Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Self-Doubt Isn’t the End—It’s the Beginning 

 

For years, I dedicated my career to helping people break free from barriers and achieve their career goals. I worked with individuals all across the United States and even globally. I loved what I was doing, but deep down, I felt the pull to do more. 

 

I wanted to continue career consulting, but I also dreamed of creating something bigger—a business that would empower people to truly own their outcomes. 

 

That’s when the self-doubt crept in. 

 

• Could I really do this? 

• What if I fail? 

• What if I’m not ready? 

 

Those thoughts felt overwhelming, and for a while, they held me back. But here’s what I’ve learned: self-doubt is a natural part of growth. It’s not a sign you’re unqualified—it’s a sign you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. And that’s where real transformation begins. 

 

Why Self-Doubt Feels So Heavy 

 

Self-doubt can feel paralyzing because it’s rooted in fear—the fear of failure, rejection, or not being “enough.” But the truth is, self-doubt doesn’t have to define you. In fact, it can be a powerful motivator if you know how to approach it. 

 

When I faced my own self-doubt about starting a business, I realized it wasn’t about whether I was capable. It was about trusting myself enough to take the first step. 

 

How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Take Control 

 

If self-doubt is holding you back from reinventing your career, here’s what helped me push through—and what I know can help you too: 

 

1. Acknowledge Your Doubts (Without Letting Them Take Over) 

 

The first step to overcoming self-doubt is recognizing it for what it is: a normal part of growth. 

 

Instead of ignoring those inner voices, ask yourself: 

 

• Where is this doubt coming from? 

• Is it based on fact—or fear? 

 

For me, I realized my self-doubt wasn’t rooted in a lack of skills or experience. It was the fear of stepping into something unfamiliar. Once I identified that, it became easier to move forward. 

 

But what if I don’t believe this will help?
It’s okay to be skeptical. What I’ve found is that even small shifts in perspective can lead to noticeable changes. Start by acknowledging your doubts without judgment. Sometimes, simply naming the fear reduces its power. 

 

2. Lean Into Your Strengths

 

When self-doubt takes over, it’s easy to focus on what you can’t do. But chances are, you have skills, experiences, and talents that make you uniquely qualified for your next step. 

 

 

Try This: 

• Make a list of your top 5 strengths or achievements. 

• Reflect on how you’ve overcome challenges in the past—what tools or mindsets helped you succeed? 

 

Reminding myself of the impact I had made as a career consultant gave me the confidence to take my vision to the next level. 

 

But I’m not sure I have strengths that matter.
Everyone has strengths—even if they don’t seem obvious. Think about compliments you’ve received, challenges you’ve navigated, or times when you felt proud of yourself. Sometimes, it’s about seeing your strengths through a different lens. 

 

1. Take Action—Even If It’s a Small Step
    

The best way to silence self-doubt is to take action. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start—progress comes from movement, not perfection. 

 

For Example:
When I decided to start my business, I didn’t overhaul everything overnight. I began by outlining my vision, testing small ideas, and building momentum step by step. 

 

What’s one small action you can take this week? Maybe it’s reaching out to a mentor, updating your résumé, or exploring a new opportunity. Small steps build confidence—and confidence quiets doubt. 

 

But what if I try and nothing changes?
Not every step leads to a breakthrough, and that’s okay. Sometimes the real growth is in the attempt. Each action, no matter how small, builds resilience and gives you valuable insights—even if the result isn’t what you expected. 

 

Owning Your Outcome 

 

When I finally stepped past my self-doubt and took action, everything changed. Building my business wasn’t easy, but it was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me the chance to expand my impact, reach more people, and create something I truly believed in. 

 

Self-doubt didn’t disappear overnight—but each step I took made it smaller. And now, I get to help others do the same: push past their fears, take control, and create the careers they truly want. 

 

Key Takeaways 

 

1. Self-doubt is a normal part of growth—it’s a sign you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. 

 

1. Acknowledge your doubts, lean into your strengths, and take small steps forward. 

 

1. Reinventing your career starts with trusting yourself to own your outcome. 

 

Let’s Talk 

 

Are you ready to overcome self-doubt and take the first step toward reinventing your career? Let’s explore what’s holding you back and create a plan to move forward together. 

 

Contact us 

and let’s start turning your doubts into opportunities. 

 

What’s one small step you’ll take this week to move past self-doubt? I’d love to hear about it—share your story with me!