Overcoming Self-Doubt: Creating While Feeling Like a Beginner
Self-doubt is that lingering feeling that whispers, You’re doing good… but is it good enough? It’s the tug-of-war between feeling like you’re on the right path and wondering if you’ve taken a wrong turn. It’s that moment when you second-guess your choices and suddenly find yourself staring at something that feels like a shadow of your original idea.
When I was creating this blog, self-doubt hit me hard. Questions swirled in my head like an annoying broken record: Will anyone care? What if this is just a waste of time? What if my extended family reads it and judges me? It was exhausting. But here’s a truth I’ve come to accept: in the end, none of that matters.
This blog is my space. It’s a place where I can share my thoughts, feelings, and creativity without needing approval from anyone. And if you’re here, reading this, then maybe you care—at least a little—and that’s enough for me. No harm, no foul.
Self-doubt doesn’t ever fully disappear. It’s part of the creative process. But I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to stop you from starting—or finishing—something meaningful. Over time, I’ve picked up a few strategies that help me keep self-doubt at bay, and I want to share them with you.
The Joy (and Terror) of Being a Beginner
Creating something new is exhilarating—but it can also feel absolutely terrifying. That’s especially true when you’re starting from scratch. Being a beginner often comes with a cocktail of excitement and insecurity. You’re diving into unknown territory, figuring things out as you go, and it’s all too easy to compare yourself to people who seem light-years ahead.
But here’s what I’ve learned: being a beginner isn’t something to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s a gift.
When you’re just starting, there’s a kind of freedom that comes with not knowing all the “rules.” You’re not weighed down by expectations or rigid methods. Instead, you have room to experiment, to make mistakes, and to find your own unique approach. It’s a time to embrace curiosity and creativity.
Take this blog, for example. When I started, I had no idea what I was doing. Should I write long posts or short ones? What topics should I cover? Is my voice even interesting enough for people to read? I felt like I was fumbling in the dark, but I kept going. Why? Because I wouldn’t have learned anything if I hadn’t started.
Being a beginner means giving yourself permission to fail, to learn, and to grow. It’s not about getting it perfect—it’s about making progress.
1. Breathe and Reflect
When self-doubt creeps in, the best thing you can do is pause and breathe. Take a step back and give yourself a moment to reflect. Ask yourself:
Why am I feeling this way?
What’s really bothering me?
Sometimes, self-doubt isn’t even about the thing you’re working on—it’s tied to other stress or emotions in your life. Reflection gives you a chance to sort through those feelings and figure out what’s really going on.
For me, reflection doesn’t have to be some grand or formal process. It’s as simple as finding a quiet moment in my day to check in with myself. Why am I doubting this blog? Oh, right—I’m afraid people won’t care. But then I remind myself that the only opinion that truly matters is mine. That’s often enough to get me back on track.
And here’s an important reminder: not everything has to be perfect. It’s easy to let the fear of imperfection paralyze you, but progress matters so much more than perfection.
2. Find an Outlet
Having a creative or relaxing outlet can make all the difference when you’re feeling stuck in self-doubt. For me, it’s drawing or playing Minecraft. Both are activities that let my brain switch off for a while and let my hands take over. There’s something meditative about doing something simple and repetitive—it clears my mind and gives me space to think about what’s really important.
Sometimes, when I’m zoning out in Minecraft, I’ll suddenly realize why I’ve been feeling doubtful or stressed. It’s like the act of focusing on something else opens up space in my brain to process emotions that were stuck.
Your outlet might look different. Maybe it’s journaling, running, or even cooking. Whatever helps you unplug and reset, lean into it. You’ll be surprised how much clarity you can find when you give yourself the freedom to just be.
3. Focus on Why You Started
Self-doubt loves to distract you from your original purpose. When I was creating this blog, I had to remind myself why I started in the first place. It wasn’t to impress anyone or chase some kind of external validation—it was to create a space for me to express myself, reflect, and grow.
When I focus on my why, self-doubt loses its power. Suddenly, the questions like, Will anyone care? or Am I good enough? fade into the background. Because the truth is, this blog isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about doing something that feels true to me.
Take a moment to think about your why. Why are you working on your project? Why did you start? When you reconnect with that core purpose, it becomes easier to push through the doubt and keep creating.
Final Thoughts
Self-doubt is a part of the process—it’s always going to be there. But it doesn’t have to stop you. Remember to breathe and reflect, find an outlet that lets you reset, and reconnect with why you started in the first place.
The next time you feel that little voice in your head saying, You’re not good enough, remind yourself that the act of creating is enough. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.
So, let me ask you this: What’s something you’ve been putting off because of self-doubt? Maybe today’s the day to take a step—any step—toward making it happen. If you’re reading this, I’m rooting for you.
