Present Me: I keep doubting myself. Every time I try something new, this voice in my head tells me I’m not ready, not good enough, or that I’ll probably fail. It’s exhausting. How do I get rid of this doubt?

Future Me: First off, let me tell you something important—doubt isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s actually proof that you’re growing. If you never doubted yourself, it would mean you were staying within your comfort zone, never pushing your limits. Doubt appears when you’re stepping into something bigger than what you’ve known before. And that’s a good thing.

Present Me: So you’re saying doubt is normal?

Future Me: More than normal—it’s necessary. Doubt is a sign that you care, that what you’re doing matters. It means you’re stretching beyond what’s familiar, and that’s the only way to grow. Every person who has ever done something meaningful has felt doubt at some point. The difference between those who succeed and those who stay stuck is how they respond to it.

Present Me: But what if my doubt is right? What if I really am not good enough?

Future Me: That’s just fear talking. Doubt isn’t an accurate reflection of your abilities—it’s just an emotional response to uncertainty. If you wait until you feel completely ready, you’ll be waiting forever. Readiness comes through action, not before it. Think of all the things you’ve accomplished so far. Weren’t there moments when you doubted yourself back then, too? And yet, you figured it out.

Present Me: I guess I have done things I once thought I couldn’t. But that doesn’t make the doubt feel any less real now.

Future Me: I get it. Doubt feels real because it’s loud. It loves to scream worst-case scenarios at you. But just because it’s loud doesn’t mean it’s right. The trick is not to let it stop you. Instead of trying to eliminate doubt, learn to move forward with it. Here are some things that helped me:

1. Recognize That Doubt Doesn’t Mean Stop: Think of doubt like a speed bump, not a roadblock. It might slow you down for a moment, but it doesn’t mean you should turn around. Acknowledge the doubt, then keep going.

2. Ask Yourself: What’s the Worst That Can Happen? : Doubt thrives on vague fears. But when you actually pinpoint the worst-case scenario, you’ll often realize it’s not as bad as you imagined. And even if the worst happens, you’ll learn from it and move forward.

3. Remember Past Wins: When doubt tries to convince you that you’re not capable, remind yourself of all the times you did succeed despite feeling unsure. Keep a list of past wins—big and small—to look back on when doubt creeps in.

4. Reframe Doubt as Growth: Instead of seeing doubt as a problem, view it as proof that you’re leveling up. Every time doubt appears, tell yourself, This means I’m stepping into something bigger than before. This is growth.

5. Take Small Actions: Doubt thrives in inaction. The longer you sit with it, the louder it gets. Take one small step, even if you’re unsure. Action weakens doubt’s grip.

6. Talk to Yourself Like You Would a Friend: If a friend came to you feeling doubtful, you wouldn’t say, “Yeah, you’re probably going to fail.” You’d encourage them. Learn to give yourself that same kindness.

7. Seek Out Inspiration: Read about people you admire. Listen to stories of those who overcame doubt and fear. You’ll realize that everyone struggles with this—even the people you look up to most.

8. Accept That Growth Feels Uncomfortable: If something feels completely easy, it means you’re not growing. Growth always comes with discomfort. Instead of seeing that discomfort as a sign you should stop, see it as a sign you’re on the right path.

Present Me: So you’re telling me that even you—future me—still feel doubt sometimes?

Future Me: Of course! Growth doesn’t stop. Every new level comes with new doubts. But what’s different is that I’ve learned not to let doubt make my decisions. I acknowledge it, then I act anyway. And you will, too.

Present Me: That’s kind of reassuring. I always thought doubt meant I was doing something wrong. But maybe it just means I’m on the edge of something great.

Future Me: Exactly. Every time you feel doubt creeping in, take it as a sign that you’re moving forward. Because the only way to truly silence doubt is to stay small—and that’s not the life you were meant for. You were meant to grow, to push boundaries, to step into new versions of yourself. And that will always come with doubt. But now, instead of fearing it, you can welcome it. It’s just proof that you’re becoming more than you were before.

Present Me: So, I just have to keep going?

Future Me: Keep going. Keep growing. Keep proving doubt wrong. One step at a time. You’ll thank yourself later.

Read more ……… on BOOK Believe, Play , Plan, Execute: A Conversation with My Future Self