By Scott Hackman, MACL
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Self doubt is a fascinating topic, one that nearly every leader I talk to experiences. And while we all know that others wrestle with self doubt, we often behave in one of two ways:
- It becomes a heavy weight, ranging from distracting to crushing.
- It becomes an unhealthy fear, leading us to try to project utter confidence.
The voice of self-doubt tends to emerge in moments of transition or uncertainty, questioning one’s capabilities and undermining confidence. Rather than viewing it as a personal failing, recognizing self-doubt as a shared experience presents an opportunity for growth and connection.
Today, I’m sharing 5 steps I use to help leaders keep healthy self-doubt from becoming self-sabotage.
1. Acknowledge It
Instead of suppressing these thoughts, bring them to light. Share them with a trusted advisor, write them down, or talk them through. This helps externalize the doubt and makes it easier to manage.
2. Recognize Its Patterns
The saboteur often follows predictable patterns: “Who are you to do this?” “You’ve never done this before.” “What if you fail?” Identifying these recurring thoughts helps you detach from them and see them for what they are—self-doubt, not truth.
3. Seek Credible Challenges
Surround yourself with people who provide honest yet supportive feedback. Many leaders lack this kind of resource. You need to have a community around you that is honoring and qualified to help separate fact from fiction. (Scroll down to learn about our private peer community SHV Pathways)
4. Shift Your Perspective
If you’re stepping into a new leadership role—whether as a CEO, president, or owner—uncertainty is inevitable. Instead of asking why you don’t feel certain about the future, remind yourself: “Of course, I don’t feel certain—I’ve never done his before. That’s normal.” Something powerful happens when we operate with healthy risk more than constant fear.
5. Decide Your Next Action
Confidence doesn’t come from waiting for doubt to disappear. It comes from taking the next step, even in uncertainty. When the saboteur appears, acknowledge it, process it, and then move forward. Write down your next action, discuss it with a mentor, and keep progressing.
What’s Your Next Step?
Leaders who recognize and address self-sabotage don’t eliminate doubt—they learn to navigate it. The goal isn’t to silence the saboteur forever but to develop a healthier response when it shows up. Confidence grows through experience, and experience comes from continuing to move forward despite uncertainty.
If you’re looking for a practical next step to grow in this area, there are only two things you need:
- Find a community that allows you to feel safe, encouraged, and challenged. People whom you trust with your doubt.
- Develop a personal practice for identifying and responding to self doubt. Use these 5 points as a starting point.
Check Out SHV Pathways
If you’re looking for more structure to support your growth as a leader in your career? I strongly encourage you to check out SHV Pathways.
It’s a private learning community designed for professionals who are seeking community and resources to facilitate their personal growth. Adults don’t learn best in isolation. We learn best when we have access to structure and the experiences of others. In SHV Pathways, you’ll have:
- Weekly interactive Learning Forums
- The Habit Builder tool to develop new behaviors
- Private resources on high-leverage topics leaders face
If this sounds like something that would help you advance as a person and a leader, I strongly recommend you take a look.
If you’re already a member of SHV Pathways, take this as your reminder to leverage this group for all it’s worth. Do the work together, and this will be the best year you’ve had yet.
