How can executives overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs?

Let me share my strong belief that works so beautifully which I have learnt from my guru is , “if you do no wrong , you will become fearless”. And that will help you to remain “positive “ and “contributor “ ever. Learning is part of life and sometimes it will excite you and sometimes it will put in anxiety mode , it’s fine provided you are balanced and remain on course of goodness of all. Reflection and action for better ‘karma’ with ‘dharma’ in mind will make you happy and prosperous , and your surrounding eco system a great place.

For executives, self-doubt and limiting beliefs can act as invisible chains, hindering their potential. These doubts may stem from a variety of sources like past setbacks, pressure from stakeholders, comparison with peers, changing business landscape and personal criticisms. Overcoming these beliefs requires reflection, validation, re-framing thoughts, seeking feedback and continuous learning! In conclusion, identifying the source of self-doubt and limiting beliefs is like diagnosing an ailment. Once you know what's causing it, finding a remedy becomes much easier, leading to empowered and confident leadership.

As they say, it's lonely at the top. And having to show up bullet proof with all the answers during times of accelerated disruption makes fear a constant state of mind. Create a carefully curated small board of advisors to turn to for support during times of self doubt. A small circle of trusted, like-minded peers, focusing a brain trust on problem solving and solutions, can charge your batteries when you're low. Most importantly: allowing yourself to be authentic and open, requirements for intimacy with yourself and others.

As a cognitive-behavioral psychologist and executive coach, I work on cognitive reframing. I help my clients first learn how to identify our automatic thoughts. The one's that come so quickly we don't even notice. Then I educate them on the neuroscience behind it, it reduces shame and guilt. Then I teach them how to challenge those thoughts, examine if it is something that benefits them or hurts them and then create a new thought. It's important it is a thought that they can start believing today, otherwise the brain will reject it. Then we keep advancing together on continuing to increase the power of the thought and training it up to what they want to be able to think. We end up rewiring the brain for success.

I take the opposite approach... identify what worked and build from there. It's a focus of flow, not bottlenecks. The bottlenecks appear elegantly by allowing them to do so. Focusing on what is flowing and has worked gives a much better foundation from which to approach the constrictions. The cognitive dissonance will show up, sometimes subtley sometimes with fanfare.

When executives face challenges, the way they see the situation matters a lot. Think of it like looking at a glass of water - some see it half empty, while others see it half full. So, if an executive feels stuck or unsure, it's helpful to change how they look at the situation. Instead of thinking, "This is too hard", they can think, "This is a chance to grow". Or if they think, "I might make a mistake", they can change it to, "I'll learn something new". It's all about seeing things in a positive light. This way, they can feel better and achieve more!

Curiosity is key. It brings inquiry and eventually the right questions. Every question has an answer. Are you asking the right ones? This is key in reframing. We change the view, alter the pattern or break it entirely. New insights and world emerge with patience, persistence, perseverance, passion and purpose toward the mission and vision.

I often ask my coachees to come with an alternative thought. It help them gain self-leadership. They realise they are leaders of they own beliefs. In the quest of the alternative thoughts, magic happens. "I suck at public speaking" becomes "I need to learn how to pitch myself", it's more precise and action-oriented while the first statement is broad and extremely defeating.

One thing i find useful while working with my clients towards their health and well-being goals is asking them to befriend the symptom they want to get rid of. Wether its extra weight, digestive issues, irregular eating or fatigue, i encourage them to ask themselves “what is this symptom here to tell me or teach me about myself and about how i can grow as a person? Instead of focusing on how to eliminate the symptoms first, this reframing helps them take the time to figure out what is the symptom covering underneath. By being less defensive they can tackle the underlying root cause of their problems and find the right strategy to solve them more effectively.

The answers to overcoming self-doubt and limiting beliefs do not lie in the past, reframing or convincing ourselves we'd be OK with prettier thoughts. The answers belong in the realm of understanding—realising the true makeup of self-doubt and limiting beliefs. The more we understand the true makeup of our lived experience, the more clarity we have and can take the next step, or we know where to look for the next step. Speak to famous actors, incredibly successful global business leaders, wonderful mothers and fathers, and even the homeless person on the street; you'll find abundant self-doubt and limiting beliefs. And yet, dig deeper, and you'll notice not all are affected to the same degree, even the homeless person. How come?

For executives, sometimes the end goal can feel huge and far away. It's like wanting to build a car but worrying about how it'll drive even before assembling the parts. A good way to handle this is by focusing on each step. So, instead of thinking about the fastest car, they should think about getting the right engine first, then the wheels, and so on. This way, by concentrating on each piece of the puzzle, the task becomes more manageable, and they also enjoy the journey. It's like enjoying the process of crafting the car, not just the thrill of the drive. This approach helps them get better over time and keeps stress away. So, for success, it's best to focus on one piece at a time!

