Doubt Yourself, And Do It Anyway

Photo from Unsplash

A podcast episode with Patrick Castle inspired a powerful reflection on self-doubt and growth. Castle’s phrase, “doubt it, and do it anyway,” resonated deeply, reminding all that self-doubt often lingers whenever we step into something new, whether building a business, creating content, or even exploring a personal interest. It’s natural to wonder, "Will anyone care? Will this make a difference?” 

These questions are common, yet they shouldn’t stop us from taking that first step. Moving forward with uncertainty doesn’t mean having a perfect plan or the complete assurance of success. It’s about moving forward, taking calculated risks, and learning as we grow. The phrase “doubt it, and do it anyway” encourages us to push through those moments of uncertainty, even if we’re unsure of the results.

Self-doubt can look different at various stages of life and might show up when trying something unfamiliar—signing up for a cooking class, starting a dance class, or taking the initial steps toward a business idea. Doubts don’t have to paralyze us; instead, they can be reminders that there’s room to grow.

So, where in your life has self-doubt held you back? This moment could be an opportunity to try something new. You may find that even small steps forward are enough to build confidence and open up unexpected opportunities. Growth often lies just beyond the limits of our comfort zone, waiting for that first courageous move.

Certainly! Here’s a set of practical steps to help move forward with “doubt it, but do it anyway”:

• Acknowledge the Doubt: Self-doubt is natural, especially with big changes or new beginnings. Rather than trying to ignore it, acknowledge it. Naming and understanding self-doubt can make it feel more manageable and less powerful.

  
  

• Identify a Small Step Forward: No need to take a giant leap. Start with a manageable action, like researching, connecting with someone who’s done it before, or trying something on a small scale. Starting small lets us build confidence gradually.

  
  

• Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome: Instead of fixating on “Will this succeed?" shift your perspective to “What can I learn?”  Emphasizing the process reduces pressure and helps us move forward with curiosity rather than fear.

  
  

• Set Short-Term Goals: Break down the journey into clear, achievable steps that will let you see progress along the way. Short-term wins help reinforce motivation and provide a sense of accomplishment as you move forward.

  
  

• Prepare for Imperfection: Success doesn’t mean perfection. Expect some bumps in the road and view them as learning opportunities. This approach can help you stay resilient and flexible as you progress.

  
  

• Seek Encouragement and Accountability: Share your journey with supportive friends, mentors, or community members who can help keep you accountable and offer encouragement. Surrounding yourself with positive reinforcement can make the journey feel less intimidating.

  
  

• Practice Self-Compassion: Moving forward—even imperfectly—is a success in itself. Embrace each step with compassion, recognizing that every action taken is growth.

  
  

• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and appreciate the steps you take, no matter how small. Each win builds your confidence and reinforces the courage it took to act.

It’s easy to feel paralyzed by self-doubt, but by focusing on progress over perfection, we can continue moving forward—even if we’re unsure of what’s next. Remember, the act of trying can be transformative, helping us learn, grow, and discover opportunities we’d never see by staying on the sidelines.

If you’re feeling unsure or questioning whether you’re ready, this might be your sign to start. Growth doesn’t require the absence of doubt; it only asks that we take that first, sometimes uncertain step.

Know someone who could use this?

If you or someone you know needs help overcoming self-doubt, getting out of their comfort zone, and creating a positive mindset, please do not hesitate to contact me directly or share this blog post. Don't forget to follow this blog for more insights and encouragement.