Dealing with Self-Doubt: How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Thrive

by Irine | Feb 10, 2025 | Confidence

Are you your own worst critic? Let’s change that.

Imagine this: you’re ready to take the leap into starting your dream business, but just as you’re about to hit “launch,” a tiny voice in your head whispers, Are you sure you’re good enough? Cue self-doubt swooping in like an unwelcome guest at your dinner party.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Self-doubt is a sneaky companion that loves to hang around, especially when we’re stepping out of our comfort zones. But here’s the good news: you can manage it, and even use it as a stepping stone to success. Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Self-Doubt, Really?

Self-doubt is like that overly cautious friend who’s always warning you about hypothetical disasters.

Sure, it’s great to have a reality check, but when this friend takes over, they paralyze your decision-making and keep you stuck. At its core, self-doubt is rooted in fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, and sometimes, fear of success (yes, that’s a thing!).

Ask yourself:

When was the last time I let self-doubt stop me from doing something I wanted?

Chances are, the memory stings a bit. But hey, we’re here to change that narrative.

Why Does Self-Doubt Hit Women Harder?

Let’s call it out: women often face a unique cocktail of societal pressures and expectations. From balancing family life to smashing glass ceilings, the world seems to demand that we excel in every role we play.

Add in a splash of imposter syndrome (Harvard Business Review), and a dash of perfectionism, and self-doubt can feel like an inevitable part of the equation. But it doesn’t have to be.

1. Identify the Source of Your Doubts

Here’s a little secret: self-doubt thrives in vagueness. The next time it rears its head, pause and ask yourself: What exactly am I afraid of?

• Is it a fear of failure?
• Worry about what others might think?
• Uncertainty about your skills?

Writing down your doubts can help you identify patterns. Maybe your self-doubt flares up when you’re learning something new or putting yourself in the spotlight. Understanding its triggers is the first step to taming it.

2. Challenge Your Inner Critic

Think of self-doubt as that one friend who loves to exaggerate. Every time it whispers, “You can’t do this”, respond with a factual statement:

• Actually, I’ve done something similar before.
• I’m prepared, and I’ll figure it out.
• It’s okay to try and learn along the way.

Pro tip: Keep a “win journal.” Jot down your accomplishments, big or small. When self-doubt strikes, revisit your list to remind yourself of how capable you truly are.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

Are you expecting to go from zero to Oprah-level success overnight? Unrealistic expectations are a fast track to self-doubt. Instead:

• Break your goals into bite-sized steps.
• Celebrate progress, not perfection.

Here’s a mantra for you: Done is better than perfect. Say it again, louder this time.

4. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Self-doubt loves isolation. Counter it by building a network of supportive friends, mentors, and communities.

• Join groups like Entrepreneur Know-How’s Women Entrepreneurs Community.
• Follow empowering podcasts like “How I Built This” to stay inspired.

Remember, your environment matters. Fill it with people and resources that uplift you.

5. Reframe Failure as Feedback

Let’s play a quick game: Think of a time you “failed” at something. Now, list what you learned from it.
Chances are, that failure wasn’t the end of the world—it was a stepping stone. Successful entrepreneurs see failure not as a defeat but as a valuable lesson (Verywell Mind). Every misstep is simply pointing you toward a better way.

6. Take Action, Even When You’re Unsure

Here’s a harsh truth: waiting until you feel 100% ready is just another way self-doubt wins. The secret? Take small, courageous steps.

• Scared to post about your business online? Start with one post.
• Unsure about launching a product? Test it with a small group first.

Momentum kills doubt. The more you act, the more your confidence grows.

7. Embrace Mindset Shifts

Sometimes, we need to zoom out and shift our perspective. When self-doubt strikes, try these:

• Gratitude Practice: List three things you’re grateful for in your business journey.
• Visualization: Picture yourself achieving your goal. What does success feel like?
• Affirmations: Start your day with phrases like, I am capable. I am resilient. I am enough.

Real Talk: My Own Battle with Self-Doubt

When I first launched Entrepreneur Know-How, I had a million reasons not to do it:

• What if no one reads it?
• What if I’m not “expert enough” to teach others?
• What if I fail publicly?

Guess what? Those doubts didn’t magically disappear. But I took action anyway—and here we are. If I can push through, so can you.

A Quick Exercise for When Doubt Hits

Grab a notebook and try this:

• Write down the thought causing your doubt.
• Ask yourself: Is this 100% true?
• Replace it with a more empowering belief.

For example:

• Doubt: I’m not experienced enough to start this business.
• Reality: Everyone starts somewhere. My unique perspective makes me valuable.

Key Takeaways for Dealing with Self-Doubt

• Self-doubt is normal, but it’s not the boss of you.
• Recognize your triggers and challenge negative thoughts.
• Surround yourself with supportive people and resources.

Take small steps and celebrate progress, not perfection.

Stay in the Loop!

Self-doubt doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, it can be the very thing that propels you forward—if you let it.

Don’t miss out on tips, inspiration, and a supportive community to help you silence that inner critic and build unstoppable confidence. Subscribe now and take the first step toward turning self-doubt into your greatest strength.

Looking for more? Follow Entrepreneur Know-How today and connect with like-minded women who are ready to thrive!



References

• Lcsw, A. M. (2025, January 28). How to Stop Letting Self-Doubt Hold You Back. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-stop-letting-self-doubt-hold-you-back-friday-fix-the-verywell-mind-podcast-5211718
• Liu, C. (2023, November 28). Christine vs. Work: The Truth Behind Imposter Syndrome. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2022/08/christine-vs-work-the-truth-behind-imposter-syndrome
• Florko, L., PhD. (2022, March 11). Challenge unhealthy thinking, validate yourself, and build on your successes. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/people-planet-profits/202203/how-to-build-your-self-confidence