Ah, the process. EVERYTHING is a process. There is a flow and a natural timeline that emerges. Paying attention to what is emerging instead of taking prescriptive measures with perhaps outdated methodology is a key for Servant Leaders today.

The degree to which we understand that self-doubt and limiting beliefs are thoughts believed and nothing more, we're on the road to freedom. Imagine what life can be like when you are OK with your self-doubts and limiting beliefs. Why would you battle with them when you know they're quite simply (and I'm using that phrase purposefully) thoughts held to be true in that moment? The more you understand the true nature of experience, the less you're inclined to go to war with yourself. I've worked as a coach for over twenty years, and often, as I approach a client session, I have self-doubts and limiting beliefs. I don't care. Why would I?

We seem to have been conditioned to focus on the outcome. Actually, most of the fun is found in the journey. What I say to my clients is this. Most people want to hang out at the finish line without winning the race. What are you going to learn from doing that? Moving towards your goals is not a quick fix or an overnight success. I know that there is no over night success coming from the music business. When we need to learn more to become better, that is what we have to do. When we need to learn patience, that is what we have to do. And when we need to learn from our mistakes, that is what we do. Being sucked into the consumer society way of looking at things is not helpful. Take your time and enjoy the ride, no matter how bumpy.

My perspective it is actually to first see the big picture of a project and not focus on the little things otherwise can lead you to distractions or pursuing too much attention to detail. After it gets done then I believe that’s when you polish it. By focusing on the main subjects I find it easier and more helpful to be objective with also leads to become more productive and with less errors through the process .

For executives, the journey to the top can sometimes feel lonely. In such times, it's okay to ask for help. They can talk to friends, colleagues, or even experts in their field. This way, they get new ideas, learn from others' experiences, and can see things from a different angle. It is important to know, that even the strongest people sometimes need a helping hand or a word of advice. So, whenever things get tough, it's always good to have someone to lean on or chat with. It's not about being weak; it's about being smart and using all available resources!

The toughest thing many leaders face is asking for help. Sometimes it's a matter of saving face, in their perception. At others, it's an opportunity to open the floor for questions and suggestions. A team is in place to offer inside help. The help comes by asking the right questions and the view internally and from new eyes, such as a coach or consultant, offers fresh questions that may have been obvious, yet the leader was too close to the situation to see. Along with consultants, peer boards of cohorts across industries also serve to offer new views as the willingness to explore further, through trust-building activities with peers, offers opportunistic moments to transform challenges into navigable solutions.

To end, there are no steps. But if I were forced to give you a set of steps, it would look like this. Step 1—Be OK with your thoughts.... all thoughts are OK! Step 2—Remain curious. Step 3—Notice that ALL thoughts come and go—without intervention. No thought is more true or more powerful than any other. Step 4—Ask where your feelings are coming from. I can guarantee there's only one place... thought (and not the world, your bank balance, your job security, your colleagues, your family.) Step 4—Do nothing. Step 5—Go back to step 1. In truth, there are no steps. These steps are what came to me as I typed. With another client, I'll have different thoughts and steps. Hopefully, zero steps.

Don't work alone. No great work is ever achieved in complete isolation. Work with a trusted and caring mentor or coach, someone who can give your work feedback or critique - otherwise we end up drinking our own bathwater. Nobody wants that.

Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It reflects strength and your power of judgement. When you understand and know yourself and recognise your strengths, you will easily recognise how you can enhance with more support and help. A qualified Life Coach helps you enhance your strength. So seek support when facing a challenge and feel better.

High standards and self-expectations are the norms in the world of executive leadership. A crucial aspect of leadership resilience lies in the ability to practice self-compassion. Consider it akin to risk management in a corporate setting; just as an organization would take measures to mitigate potential threats, executives should ensure they address and heal internal setbacks with understanding and care. When challenges arise or mistakes happen, it's essential to take a step back and provide oneself the same level of support and encouragement they would offer to their team. Through this, executives not only enhance their personal well-being but also strengthen their capacity for effective and empathetic leadership.

When the inner critic's voice is strong, the internal conflict gets externalized. The company, the person, and everyone they touch will feel their pain through their choice of reaction/s. Nine times out of 10, people react differently in the office than at home, so they never get a break from their suffering. Affirmations and gratitude are excellent tools. Working on their weaknesses through self-empathy and compassion is mandatory. Most will avoid what they fear; they believe they are not good at, which keeps self-doubt flowing and the inner critic chirping. To stop the flow and silence the chirp, I help them shake the trunk of the grey fellow in the room, let him know we see and embrace him, and welcome him to the circle.

