Subliminal Invader?
CNN is running a story on their web site about self-doubt and the affect it has on so many of us in varying degrees. While the article was interesting and enlightening, what I found profound was the poll on CNN's front page asking people if they think self-doubt limits their ability to live their lives to the fullest. I voted yes. So did 80% of the people who voted. At that time -- about 10 minutes ago -- almost 60,000 people had already voted. Eighty percent of sixty thousand people doubt themselves. That is ... an amazing statistic, don't you think? Staggering, really.
What about you? Do you think self-doubt keeps you from living your life to the fullest? Apparently most of us do. Why is that? Why do you think the major majority of us doubt ourselves to the degree that we feel we aren't living to the fullest? That is just so sad. Is it a societal issue in that the expectations we put on ourselves based on what society deems successful are realistically unattainable? Is it because we try to live our lives based on others' expectations of us? What is it that makes us doubt who we are as contributors in this world? What is it that makes us feel we don't measure up? And what is it that we are trying to measure up to, anyway? How much do television, movies and magazines impact our idea of what and who we think we should be? Is it a subliminal invader that make us feel "less than"?
I realize I'm asking questions which can't be answered easily or simply with a few words. It's just something that really struck me when I read it. I mean, how disheartening is it that so many of us doubt ourselves in so many ways? But more importantly, what can we do to change it?
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Emotionally Speaking , News/Politics/Society/Govt9 Comments
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I think for most of us, the thought of stepping out of our comfort zone can be quite daunting AND even scary!
And the longer we're "in" that comfort zone the harder it is for us to step out of it!
If it was as easy as telling oneself, I CAN DO IT, our dreams wouldn't be so outta' reach, so to speak.
On the other hand, most people are successful everyday! ;) If one stopped to think what they actually achieved or accomplised on any given day, they'd have to agree that success is not about what others think. It's about YOU!
Take for example, a new mother with twins. The sun is shining and all her babies'clothes r out to dry. Meanwhile this new mum is busy feeding, changing etc, all day. At 3pm it looks like the weather's about to change. Rain is on the way. Wanting to take time-out for a cuppa, this new mum decides there's no time for that right now. Instead,she races out to the clothesline and collects all the washing. Just as she opens the door to walk inside the rain pours down! SUCCESS! :) She sits down and rewards herself with that cup of tea/coffee feeling ever so good!! ;)
I am plagued by self-doubt often, but it never stopped me from trying anything. My 3-week stint at Hotel Hell was an example. I was scared stiff but stuck it out...but then they fired me, anyway.
Self-doubt struck again at that moment, but it didn't stick around. I already met someone who has said he is interested in hiring me. (Large surface grocery store, this time. Hey, I'll take what I can get.)
Self-doubt can be paralyzing, and it's too bad so many people let it prevent them from just giving things a try. I have some kind of backbone that makes me never give up, no matter how poorly I might think of my skills on a given day.
So, yay me, I guess. :)
I can totally relate with this post.I doubt myself almost about everything. I can't start looking for a job for instance because I doubt that my skills aren't good enough to impress a potential employer. Plus not being able to speak the English language fluently make me doubt myself even more especially in getting the job I want.
Sigh. You see, I've only been here in the United States for like a month and I barely can't talk to people. English is just my second language and I'm scared that people might laugh at me whenever I utter a word.
Everyone has self-doubt. It's when you let that become fear that overtakes all your logical thought, that is when you run into trouble!
I used to NEVER be one to doubt myself - until I became a parent. It was at that precise moment that I almost seemed consumed by it, but I like to think I've overcome a good portion of it over the years, at least with regard to parenting. Of course, now, I just tend to doubt my relationships with some of the people in my life.
And Chunks hit the nail on the head with the fear comment...
I doubt I can offer any opinion about where I lost my "Power of Positive Thinking" cheat notes.
Hi There! I found your site through BlogCatalog.
This entry really spoke to me. I am definately one of the people that would be voting yes on that poll.
I love your site and the pictures of your dogs! Pippin almost looks like my dog, Duchess.
where the hell are you?!
I just came to ask the same question as "Chunks"--are you OK?? Just gettin' worried about you!! We miss you!