Self Doubt and Competetion

Self Doubt is defined as a lack of confidence in oneself and what he does. It is a feeling of distrust of one's abilities and capabilities.

Instances of self-doubt make themselves known when one lacks trust and is unsure of what he feels or does is right or wrong. He is in the quicksand of never-ending suspicion, indecision, and hesitations that what he will accomplish will be below par with the expectations of his family and friends. He is afraid to voice out his opinions lest people know his weaknesses and he is in the proverbial handcuff where he thinks he is not good enough.

When I was in college I was in a room full of valedictorians and salutatorians and who's who in any graduation honor rolls.  Our class was the creme de la creme of what a teacher expects her class to be.  Every day is a constant duel in class discussion and you have to be prepared for it ... otherwise you are relegated to the sidelines. You have to come to be the best and if you settle for less you become a wallflower.

It has come to the point where this atmosphere has become stifling and suffocating for me and my everyday classroom struggles become a living nightmare ... and there I realize that my being there was counter-productive ... so I gave up ... and transferred school. 

When I transferred to university ... I was on top of the class again ... because I was free to show what I was made of without having to fear that somebody would criticize and pooh-poohed what I was sharing in any class discussion. 

The rude awakening made me discover this unpleasant but surprising reality that I was mistaken and I was wrong with my first decision ... that being in a class where there is no competition ... is as boring as hell. Yes, I was in tip-top shape but what is the use of debating on issues when nobody challenges my points of view? 

The realization made me a better person ... so I started resetting my attitude and approach to welcome competition ... or any challenges that come my way. In the first place ... having another person in the class on the same level as you doesn't make you drown in the sea of mediocrity. The fact of the matter is ... it makes you on the lookout and be attentive and observant as you try to reevaluate your progress and your strategies.

I was in a tennis competition when I started in Texas. Think of Lendl or Ivanosivic or Sampras ... do you think they would be as good or richer if there had been no other better players in their time? Think about other legendary matches ... it is always one athlete competing with another good athlete. Believe me ... you will not be as polished and awesome if you are always choosy about who to play with. Great competition always makes better victories.

Practicing my profession abroad ... I always bring this attitude with me - to welcome any opposition ... resistance ... antipathy ... or dissent. Success comes when you crush all impediments or stumbling block that thwart your way.

That is why when a friend asked me how I survived working with other nationalities, getting the promotion, and beating them at their own game ... I told him ... it was just a matter of the right attitude and mindset.

Try it ... it works.