September 2025 Blog Prompt: How do you stay motivated and overcome self-doubt?
Contributor of the prompt: *Erin McCarthy

To tell you the truth, it’s not easy.

Self-doubt is something I’ve struggled with more times than I can count. That little voice in my head that whispers, “Who do you think you are?”  It can feel louder than any cheer squad, especially when I’m trying to go after something big… or even just get through the day.

But over time, I’ve picked up a few things that help me keep going, even when the doubt creeps in.

Perfectionism? It feeds self-doubt. So, I’ve learned to shift my focus. Instead of asking, “Is this good enough?” I ask, “Did I take one step today?” Even if it’s messy or small, it still counts. Every little step weakens that inner critic just a bit.

When my mind starts spinning with “what ifs” and “I can’t,” I try to pause and check myself. “Is that actually true?” Most of the time, it’s not. The pause is necessary to get out of this mindset for me!

And honestly somedays I borrow belief from someone else. A friend, a mentor, a quote I scroll past on social media, it all helps. I’m lucky to have a circle that’s in my corner.  I have learned to keep my inner circle tight, and close for this exact reason.  Just hearing “You’ve got this” can be enough to get me through, until I can say it to myself again.

We’re so quick to beat ourselves up, but so slow to celebrate. I have learned to flip that. Finished a project, celebrate! Took a scary step, celebrate!  Even gave myself a break when I needed one, celebrate!  That’s all worth celebrating.

Self-doubt makes you forget. So, I keep little reminders close… notes on my phone, stickies on the mirror are all things that pull me back to why I started. Because when I reconnect with my “why,” the motivation usually follows.

Self-doubt might still ride along, but it doesn’t get to drive. With a little grace, some support, and a few good habits, I  can keep showing up.

You’ve got this. (And hey, so do I.)