It’s been theorized when we are born as healthy infants, our unfiltered infant brains function at the level of a genius. This level of thought then continues for at least the first year of our existence as babies.
Infants at this age are thought to have immense emotional and mental acuity. They learn when they cry, mommy will give them whatever they want.
Babies quickly learn whenever daddy makes those funny noises or faces, they’ll instinctively laugh which makes them feel good.
We as babies were able to interpret utterances into expressions, which forms into language.
Regardless if we fail, like falling a 1000 times before we learned how to walk, the thought of “I can’t do this,” or “I’m a failure,” never enters our minds.
Through sheer determination, these miniature versions of the perfect human, learn to do whatever they want. We just don’t know any better.
Then Life Interferes
Then once we as infants grow older, the ability to process and absorb these pure sensory inputs begin to distort, by life’s negativity.
By the time we reach full fledged adulthood, there are just a few individuals who can be classified as a genius.
So what needs to be asked is, if there’s such a noticeable decline in cognitive function, the blunting of the human brain, what’s the cause of this.
We Become What We Doubt
There is an actual measurable and steady decline which occurs in our brain function by a behaviour that’s learned. This is known as self-doubt.
Negative doubts are often planted by our parents, teachers, our friends, even though they all generally have good intentions.
They fed us and cemented the word “no” in our vocabulary and mindset, when our brain was developing.
“No, you can’t be a policeman, it’s just too dangerous.” or “You can’t become a lawyer because you’re not smart enough.” “You can’t be a hockey player, you can’t be doctor.”
Usually, the real truth lurking behind the word no, is these pursuits just costs too much, and our parents can’t afford it.
So this is why we as children when discovering the world through our dreams, our sense of wonder evaporates into dust. It’s because of the word no.
The genius we’re born with, our true intentions or calling in life of being an “astronaut” dies as well.
Once Self-Doubt Sets In
The planting of all this self-doubt in an ambitious unfiltered mind can almost be considered criminal. It’s the greatest obstacle to living the happiest life we deserve.
This negative dart to the soul diminishes our spirit, prevents achievement, and crushes our true ambitions.
All what remains are those inner voices which reminds us we’re not good enough, incapable of doing certain things, not strong, quick, or smart enough, and then we stop dreaming.
These feelings of self incompetence and weakness stems from childhood, when we’re guided by guardians we trust. They then become ingrained as a negative motivator in our adult existence.
Over time, self doubt festers into stress and anxiety, which can then lead into physical and mental ailments and issues.
The symptoms of self-doubt can result in weight gain, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.
So it becomes important to be aware of the destructive force that self doubt plants.
What needs to be incorporated are methods to counteract and overcome this negativity, for a better fulfilling life that’s productive.
5 Ways To Eliminate Self-Doubt
1.) – Know The Core Source – If you’re constantly telling yourself you’re not good enough, you then need to dig into the root source of the reasons why.
How and where did these feelings originate from. Was there a specific event which caused you to believe these feelings? Some insight and self contemplation is needed.
Once you identify and understand the reasons why, you can then begin to work towards eliminating the negative thought patterns.
2.) – Live Your Life In The Present – For the majority of the time, these feelings of self doubt are because of buried memories or events from the past when you failed to achieve something.
It could also be when someone told you you couldn’t or shouldn’t do that certain thing.
It’s best not to dwell on those moments, by grounding yourself and begin thinking of the present moment.
Just because you couldn’t accomplish something in the past, doesn’t mean you can’t do it right now or in the future.
Every day is a new beginning and a fresh start on what you want to do in life.
3.) – Counteract Everything That’s Negative – It becomes a delicate balance as all the negative voices in your head, will often outweigh the positive ones.
So become aware once this happens, and then make a concerted effort to counteract these negative thoughts by injecting positive energy.
Once you feel a negative thought entering your mind, quickly remind yourself of all the things you like. Your strengths, what you’ve achieved, what you’re proud of.
4.) – Always Have Faith By Trusting Yourself – At times, we can become our own worst self sabotaging enemy.
You punish yourself by telling yourself you can’t do something, then you most likely won’t even bother trying.
So have more faith in yourself, tell yourself you’re capable just like anyone else when it comes to achieving your dreams.
Convince yourself you can do it and you deserve it. Stop reacting to those negative influences and triggers.
5.) – Spend Quality Time With Others – Close friends and family can be an invaluable source of strength, offering you encouragement and reassurance, provided they’re positive.
There are studies which prove those who have strong social support, have fewer cardiovascular based issues.
Close confidants who support you are known to lower your levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone.
Even those you don’t know, complete strangers, can at times be helpful when it comes eliminating self-doubt.
The Genius That Lies Within You
Believe the genius is still hidden somewhere within you and lying dormant, waiting for you to activate it. So try your best to rediscover your passions.
It begins with the simple act of believing in yourself, and following that gut feeling and trusting the process.
Practice staying as “mindful” as possible. Avoid regretting the past or worrying about the future.
Once you’re able to do this, then perhaps your genius will reappear.