Doubt is always about something that is positive.

Why do we doubt? It is easy to have trust in the things that have been proven to us time and time again, but when something new comes into our lives we are forced to question ourselves and the reasons behind our actions. In these moments of doubt, all we can do is try our best, put forth our honest intentions, and hope that others will do the same. Doubt can be powerful, but only when we allow it to inspire us, not discourage us from moving forward.

What is doubt?
Doubt, in its simplest form, is a lack of belief. When you doubt yourself and your abilities to complete a task, it’s because you don’t believe you can do it. However, if we take a closer look at the word doubt, we see that it also means to put in question or question the validity of something. That’s why doubt is always about something that is positive. We doubt things because we want to know more about them and what they are capable of achieving. We need to have our doubts before deciding on the level of trust we will put into something in order for it to be meaningful.

What causes doubt?
Doubt is always about something that is positive. Put doubt in its proper place and doubt the doubts. Doubt the negative and put your trust in the positive.
Sometimes, people who are trying to move ahead with a project or endeavor will experience what psychologists call incomplete thoughts or doubts. In these instances, they may find themselves questioning whether they can actually achieve their desired outcome, and so they start to feel uncertain about their decision to pursue that goal in the first place.
In reality, as long as you have good intentions for pursuing a goal, then you should be able to push through any fears or doubts you might be having about it.

How can I use doubt to my advantage?
Doubt is always about something that is positive. Put doubt in its proper place and doubt the doubts. Doubt the negative and put your trust in the positive. The power of self-doubt can be harnessed for good to help you question yourself, reflect on where you are, and plan for the future.
The power of self-doubt can be harnessed for good to help you question yourself, reflect on where you are, and plan for the future. It gives you a chance to analyze what’s working in your life and what’s not so that you can make a change if need be or keep doing what’s right.

What are some techniques for dealing with doubt?
Doubt can be a friend or foe, depending on where it is coming from. Sometimes, doubt will help you get out of a bad situation because it is trying to protect you from making a mistake. Other times, doubt is just an excuse for insecurities that need to be addressed. Regardless of the type of doubt, there are ways to deal with them both positively and negatively:
-If you feel like your doubts are actually warning signs that something isn’t going well, take the time to address them and figure out how to solve them before they become too big.

When should I consult with a professional?
It can be hard to know when to consult with a professional. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:

• Am I experiencing debilitating doubt? This could mean that you need help.
• Am I having trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating? This could be signs of burnout and you might need help taking care of yourself.
• Do I feel overwhelmed by what feels like an insurmountable task? If this is the case, it’s time for a break and some support from friends or family.
• Have my doubts about myself been lasting for more than three months and/or are they interfering with my life? You may be experiencing a chronic disorder and should consult a mental health professional.