How to flip the script on self-doubt

Weekly technique

By Weight Watchers

Last updated 17 May 2023

The worst-case scenario could come true and you might fail at the goal you’re chasing. Or–or!–you could overcome challenges and change your life. Let’s open door No. 2.

Try this!

1. Next time the worst-case scenario enters the chat, call it out. There I go again thinking, “I can’t do this—I’m going to fail.” 2. Pull a 180 with your thoughts, and play out the alternative. If you don’t fail, what’s the best that could happen? What does success look like? Where does it take you? How do you feel? What are you doing? 3. Zero in on the actions that made you successful. Meal prepping on weekends? Connecting with others at a Workshop? Going for a walk most days before work? 4. Connect to the here and now—and the future. Of those actions… What’s one thing you’re already doing, and how can you keep it up? What’s something you can start doing, and what will be your first step?

Let’s dive a little deeper…

“You just have to believe you can succeed!” “Use the power of positive thinking!” We see your eyeroll and raise you a sigh. Achieving goals takes more than Pollyanna optimism and manifesting. But there is a kernel of truth in the platitudes, just hear us out:

Thinking you’re going to fail or “practicing” everything that could go wrong can lead you to doubt your ability to make meaningful changes. You then may become less engaged in the process, especially when faced with inevitable challenges. After all, if you’re already thinking “I can’t do this,” why bother trying? It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.

On the other hand, dry-running the best-case scenario is more inspiring and gives you the opportunity to identify what’s needed to make it reality—i.e. an actual path forward. So use your thoughts as a tool; they help drive your actions. It may not be easy to shift your thinking, but it can make your journey easier.

1. Your brain is wired to protect you. This can make you jump to the worst possible conclusion without much evidence to back it up. 2. As a result, you may doubt your ability to succeed, decreasing the chance that you’ll even try. 3. Shifting your focus to the best-case scenario can increase your confidence, allowing you to identify behaviors that help you reach goals.