Doubt is a devilish demon...

"Doubt is a devilish demon, always lurking in a dimly lit corner of our minds, that cold thought against which we try to build the bonfire of confidence, hoping against hope to hold indecision at bay." writes Ron Sirak for ESPN about Michelle Wie.

What a great description of how we can sabotage ourselves from the great work we have inside us. Ron Sirak is describing a golf game, but this comment could easily be describing you at your next public speaking event (the big meeting), or delivering that report your client has been waiting for, or that first counseling session now that you were promoted to manager. You started out confident and now that the milestone approaches, doubt creeps in and slowly you have a paralyzing uncertainty gripping you.

At some point we all have this experience and know how frustrating it can be to begin to question yourself and your capabilities. How can we recover? First breathe and relax. You are here because you are capable. You are here because you are the right person for the task. You are here because you know that you are ready for the challenge. Check your list of things that must be done to consider whether your task is complete. Did you do your homework? Did you put your best effort towards completion? If you answered yes, then jump in and you'll be fine. You don't need to be perfect, but you need to be prepared. If you answered no, then go back and do your homework. If you didn't put the background effort in then the people you must perform for will not be as tolerant. It is these unprepared times that it seems like you will never have the right answer.

Confidence comes from hard work and homework towards your objective, sports or work. Building confidence in one area of your life spills over into other areas. The more times you prepare and are successful, the more times you will reach success. Find ways to build your confidence and keep that devilish demon tucked back in the recess of your mind.