Why do we need to stop second-guessing ourselves?

Do you ever find yourself doubting your design decisions?

Feeling like you could have done better?

If so, you're not alone. Most designers experience some form of self-doubt at some point in their careers. But that doesn't mean it's helpful—or productive. In fact, second-guessing yourself can actually hold you back from achieving your goals.

So why do we do it? And more importantly, how can we stop? In this post, we'll explore the reasons behind our self-doubt and offer a few tips for overcoming it. Let's get started!

1. Our brains are hardwired to constantly question our decisions

It's no secret that freelance graphic designers tend to doubt their work and themselves.

This is often due to the freelance nature of their work, which can be sporadic, unsteady, and sometimes unfulfilling. They may feel that their skills are not up to par with others in the industry or that their portfolio is not as strong. As a result, they may hesitate to put themselves out there and may even second-guess their own talent.

But the truth is, freelance graphic designers are just as talented and skilled as any other designers out there. The reason we often doubt ourselves is that our brains are hardwired to constantly question our decisions.

The part of the brain that is responsible for this is called the amygdala. It's responsible for our fight-or-flight response, and it's constantly on the lookout for danger. This means that it's always looking for things to go wrong and it's always questioning our decisions.

This can be a good thing in some situations, like when we're trying to decide whether or not to walk across a busy street. But in other situations, like when we're trying to decide if our work is good enough to show to a client, it can be a hindrance.

2. Self-doubt is a natural defence mechanism

Self-doubt is a natural defence mechanism that aids in ego protection.

It is normal to feel unsure of one's abilities, especially when entering a new field or attempting something for the first time. However, excessive self-doubt can be paralysing, preventing us from reaching our full potential.

3. We should also be grateful for the freelance work that we do have

Freelance graphic designers should also be grateful for the work that they do have, even if it is not as steady or reliable as they would like.

This work can provide us with a sense of purpose and fulfilment, and it can help us pay the bills! So instead of focusing on the negative aspects of freelance work, let's appreciate the good that comes out of it.

4. We need to embrace our imperfections

We all have imperfections, and that's okay.

In fact, it's what makes us unique and special. As freelance graphic designers, we need to learn to embrace our imperfections and use them to our advantage. By doing so, we can create truly original and one-of-a-kind designs that stand out from the rest.

5. When we doubt ourselves, it can have a negative impact on our work, relationships, and health

Self-doubt can have negative consequences for our work, relationships, and health.

It can lead to poor decision-making, procrastination, and loss of motivation. This can negatively affect our work, our relationships, and our health. Moreover, self-doubt can harm our relationships with others because it makes us more insecure and less trustworthy. Self-doubt can also result in general anxiety and depression.

While it is normal to experience insecurity and self-doubt at times, it is essential to combat these negative thoughts. We must remember that we are equally talented and skilled as every other designer in existence. Our work is equally valuable, and we have an equivalent amount to offer.

The next time you question your talent or value, remember the incredible things you've accomplished and how far you've come. Then demonstrate to the world what you are capable of.

6. There are numerous approaches to overcoming self-doubt

As a freelance graphic designer, there are numerous ways to overcome self-doubt.

One approach is to seek feedback from others in the industry. Attending design events or conferences, as well as participating in online communities and forums, can help with this. Keeping a portfolio of your best work is another way to overcome self-doubt.

This will not only allow you to track your progress over time, but it will also serve as a reminder of your talent and skill when you are feeling low.

Finally, don't be afraid to market yourself and your services. The more you practise, the more confident you will become in your abilities.

7. Practising self-compassion can also help us stop second-guessing ourselves

Self-compassion is a frequently used term, but what does it actually entail?

Self-compassion entails, in brief, showing yourself kindness and understanding during times of stress or failure. It is the opposite of berating yourself for your errors.

Why is self-compassion crucial? Because it can assist us in conquering self-doubt. When we have self-doubt, we typically criticise ourselves for our perceived shortcomings. This causes us to feel worse about ourselves and can lead to a downward spiral of negative thoughts.

Self-compassion can assist in breaking this cycle. When we are more self-compassionate and forgiving, we are less likely to doubt our abilities. We can view our errors as learning opportunities rather than evidence that we are inadequate.

Try practising self-compassion if you are struggling with self-doubt. Instead of beating yourself up the next time you make a mistake, take a deep breath and remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes. Consider the effect of being understanding and forgiving with yourself on your self-esteem and confidence.

8. Surrounding ourselves with positive people can also help us stop second-guessing ourselves

Surrounding ourselves with positive people is another way to overcome self-doubt.

This does not imply that we must eliminate all negative people from our lives. However, it does imply that we should make an effort to spend more time with people who make us feel good about ourselves.

