Unlocking Your Potential with ADHD: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Limiting Beliefs
When you have ADHD, it can be hard to believe in yourself. You have messed up so many times (or so you have been told) that it becomes hard to accept that you have what it takes to achieve your goals. In those moments where you are feeling less than about yourself remember these three things.
1.) You Have Succeeded Before
There have been times in the past where you have had what it takes and have accomplished your goals. You have succeeded in the past. If you have succeeded in the past, then it is likely you will succeed in the future. Remember those times you have accomplished something great. They will help you unleash your true capabilities. They are the perfect refutation for thoughts of “I can’t.”
2.) Just Because You Think It Doesn’t Mean It’s True
If there is one thing I have learned about my inner voice, it is that it is full of crap. When I was beginning my improv journey, I thought there was no way the co-presidents of my college’s improv club would pick me for their show. Yet, when the cast list came out, my name was on it. I thought they would pick upperclassmen and their friends. Instead, they chose me. This taught me an important lesson: My thoughts do not always reflect the truth. So, if you think something negative about yourself, be wary of that. Your inner voice may be full of crap.
3.) Trying Is the Only Way to Change Things
I like to advise people who are worried about rejection to try anyway. Sometimes, the person I am advising is myself. If I am feeling lonely and want to spend time with friends, I am often tempted to not even try because “they are probably busy.” My brain tricks me into inaction by telling myself that my friends are too busy for me. This is a limiting belief. In fact, trying to do something is the only way the situation can change. If I ask someone to hang out and they say no, I am still in the same position. The only way to improve things is to take the risk and ask. Again, if they say no, nothing has changed. The only way I can change my loneliness is to reach out.
So, if there is something you want to do but are dragging your feet about due to a limiting belief, try it anyway. The only way to change your state is to take action. Try it! If it fails, you are back where you were. By not trying, you are guaranteeing that nothing will change. So, be brave. Be bold. Go for it.