Recently, the problem of self-doubt has come up in a number of conversation I’ve had with friends. Self-doubt can be a crippling and debilitating form of fear that keeps us from fulfilling God’s plan for our life and from realizing the dreams He has put in our hearts. Obviously, I’ve had (like everyone else in the world) had my battles with self-doubt. Here are a few things I’ve learned through the years that have helped me overcome when I feel stymied by self-doubt:

1. Others have faced this same problem and felt these same feelings. Too often, we tend to think that no one else has ever felt this way before. Just because it’s new to our own personal experience, doesn’t mean it’s new to the human race. Thinking outside oneself always helps to bring perspective.

2. A failure doesn’t make me a failure. Or put another way, ‘Failure is not final’. The reality is, in life, we actually learn more from our loses than from our victories. It’s important to have the mindset, ‘try and try again’.

3. The process is just as important as the goal. God’s works in the process. He molds our character, trust in him and teaches us about ourselves and others.With God, the end never justifies the means!

4. If it’s God will for my life, he will give me the grace to succeed. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)

5. Potential never accomplished anything for the Kingdom of God. We must be strong, courageous and confident in the power of the Holy Spirit and push aside all of our personal excuses.

6. Talk to someone’s who been there. There’s nothing like hearing the story of someone who has faced the same challenge and been successful. Get their advice. Ask them to stand in your corner. Enlist them as a personal cheerleader for you.