Positive and supportive people can help us see ourselves more positively. They can boost our self-esteem and remind us of our strengths. Spending time with people like this can make us feel better about ourselves and our abilities, making it easier to stop second-guessing ourselves.

Spending more time with positive people can help you overcome self-doubt. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself and remind you of your own abilities. These people can help you feel more confident in yourself and your abilities, making it easier to overcome self-doubt.

9. The next time you're faced with a decision, try to relax and trust your instincts

We need to learn to trust our intuition more.

This is especially important for freelance graphic designers, who may have doubts about their abilities. While it is critical to be critical of your work and to strive for excellence, it is also critical to trust your own instincts and judgement.

Nobody else will believe in your abilities if you don't. So believe in yourself, continue to create beautiful art, and follow your instincts.

Making a decision can be difficult. Sometimes it appears that there are simply too many options to choose from, and you have no idea which one is the best.

Other times, you are paralysed by fear and doubt, unsure of what will happen if you make the wrong decision. But, whatever the reason, indecision can be a major impediment to success.

If you're a freelance graphic designer, you've probably had this feeling more than once. After all, when your livelihood is dependent on your creativity and ability to produce high-quality work, it's natural to question yourself from time to time.

While some self-doubt is normal, it is critical not to let it take over.

Here are five reasons why you should stop second-guessing yourself and trust your instincts:

1. You're more likely to make the right decision: If you've ever been in a situation where you couldn't make up your mind, you know how frustrating it can be. What you may not realise is that indecision can actually lead to poorer decision-making overall. According to studies, people who spend more time deliberating over a decision are less likely to be satisfied with the outcome than those who go with their gut.

2. You'll waste less time: When it comes to making a decision, time is of the essence. The longer you take to make a decision, the more time you waste that could be spent taking action and getting things done.

In a world where time is becoming increasingly valuable, it is critical not to let indecision hold you back. If you're having trouble deciding, set a timer and force yourself to make a decision within a certain amount of time. You might be surprised at how quickly you can make a decision when you're up against the clock.

3. You'll be less stressed: Making decisions can be stressful, especially when you're second-guessing yourself.

When you second-guess your decisions, you're essentially second-guessing your own ability to make decisions. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.

But when you trust your gut and go with your first instinct, you'll be less stressed and more confident in your abilities.

If you find yourself struggling to cope with the stress of making decisions, it may be time to take a step back and rethink your decision-making process. Instead of agonising over every little decision, try to focus on the big picture and trust your gut instinct. In the end, you'll be much better off for it.

4. You'll gain confidence: When you second-guess yourself, it's easy to doubt your abilities and question your talent. However, if you want to be successful, you must have faith in your abilities.

The good news is that making decisions can actually help you gain confidence. Every decision you make demonstrates to yourself that you can handle whatever comes your way.

Instead of second-guessing yourself, seize every opportunity to boost your confidence and show yourself what you're capable of.

5. You'll be happier: When you're constantly doubting your decisions, it's easy to get caught up in a cycle of negative thinking. But, if you want to be happy and successful, you must learn to trust your gut and follow your intuition.

Making decisions can be difficult, but keep in mind that you are the only one who knows what is best for you. Instead of second-guessing yourself, focus on making the best decision for YOU and trusting that everything will work out in the end.

10. Talking to someone about our self-doubt can also help us stop second-guessing ourselves

When battling self-doubt, it is easy to believe that we are the only ones who feel this way.

We believe that we are the only ones who feel this way and that, as a result, we are insufficient. This can increase self-doubt and make it more difficult to overcome obstacles.

Conversations about self-doubt can help us realise that we are not alone. We can see that others share our sentiments and that we are not alone. This can help us feel more confident in our own abilities and make it easier to stop second-guessing ourselves.

If you struggle with self-doubt, try discussing it with someone. We can see that others share our sentiments and that we are not alone. This can help us feel better about ourselves and our abilities and make overcoming self-doubt easier.

Self-doubt is common, but that does not mean that we must allow it to control us. There are steps we can take to eliminate self-doubt. We can remind ourselves that everyone makes mistakes, learn from them, acknowledge that self-doubt is normal, and discuss it with someone. We can feel better about ourselves and our abilities and overcome self-doubt if we do these things.

11. We should never give up on our dreams

Never give up on your dreams as a freelance graphic designer.

It's difficult enough to make a living as a freelance designer without having to doubt yourself. If you want to succeed, you must be your own best advocate and believe in your abilities. Continue to push yourself and don't let anyone tell you that you're not good enough. You can achieve anything you set your mind to!

So, if you're a freelance graphic designer feeling down on yourself, know that you're not alone. You have a wide range of skills and abilities, and your portfolio is on par with anyone else's.

Continue to put yourself out there and don't be afraid to show off your work—the world needs your unique talents!

What do you think? Do you ever second-guess yourself? How do you overcome self-doubt and make sound decisions?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below!