Conquering Self-Doubt

Conquering Self-Doubt

Renew Inspiration, Conquering, Self-Doubt, Sunset, Sunrise, Dreams, Goals, Challenges
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Your self-doubt does not define who you are or what you are capable of. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I hope you and your families are healthy and safe during this difficult time. Michigan’s Governor has extended our Stay-At-Home Order until May 15th.
Now, we have more time on our hands to spend with family and to do things that have been on our bucket lists for a long time.

But let’s face it, it is hard to start projects, whether it is writing a book, training for a 5K, going back to school, changing jobs or any other dream you may have. The moment you take that first step on your journey, the moment you start working toward your dream, little seeds of self-doubt begins to plant fear in your mind. Take a deep breath and capture the moment. Despite the fear you may feel because you are entering an unknown territory, embrace your true feelings and know that conquering self-doubt is possible.

Self-doubt can:

• Hold you back from opportunities

• Make things harder than they need to be

• Increase fear and anxiety

• Cause you to be stuck in the comparison trap

• Force you to live in the past

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

COMMON CAUSES OF SELF-DOUBT

Self-doubt inflicts the deepest wounds. – Unknown Author

According to the Webster Dictionary, self-doubt can be defined as having lack of confidence in oneself and one’s abilities. Did you know that self-doubt is the most common reason why people fail throughout his or her life journey? Many people spend way too much time overanalyzing and overthinking everyday life situations, goals, dreams, and challenges.

Here’s some common causes of self-doubt that people may encounter:

• Past experiences, thoughts and mistakes reoccurring in his or her mind

• Childhood upbringing and/or trauma that was never dealt with growing up

• Lack of courage and self-confidence with oneself

• Getting caught up in comparisons with others

• The need to rise to new challenges and/or opportunities

• Having constant fear of failure and/or successes

• Struggling to overcome procrastination and meeting deadlines

• No willpower and lack of commitment when involved with projects and people

• Trying to live out other people’s dreams instead of his or her own

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

CONQUERING SELF-DOUBT

Self-doubt is contagious so be careful. – Unknown Author

Everyone handles situations in their lives differently. However, many situations occur in life that call upon us to do something we find scary, upsetting, uncomfortable, anxiety provoking, or distressing. However, it’s important for people to approach self-doubt head on and don’t allow excuses to interfere with decision making.

Here’s some ways to assist with conquering self-doubt:

• Ground yourself and don’t overthink it.

• Commit yourself ahead of time and tell negative voices to stop.

• Take a break and get a boost of optimism through the journaling process.

• Listen to encouraging podcast and read self-development books.

• Nurture healthy relationships by doing fun activities with family or a friend.

• Create a set of mantras, positive quotes or affirmations for on-going support.

• Find a licensed therapist or support group that you feel comfortable with.

UPLIFTING AFFIRMATIONS

I am totally safe and surrounded by love, light, peace, joy, and happiness. – Unknown Author

Every day I grow closer to my highest self. I remove any sign of self-doubt from my very being. I believe in the person I dream of becoming. My energy is powerful and positive. I am a powerful woman who supersedes everything I put my mind to. I am unstoppable, powerful, confident, and simply amazing. Affirmations are created to help change our mindset.

Here’s some other uplifting affirmations you may want to live by:

• Everything that is happening now is happening for my ultimate good.

• Though these times are difficult, they are only a short phase of life.

• My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless: my potential to succeed is infinite.

• I am conquering my illness. I am defeating it steadily each day.

• Amazing opportunities exist for me in every aspect of my life.

Always remember that you deserve to be happy. You deserve to live a life you are excited about. Don’t let other people make you forget that. Remember, don’t get caught up in the comparison trap instead remove the distractions. Let go of excuses and trust yourself. Think of the doors that would open for you. If you struggle with self-doubt take some time to consider all the ways your life could be different if you were able to tackle your issue(s) successfully and use the motivation this process gives you to take the necessary step.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Inhale confidence, exhale doubt. – Unknown Author

I love journaling because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action. Remember, journaling is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes and failures. In addition, journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey. Everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

• What does it look like for you to take a step of courage right in this very moment?

• List one dream you have for your life. What would this dream look like to be full of hope, even if you don’t know how your story is going to end?

• Write about a door you know God has closed in your life. How did you find the courage to work through this experience?

• What are five things that make you nervous or uncomfortable?

• What is it about each of these five things that bothers you most?

• Have there been times in your life when you’ve needed to be courageous? Take a moment to write about the situation and what you did to overcome your fears.

• Is there someone in your life whom you would characterize as courageous? If so, write about what you admire about this person and their courage.

