Understanding the Role of Doubt and Self-Confidence

The Audio of this is at the end…

When we’re setting out to achieve something—be it an audition, a job interview, or a race—doubt and self-confidence play significant roles. The luxury of harbouring doubt is often a privilege of the rich and famous. For instance, if you’re an adult racing against a five-year-old in a 20-kilometre race, doubt becomes inconsequential because the outcome is almost certain.

Doubt serves a purpose for every human being by prompting us to ask “what if” questions. What if I lose? What if I don’t get the job? What if I don’t win? These questions, however, should not lead us to plan for failure. Instead, it’s better to approach these doubts with the mindset of dealing with outcomes as they come. For example, if I don’t get the job, I’ll deal with it then. If I don’t win the race, I’ll handle it at that time.

Giving Doubt a Voice, But Not the Final Word

It’s crucial to acknowledge doubt, but not to let it dominate our thoughts with an elaborate plan for failure. Imagine placing a stop sign in front of your face each time doubt arises. When you start thinking, “What if I fail? What if I mess up this audition? What if I fall off the bike?”—place a stop sign there. Tell yourself, “I’ll deal with it then.” This approach prevents you from being overwhelmed by doubt and instead focuses on potential success.

The Power of Choosing Your Thoughts

One of the greatest choices we have is the ability to control our thoughts. Many people let their thoughts flow organically, assuming they are thinking, but in reality, they’re simply letting random thoughts flood their minds. It’s essential to recognise that choosing our thoughts is a divine gift, a universal truth.

Doubtful thoughts are a choice, and while they’re not inherently wrong, they should lead us to the pivotal question: What if the thing I doubt happens? The answer must always be, “I’ll deal with it then.” This mindset blocks the pathway to doubt and redirects focus towards confidence.

Visualising Success

Imagine a fork in the road ahead of you. On the left, all your doubts reside. Each doubt comes with a “what if” scenario. To each, you place a stop sign and say, “I’ll deal with it then.” On the right, the road represents confidence and success. You are allowed to travel down this path and think about why you should get the job, win the race, or succeed in your audition. Visualise yourself as the best candidate, fully prepared and deserving of success.

Self-confidence is a thought, not necessarily grounded in reality. Even the most inept individuals can be highly self-confident, and this often leads to success. Their courage to try stems from choosing the yes path and blocking the no path.

The Deliberate Choice of Thoughts

Choosing thoughts that lead to success is a deliberate act. While it’s comforting to fill our minds with positive vibes, such thoughts alone don’t cause things to manifest. The thoughts that propel us towards our goals are known and factual, not random guesses. They are the thoughts that have been echoed in sacred texts like the Bible, the Quran, and the Dharma.

Compassion, generosity, and kindness are wonderful thoughts that make us feel good, but they don’t necessarily cause action. Causation stems from confidence, focus, and being energised by gratitude. A grateful thought fuels a healthy body, and confidence is a winning thought.

Mindfulness and the Nature of Thoughts

No matter how zen we are, our minds are always thinking. In quiet environments, like a zen retreat, we become acutely aware of the constant chatter in our minds. Initially, we might feel overwhelmed by a flurry of thoughts, but with practice, we can learn to focus on singular, deliberate thoughts.

The Impact of Our Thoughts

The thoughts we choose can either lead us to success or completely derail our efforts. It’s puzzling why we often choose thoughts that sabotage our goals, but perhaps it’s because it’s easier to see what’s wrong than to appreciate what’s right. It’s easier to identify what’s broken than to celebrate what works well.

Moving Forward

As we navigate our aspirations, whether in our careers or personal pursuits, the thoughts we cultivate play a crucial role. Recognising and blocking doubt while fostering confident, purposeful thoughts can significantly impact our journey towards success. Embrace the power of choice in your thoughts and steer them towards a path of confidence and achievement.

The Power of Thought Management: Crafting Your Path to Success

The Trap of Not Knowing What You Want

A common challenge people face is the inability to articulate what they truly want. When asked, “What do you really want in life? What kind of person do you want to be? What sort of outcome do you desire?” many are at a loss. They often respond with, “I don’t know.” To break this mental block, try a simple psychological trick: instead of asking what you want, ask yourself what you don’t want. The list will flow easily. Once you have that, flip it upside down, and you’ll have a clearer idea of what you do want. This method helps transform vague uncertainties into actionable goals.

Avoiding Common Thoughts

Many people default to common, mundane thoughts. Conversations often revolve around trivial topics, like the weather, which don’t contribute to achieving our larger goals. Engaging in such conversations is a luxury afforded by those who are supported by others, those who have the freedom to indulge in superficial dialogue without the pressure of driving their own success.

The Caboose Syndrome

Imagine a train, the kind we played with as kids, where the driver is at the front and a little wagon called a caboose trails at the back. The driver is responsible for steering the train and ensuring it moves forward, while the caboose seemingly serves no purpose other than to watch for potential problems. This dynamic often mirrors certain relationships where one partner drives the efforts and ambitions, while the other focuses on potential pitfalls. Such an arrangement can be stifling and counterproductive.

Shutting Out Negativity

When someone starts to succeed, they often attract negative commentary from others, including close partners, who highlight what could go wrong. This negativity can be detrimental, and in such cases, it’s crucial to set boundaries and reject these discouraging thoughts. We all inherently know what can go wrong; we don’t need reminders. Instead, our focus should be on choosing thoughts that align with our goals and ambitions.

The Right Mindset for Success

Different aspirations require different mindsets. Whether you aim to be a great architect, an athlete, or a C-suite executive, there are specific thought patterns that foster success. While doubts and uncertainties are inevitable, they should not dominate our thought processes. Acknowledging their presence without letting them dictate our actions is key.

Manifesting Success Through Thought Control

Planning for failure can inadvertently manifest that very failure. Instead, focus on choosing thoughts that lead to success. This deliberate selection of thoughts is our privilege as humans. Everything else in life, from natural laws to basic bodily functions, follows a predetermined order. However, our thoughts are ours to control, and this choice is often underutilised.

Real-Life Applications and Everyday Choices

Our thoughts and actions, even in everyday scenarios, reflect our larger mindset. For instance, consider a simple household task like disposing of cardboard boxes. The choice between convenience and environmental responsibility can spark a debate about values and priorities. Such situations highlight how our thoughts guide our actions and how we reconcile immediate needs with long-term values.

Navigating Information and Bias

In our information-saturated world, discerning truth from bias is crucial. Sources like the Harvard Business Review, Time Magazine, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission are often perceived as credible, yet they carry biases. Recognising this helps us approach information critically and choose our thoughts more wisely, rather than accepting everything at face value.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Thought Power

In conclusion, the power to choose our thoughts is our most significant privilege. By consciously selecting thoughts that align with our goals, blocking out negativity, and navigating through biases, we can craft a path to success. This deliberate management of thoughts fosters confidence, drives actions, and ultimately manifests our desired outcomes. Remember, the thoughts you nurture shape the reality you experience. Choose them wisely.