Self-Doubt

I have come to a realization that self-doubt and fear dictate many of the decisions we make almost everyday. It limits what we are willing to try and do. Like a job that maybe you are desiring but don’t feel that you are qualified enough. Or a goal you set for yourself but end up not going after because you are in fear of failing.

I never realized how much self-doubt impacts the decisions I make and the fact that I allow it to limit what I think I am capable of doing. Last year I belonged to a CrossFit box. And truthfully, I really enjoyed it (much to the dismay of my weightlifting and powerlifting friends). And some days I felt like a rockstar, especially the days that were centered more around my strengths. But there were days that I would go on and look at what the programming was and then I would get in my own head about not being able to complete the workout or looking like an idiot because it was a movement I couldn’t do. I allowed these self doubts to poison my thoughts and feelings about the CrossFit experience. And this had nothing to do with the environment or the people. The atmosphere and community in a CrossFit box are as welcoming and friendly as you always here about. My fear of failure crippled me and ultimately caused me to go a different direction.

And the crazy part is, these feelings aren’t about things being too hard or the pain and discomfort that would come from pushing myself. I actually enjoy that discomfort. I have found that for me, especially in group settings, that my biggest fear is failure. I have found my way to work through this in most aspects of my life. But when it comes to my fitness endeavors I still find myself worrying about failing. About setting out to do something and just flat out falling short.

I am working through this and making progress. I am focusing on enjoying the process and not just fixating on the end result. I find that to become overwhelming sometimes and causes me to start doubting myself. And as I continue to fight through those doubts I become surprised by what I am capable of. What any of us are capable of. The mind and body are truly amazing and capable of far more than we give it credit for. We just need to accept that sometimes we succeed and sometimes we fail. Sometimes we fail, even if we are not willing to quit. And I find that I need to embrace the progress that is made, even in failure.

Till next time. Stay healthy, find your happy and seek to inspire.