• Describe an area of your life in which you wish you were more courageous? What is it, and how would you benefit?

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SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

You are strong. You are brave. You are oh so loved. – Unknown Author

Let’s take a moment to share with one another. How are you planning on conquering self-doubt as it occurs in your life? What are some of your favorite affirmations? Do you journal often? If so, how does journaling help you conquer self-doubt?

Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Copyright © 2020 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Blogging with a Purpose

Blogging with a Purpose

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There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you. – Maya Angelou

Something to Think About – Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! There are many reasons why people start blogging. Some people start blogging as a hobby and for some people it’s a career. According to Dictionary.com, blogging is defined as a website containing a writer’s or group of writers’ own experiences, observations, opinions, etc., and often having images and links to other websites, a single entry or post on such a website.

Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds. – Unknown

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MY STORY

I started my Renew Inspiration blog simply to inspire others using my own personal experiences, creative writing and research. But why? Well, when my mother passed away in December 2015 a piece of me left and never returned. I have lost other loved ones in the past, but losing your mother is a hurt that you just cannot explain. Unfortunately, I could not express how I felt so I became depressed and angry. I began writing how I felt every day. Then, someone told me to write letters to my mother expressing how much I missed her. Guess what? It worked. Shortly after I started journaling to help me cope with the grieving process. Writing became my passion and my coping mechanism. Eventually, I did seek professional help as well because my depression was getting worse and I even felt anxiety throughout my life as well. In January 2018, I decided that I wanted to take my writing to the next level. But how? I was surfing online and came across a Word Press and Blue Host ad. I clicked on it to find out more information and the blogger provided the necessary information to start my own blog. Setting up my Renew Inspiration blog was a challenging experience, but yet rewarding at the same time. Through this experience, I found my true passion, inspiring my supportive audience (that’s you) through writing in the form of blogging. So, thank you for believing in me and taking the time to visit my blog often. Remember, this experience is not complete without you.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE BLOG

To take this a step further, let’s look at some other reasons why people blog.

Some people use blogging to:

• Inspire, encourage and motivate

• Teach and establish expertise

• Share ideas and their passion for writing

• Cope with life and its many challenges

• Expand networking opportunities

• Make money by selling product or using affiliate programs

• Express yourself and share creative writing

• Maintain online journal

• Provide book reviews or product reviews

• Capture travel experiences and photos

There is no failure, you either win or you learn. – Unknown

WordPress.com

WHY IS BLOGGING POPULAR

Blogging is popular these days for many reasons.

• First, search engines love new content, and as a result, blogging is a great search engine optimization (SEO) tool.

• Second, blogging provides an easy way to keep your readers, customers or clients up-to-date on what’s going on, let them know about new deals, and provide tips. The more a customer comes to your blog, the more likely they are to spend money.

• Third, blogging allows you to build trust and rapport with your readers. You are able to build your expertise and credibility on a subject matter. Also, you are able to interact with the readers in the comment section.

• Fourth, blogging is a way for some people to make money. Along with your product or service, blogs can generate income from other options, such as advertising and affiliate products.

• Fifth, blogging is flexible and portable, making it a great option for people who strive to become an entrepreneur.


DOWNSIDE TO BLOGGING

Blogging is popular because it is a great marketing tool and helps you make money, but it also has a downside.

• Blogging requires a commitment and takes a great deal of time to manage. For blogs to be effective at SEO and engaging readers, it needs to be updated regularly.

• Blogging involves creativity and you having a passion to write about things you enjoy. To keep the content flowing, you have to keep the readers engaged with awesome ideas, tips or suggestions.

• Blogging can provide income for some people, but the payoff is not immediate. One of the biggest frustrations with blogging is that it is time-consuming with little payoff in the beginning. It takes time to build up a readership and momentum.

The key to success is to start before you are ready. – Marie Forleo

***FREE TIPS FOR NEW BLOGGERS***

HOW TO START A BLOG

The good news is that starting a blog or adding a blog to your existing website is easy and affordable.

Step 1 – Setting Up Blog

There are free blog options such as WordPress.com or Blogger, but to retain control and professional image, consider investing in a domain name and hosting, and installing WordPress or other content management system on your host.

Step 2 – Add Content

Once your blog is up and running, you need to keep it active with new and fresh content to grow your readership. I would suggest developing a set schedule for writing and posting to your blog.

Step 3 – Marketing

Great ways to reach your market are through social media, an email list and reaching out to other bloggers.

Step 4 – Add Income Streams

You can promote other companies’ products and services in affiliate marketing. Most companies, such as Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target and Kohls offer this program. You can also offer advertising or feed ad networks, such as AdSense, on to your blog.

