Self doubt is a silent assassin that can affect anyone, especially young athletes. It lurks in the shadows, often unseen and unaddressed, and can significantly impact a child’s confidence and performance. This piece is a call to action for adults to recognize and help children overcome self doubt, ensuring they grow into confident and capable adults.
Imagine a 10 year old with a bat in his hands, eyes burning with determination. He has the swing of a major leaguer, the focus of an eagle, and the heart of a lion. Yet, when the crowd cheers and the spotlight hits, something shifts. His hands tremble, his vision blurs, and that bat feels like a lead pipe. It is not the game causing this; it is the little voice in his head whispering, “You’re not good enough.”
This is the power of self doubt. It kills dreams, crushes confidence, and steals joy from lives. Many young athletes follow familiar paths, take routine roles, and connect with the same types of people. Self doubt tells them they are not worthy, not capable, and not enough. Before they realize it, their dreams become faded memories.
Self doubt is why a talented young athlete never asks for a starting position, why someone with a heart of gold never pursues their dream team, and why many young people feel alone, both literally and metaphorically. They believe they do not deserve better, that they are not cut out for more. As a result, they settle, conform, and watch their aspirations fade.
However, self doubt is a lie — a trick of the mind without substance. It is a story we tell ourselves, and one we can rewrite. The truth is, we are enough. We are capable. We are worthy. It’s time to live as if we genuinely believe it.
Slaying this dragon, silencing that little voice, and living the life we desire starts with recognition. We must look doubt in the eye and declare, “Not today. Not ever again.”
This means stepping up to the plate when our hands shake. It means asking for that starting position even when our voices quiver. It means asking out that dream date when our hearts pound. It means riding into the unknown when the road is dark and twisted.
Adults play a crucial role in helping young athletes overcome self doubt. They can provide the support, encouragement, and resources needed to build confidence and resilience. By creating a positive and supportive environment, adults can help children develop the skills and mindset necessary to succeed both on and off the field.
Consider a young athlete eager to prove himself. He possesses skills, dedication, and the heart of a true champion. Yet, every challenge brings that little voice: “You’re not good enough. You’ll never measure up.”
He holds back, allowing opportunities to slip away because he does not believe in himself. It is heartbreaking to see his potential go to waste. Then, something clicks. He confronts that doubt and declares, “Enough is enough.” He takes on challenges, pushes his limits, and demonstrates his capability to himself and others.
Now, he is a respected leader — a beacon of strength and courage. He has shown that self doubt is a choice, a narrative we tell ourselves that can be altered. When we do this, the world opens up, and possibilities and dreams become attainable.
So, let us agree to call out self doubt when we see it, in ourselves and others. Let us support and uplift one another, riding together into the future we deserve.
We are dreamers and doers, crafting our luck. It’s time to live like it, pursuing our dreams wholeheartedly, without looking back. The road to greatness is paved with courage, and we are the bravest.
Silence that little voice, slay that dragon, and embrace the life we were meant to lead. We are enough. We are capable. We are worthy. It is time the world recognizes it. Ride on, friends. Ride on.
Remember, it’s not about being the best; it’s about being better than you were yesterday. Push your limits, challenge your fears, and prove you are a force to be reckoned with. Saddle up, rev those engines, and ride toward our dreams together. The open road is calling, and it is time to answer.
This journey is not easy. That little voice may creep back, whispering doubts and insecurities. There will be setbacks, challenges, and uncertainty. That is part of the process. Keep moving forward, one mile at a time, one dream at a time.
Create a culture where failure is accepted, risk taking is encouraged, and support is always available. Stand by one another, celebrate victories, and lift each other when we fall. That is what champions do. We ride, fall, and rise together.
Promise to chase dreams with the same ferocity we pursue the open road. Support each other, uplift each other, and never let self doubt steal our dreams again.
We are dreamers and doers, crafting our luck. It’s time to live like it, pursuing our dreams wholeheartedly, without looking back. The road to greatness is paved with courage, and we are the bravest.
Silence that little voice, slay that dragon, and embrace the life we were meant to lead. We are enough. We are capable. We are worthy. It is time the world recognizes it. Let’s make sure that our kids know it, too.
The cycle of self doubt from youth to adulthood is pervasive and often debilitating, but together we can break it.
Blair Steward 