would give to a close friend facing a similar situation.
How does practicing self-compassion affect your perspective on your insecurities?
‘The greatest gift you can give yourself and others, is the gift of unconditional love & acceptance’