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TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

• What is your ultimate goal in life?

• What do you enjoy and what makes you happy?

• What is a healthy habit you want to develop?

• What are your 3 biggest distractions or obstacles you face?

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SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS/COMMENTS

I can and I will. Watch me. – Unknown

What’s your story? Why did you start blogging? Do you love to write or have a passion to encourage others through blogging? How does blogging help your business or do you only blog as a hobby? If you don’t have a blog yet, after reading my blog, would you consider blogging in the near future?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Target Affiliate Program, Blue Host Affiliate Program and the WordPress.com Affiliate Program which are advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Target.com, Bluehost.com and WordPress.com

Copyright © 2018 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Be Thankful

Be Thankful

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Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1)

Thought for today – Be kind. Be thoughtful. Be genuine. But most of all, be thankful.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Here’s to another week that our Heavenly Father has given us. Take a moment to think about how blessed you are on today. Did you thank God for waking you up this morning, for giving you the activities of your limbs, for shelter, food, clean water, the beautiful sunshine? Unfortunately, there are a number of people who did not wake up this morning. Don’t take your life for granted. Be thankful for everything that you have and for everything that God will bless you with in the near future. Remember, there is always someone who has less than you or is worse off than you are, so stop complaining and start appreciating all that you have in life.

My To-Do List for Today (tinybuddha.com)

• Count my blessings
• Practice Kindness
• Let go of what I can’t control
• Listen to my heart
• Be productive yet calm
• Just breathe

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

For those of us who have received another opportunity on this Earth to get our lives back on track, let’s get started today – No Excuses, No Procrastination. No matter what your personal goals are, it’s important to set yourself up for success throughout this journey. Well, I know you are probably wondering how to get started, right?

Helpful Tips to Get Started

• Make it up in your mind that you want to make positive changes in your life.

• Determine what the changes will be and what the changes will look like.

• Determine what you want your goals to be, then write them down.

• Make plans to reach your goals every day by creating a To-Do List.

• Start keeping a journal to track your progress and include both successes/failures.

• Re-evaluate your goals and make challenging adjustments throughout the process.

Remember, whether your goal is to lose weight or write your first book, this process always begins with a thought. In addition, it’s important to hold yourself accountable throughout this process so write about it often.

Take it day by day and be thankful for every breath.

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My Inspiration and Success Guide

• Create some personal goals for yourself and track your progress
• Find some ME TIME and do something that you enjoy
• Start a gratitude journal and write what you are grateful for each day
• Read an inspirational book and write your thoughts about the book in your journal
• Take a long walk and enjoy nature then write about your experience in your journal
• Try a new exercise and stretch afterwards
• Just do nothing or take a power nap
• Take a hot bubble bath, relax and clear your mind
• Find some time for self-reflection and meditate on your successes/failures

At the end of the day I am thankful that my blessings are bigger than my problems.

My Daily Pep Talk

Look in a mirror today and say these words out loud:

I love myself today because I am beautiful, I am strong, I am powerful, I am fabulous, I am unique, I am blessed, I am smart, I am worthy to be loved, I love my smile, I choose to shine on today, I will rise and not fall, I will work toward my dreams and/or goals, I believe in myself on today. Repeat 3 times.

Now, be creative and create your own person affirmations to describe yourself. Allow this to be your pep talk in the morning, repeat it throughout the day, and you can even post them at home or at work.

My Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection

MIND

• What takes your mind away from God, thus robbing your peace?
• What is your biggest dream and/or goal?
• What has prevented you from going after your dream and/or goal?
• What thoughts have I been repeating in my head lately? Are they true?

BODY

• List 5 ways you’ve become stronger and more courageous this week.
• Lord, please strengthen my heart when it comes to ________________.
• When I’m in pain, physical and emotional, I find strength in ________________.
• How can I make more space in my life for the things I love and enjoy?

SPIRIT

• Where do you see the unmistakable mark of the creator? Thank and praise God for it.
• How is God trying to get your attention to stop, treasure, and ponder how he’s working in your life right now in this very moment?
• When have you seen God use something small to produce a big outcome?
• What can I do to nurture my spirit more throughout the week?

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

So, grab your journal and write down at least 10 things that you are thankful for. As the day goes by, review your list and add to it as you see fit. Make sure to set some goals for yourself and plan to reach those goals every day. What are some of your obstacles throughout this process? Do you struggle to get started with new projects or to stay motivated? Did you practice the Pep Talk this week? If so, how did it help you throughout your day? Did you try any of the journal prompts? If so, how did they help you begin your journaling process? I look forward to reading your feedback!

Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Target Affiliate Program which are advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Target.com

Copyright © 2018 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved