Where your doubt comes from

Self-doubt usually has a history. It might come from constant comparison with cousins or classmates, from teachers who mocked mistakes, from being told your English or your accent was not good enough, from strict marks-based schooling, or from being the first in your family at university.

Understanding where it comes from does not make it disappear, but it helps you see that the doubt is a learned voice, not a fact about you. Write down a few of the messages you grew up with about ability, mistakes and success. Notice which ones still run in your head. Many were said with love or worry, not cruelty, but they may not fit your life now.