How I Conquer Doubt (and How You Can Too)

Doubt has been a companion of mine for as long as I can remember. It sneaks in before I step on stage. It shows up when I sit down to write. It whispers when I wonder if I’m doing enough as a mom. Doubt is loud, but I’ve learned how to quiet it.

I want to share a few things that help me, in case you need them too. Because if you’ve faced doubt—and I know you have—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to let it run the show.

Name it
The first step for me is recognizing when doubt shows up. Instead of letting it swirl around, I call it what it is. “This is doubt. It’s not truth.” Naming it keeps it from controlling me.

Remember past victories
When doubt tells me I can’t, I remind myself of the times I already did. Every finished song. Every show I thought I couldn’t get through but did anyway. Every tough day I survived as a mom. Those victories are proof that doubt is lying.

Take small steps
Doubt loves to overwhelm. It says, “You’ll never finish. You’ll never make it.” So I break things down. I write one verse instead of a whole song. I take one deep breath before the stage lights hit. Each small step silences doubt just a little more.

Surround yourself with truth-tellers
We need people who remind us who we are. I lean on friends, fellow moms, and other musicians who speak encouragement when I forget my worth. They don’t sugarcoat things; they remind me of my strength. That kind of community is priceless.

Turn to what grounds you
For me, music is grounding. It’s also faith, journaling, and quiet moments with my kids. When doubt tries to spin me in circles, these things pull me back to center. Find the practices that anchor you, and hold them close.

Take action anyway
One of the best ways I’ve learned to beat doubt is to act in spite of it. Play the song. Share the words. Say yes even when your voice shakes. Doubt doesn’t disappear before action—it usually disappears because of action.

I won’t pretend doubt is gone from my life. It still pops up, sometimes louder than I want. But I know it doesn’t get the final say. Not when I choose truth over lies. Not when I keep moving forward.

So if doubt is creeping into your world, know this: you are stronger than you think. You’ve already come through so much. And just like me, you can take the next step—even if doubt tags along.

And maybe that’s the real secret. Doubt doesn’t disappear overnight. But when you keep showing up anyway, you prove to yourself that you’re more powerful than any whisper in your head.