by Sabrina Martin

Created on: September 09, 2008

Before taking steps to overcome doubt, it is important to realize that not all doubt is bad. There are two kinds of doubt: constructive and destructive. How can you know the difference?

Constructive doubt is an important part of an individual's growth process. It is that feeling that urges us to question rather than take someone else's word for everything. Without this constructive form of doubt we could easily be lied too, cheated, and led about blindly by others.

Destructive doubt, on the other hand, creates distrust of everyone and everything, including ourselves. We never feel the decisions we make are right and are often unable to make decisions or do anything at all, for fear that the outcome will be unpleasant.

The first step to overcoming doubt is assessing whether the doubt is in fact destructive. To do this, ask yourself, "How often do I experience doubt after making a decision?" "Do I frequently avoid making decisions because I am afraid they will be wrong?" "Do I constantly reassess and change my plans in hopes of getting it right?" If you relate to any of these questions then you are most likely experiencing destructive doubt.

Once you're sure the doubt is a problem you can begin taking actions to overcome it. Below are four simple steps to help you take control of doubt.

1. First, you must become fully aware of the doubt as it arises. Most of us don't notice it until the damage has already been done. Dedicate a full day to doubt watching. Resolve to pay attention to your thought processes and identify doubt as soon as it enters your mind. Just notice it and be aware of it's affect on you. You can not begin to control the doubt if you do not have an accurate awareness of when and how it is triggered. If you can notice it as soon as it begins working on you, it will be a lot easier to stomp it out.

2. Once you have become aware of when and how doubt seems to enter your mind, action must be taken to stop its flow. As soon as you notice any doubtful thoughts, immediately interrupt them with a firm word such as "Stop," "Out," "No," or "Away." Of course, you don't have to use these words. You can use any word or phrase that works well for you. Try out some different ones to see what feels the most effective. The point of this step is to stop the doubt in its tracks so that it doesn't have a chance to root itself in your thought processes.

3. Now that you've interrupted the doubt, it needs to be replaced with an empowering thought or belief. Try countering

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