Challenges are growth opportunities for everyone in the organization to look for creative and innovative solutions. Self-compassion allows the vulnerability necessary to be part of the process, to facilitate the evolution of the challenge to change within the process of organizational development and management.

Because most of us learn more from our mistakes than we do from our successes, I often tell executives to celebrate their failures. I remind them to honor their bravery in taking risks, taking action, doing their best, and making mistakes. Self-compassion is what sets you free to grow. Do you want to grow? Begin with self-compassion.

As I mentioned before, we can have protection mechanisms in place to protect us from getting hurt. Overcoming these protection mechanisms requires compassion for yourself. It is not your fault this has happened to you, it is just that you did not have the knowledge to overcome your current situation. Human beings mostly are kind inside. But with this fast pace world we live in today, we seem to be suffering blows all the time when stuck with limiting beliefs and self doubt. Self belief is so important. When we realise we have made it through so many difficult situations before, then we can grow into the next challenge. But you need to be kind and compassionate to yourself to come to that understanding.

Life is completely uncertain. We can't predict our future based on external cirumstances...there can be the inflation, recession, lay-offs, weak strategic planning and wrong forecasts that ultimately results into least outputs and returns.. It effects every individual in the society but those CEOs & Owners who specifically keep thier eyes on high returns and monetary values may have zero tolerance against uncertainty.. Being a life coach this must be the prime focus of getting them realise that uncertainty is the part of the success game.

Being on the top seat can be very lonely and it can get worse when there is self-doubt and limiting beliefs. Self-affirmation becomes key in fighting the internal voice that could be louder than the self believe. Learning to affirm one-self, not to beat oneself up over every little thing and get a let out- a system to deal with pressure, which is outside family and work. This is because family and office let out can be disastrous. Create a support system that sees the glass as you see it, half full even through a blur!

As I write this comment, I experience self-doubt. I have a thought along the lines of "What will others think of me?" The source of that thought is...thought. If I give that thought weight or meaning, then I start to experience self-doubt and that's when I get into trouble...mostly from rumination, which is more thought. But if I remember that "What will others think of me?" is a thought, and not reality, then instead of reframing it, I can let it pass. Then, with self-compassion, I can wait for a more productive thought to arrive.

A question to stretch your brain because this is the beauty of coaching!! Think a second about this: What is the good thing about things being uncertain? What are the upsides of things being uncertain in life?

The first step to breaking free from these shackles is to challenge our beliefs by discerning whether they are rooted in fact or mere myths. Here's how you can do it: Question the Source: Take a moment to consider where the belief originated. Seek Evidence: Ask yourself, "What evidence supports this belief?" Dig deep and critically analyze whether there are tangible facts supporting it. Consult Trusted Resources: When in doubt, seek information from reputable sources. Analyze Emotions: Examine the emotions tied to the belief. Challenge Assumptions: Be open to questioning assumptions associated with your beliefs. Just because you've believed something for a long time doesn't mean it's necessarily true.

Self doubt can really destroy a career. It can leave you constantly doubting yourself and your abilities. The best thing I think works after taking all of the above steps is never to use the word “if”. For example, never think if I did x then y would have happened. The problem with this thinking is you are always stuck in the past and never have the ability to move forward, learn new skills and gain confidence. Adopt a growth mindset and view mistakes as a learning curve. Drop the hide standards and treat yourself like a human. If you find this difficult then think what advice would you give to a friend who was in your shoes. When nothing else works get professional help from a coach so they can help you overcome self doubt.

Just yesterday I came up with the idea to offer a safe platform where people can vent their frustrations. I call it LET RIP! ANONYMOUS SHOUT CHAMBER It is just a fun way of letting rip and shout it all out. Welcome to Let Rip - Anonymous Shout Chamber Are you in need of an unburdened release for your pent-up emotions, frustrations, or thoughts? Look no further than Let Rip - the Anonymous Shout Chamber. Our platform offers a unique and cathartic experience that allows you to vent, shout, and express yourself freely without judgment or the pressure of receiving advice. It's simple: "Shouting is a cathartic release." Similar: purgative, purging, purifying, cleansing, cleaning, releasing, relieving, freeing, delivering, exorcising, rid

One thing that can hinder movement away from the 'stuck in the feeling of self-doubt' is ruminating on the feelings associated with the thoughts. Getting out of our heads and into our bodies is a great way of shifting out of our thoughts to then be able to build awareness and understand the sources of those beliefs.

It is interesting to observe from world of sports as to how top atheletes recover from slump of form and go back to their winning ways. They follow below mental strategies which executives can also practice. 1. Positive Reinfocement- With help of mental conditioning coach they dwell on past successes, specially on the process that led to achievement 2. Focus on winning performance : Focus on steps or process that will result in achieving desired outcomes.