Like in all major events, there’s a moment (actually, many moments) in every turnaround where self-doubt sneaks in. Usually uninvited. It’s that little voice in your head that whispers questions you’d rather not hear: Did I make the right call? Am I leading this team the right way? What if I’m in over my head?
I know that voice well. It doesn’t just question your decisions—it questions you. It makes you feel like you don’t belong in your role, that everyone else’s opinion matters more, and that you’re just one mistake away from being exposed as a fraud. It can grow especially loud when the stakes are high and the path is uncertain.
Here’s the thing I’ve come to realize: that voice of doubt? It’s not your enemy. It’s your brain’s way of trying to protect you, to keep you in your comfort zone and away from risk. And while the comfort zone is a safe place, it’s not where growth happens, it’s where the status quo is kept.
Self-doubt forces you to reflect, to question, to reassess. And yes, it can get very uncomfortable. But here’s the thing: that discomfort means you’re pushing boundaries, stepping into new territory, and challenging yourself in ways that matter. Doubt is a sign of effort. It means you’re trying something new, taking a risk.
The key is to doubt the doubt itself. Instead of letting it paralyze you, recognize it for what it is—a protective reflex, not a prophecy of failure. Use it as a signal to pause, reassess, and adjust if needed, but don’t let it stop you.
Every leader I’ve seen navigate a tough turnaround has wrestled with self-doubt (myself included). The ones who succeed aren’t the ones without doubt, but the ones who move forward despite it. Their confidence comes from taking thoughtful, deliberate actions, not from the absence of doubt.
Doubt isn’t a sign you’re failing, it’s proof you’re trying! Doubt the doubt. Keep pushing. You are probably on to something.
Turning Stuff Around 