Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "How to deflect a sense of doubt when it attacks human's soul", the main reason why I choose that topic because self doubt always monitor what human do in daily activity, Doubt is a heavy burden for the soul. It is often not a sign of ignorance, but a sign of fear—fear of making mistakes, fear of regret, or fear of others' judgments. When left unchecked, doubt creates "analysis paralysis" that keeps us stuck in place.
To free ourselves from this bondage, we need an approach that touches both mindset and practical action. Here is a step-by-step guide to overcoming it:
1. Make Peace with Imperfection
The root of doubt is perfectionism. We hesitate to take action because we wait for the "perfect" moment or a decision that guarantees 100% success.
- Understand Reality: There is no perfect decision. Every choice carries its own risk.
- Shift Focus: Change your mindset from "I must make the right decision" to "I will make a decision, then improve it through my efforts."
- Mantra: "Done is better than perfect."
2. The "Worst-Case Scenario" Technique (Fear Setting)
Often, our fear of failure is much greater in our minds than in reality. Use this Stoic technique to neutralize fear:
- Write Down Your Doubts: What exactly are you afraid of if you take step X?
- Imagine the Worst-Case: If you fail completely, what is the worst thing that could happen?
- Find Solutions: If the worst happens, what can you do to fix it?
- Evaluate: You will often realize that the worst-case scenario is not fatal and can be remedied.
Remember: The pain of future regret (for not trying) is usually far more tormenting than the pain of temporary failure.
3. Limit Information and Time (The Paradox of Choice)
In the digital age, we often hesitate because of too many options and too much information.
- Limit Options: If there are 10 choices, immediately narrow down to the top 3 options. Choose one from those.
- Set Strict Deadlines: Parkinson's Law applies: "Work (or decisions) will expand to fill the time available."
- For small decisions (lunch, clothes): Give yourself 30 seconds.
- For medium decisions (buying gadgets, holiday routes): Give 2 hours.
- For big decisions (career, moving house): Allocate 3 days for research, then decide.
4. Train Your "Decision Muscle" with Small Things
Decision-making ability is like a muscle. If you hesitate on big matters, start training decisiveness with small ones.
- At a restaurant, choose your menu in less than 1 minute and stick with it.
- Pick a different route home without overthinking.
- These exercises will habituate your brain to trust intuition and reduce post-decision anxiety.
5. Use the 5-Second Rule
Mel Robbins, a renowned author, introduced The 5 Second Rule to break the chain of doubt in the brain.
When you have an impulse to do something productive or make a decision, but doubt begins to surface:
- Count down: 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1.
- Move immediately or decide when the countdown reaches 1.
- This countdown shuts down the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that overthinks or seeks reasons) and activates the action-oriented part of the brain.
6. Surrender (Tawakal)
After using reason (research and logical considerations), the rest lies in areas beyond our control.
Acknowledging our limited humanity and entrusting the final outcome to God (the Universe) is the most powerful calming remedy for the soul. The belief that "What passes me was never meant for me, and what is destined for me will never pass me" will drastically reduce the burden of doubt.
Summary of Action Steps
| Problem | Quick Solution |
| Fear of making wrong choices | Remember that mistakes can be corrected (Reversibility).
| Too much information | Limit research time, stop seeking new opinions.
| Overthinking | Use the 5-Second Rule and take physical action.
| Fear of regret | Compare the risk of failure vs. the risk of lifelong regret.