What a grabber huh? Suicide is a hot topic and for good reason, but I wont be talking about the death of our physical being but rather our potential. One of the biggest contributors to stifling our progress is our ability to stand in our own way. Our experiences shape how we view the world but they also shape how we view ourselves. The most common way we do this is through…
DOUBT.
It’s fucking consuming. It’s a feeling that not only seems to restrict you mentally but starts to effect you physically. It’s seems your cortisol (stress) levels rise in these moments, physically preventing you from making the next move. This can be for many reasons but to put it simply, it’s a lack of faith/trust in ourselves.
The benefit of the side effects of doubt is the ability to recognize them as they surface. It creeps up the spine, voices ring in our heads, likely delivering many stories of why you won’t accomplish what you’re after. These are all noticeable things, most of us notice it regularly and accept it, or let the narrative roll on its own.
THIS IS ILL ADVISED…
That is because once we recognize these patters, we find their origin to be purely MENTAL. A literal mental road block, preventing us from MOVING FORWARD.
In these situations it’s important to question those feelings and why they surface.
Is it external?
Is it purely internal?
I believe doubt surfaces as a biological defense against situations that may present a “danger”. Similar to anxiety. I think it’s perfectly acceptable to feel doubt, especially in terms of our ancestors and the amount of time we spent in dangerous or vulnerable situations. Our awareness was everything for our survival. However, presently, instead of allowing the feeling to pass (after assessing the origin or need for that feeling), we allow it to take over.
Since we rarely face actual danger this emotion seems to surface in situations where the outcome is unclear, or maybe uncomfortable to us. This lack of understanding the unknown always haunts us, and rightfully so.
I myself feel this surface often, especially as I branch out into my own business and start/support a family. I try my damnedest to use it as fuel to prove myself wrong, as I’ve always allowed my doubt to subtly stifle my truest potential. Even if it doesn’t seem like I do. Maybe it’s not the best application but it’s better than allowing it to suffocate my abilities and potential and it leans on my competitive nature. If I am being honest my greatest competition has always been myself.
I truly believe battling doubt and fear is a life long journey but like all things we can ADAPT. Then as we adapt we will naturally seek to take on more challenge, finding more fear and more doubt.
If you have doubt today, or anytime soon, I implore you to question, why?
Even if its rational, it doesn’t mean it should consume you, or your potential.
Challenge your doubt, challenge your fears.
It is really YOU vs YOU here.
Are you going to stand in your own way?
If you accept this, it’s…
POTENTIAL SUICIDE.
Step back, allow this emotion to pass, and clear your vision. So you may continue to advance your abilities on your OWN accord.
