First, doubt is a form of fear.
For some of us doubt is limited to specific circumstances.
For many however, doubt is a consistent nagging presence in daily living.
Doubt is often confused for the element of risk involved in our goal setting process.
Next, a goal is a risk with an intended positive outcome.
We set goals, meaning we take risks in our personal lives and business all the time.
For example, something as simple as getting to work is a goal.
The risk is that we may not arrive on time.
Relationships, starting a family, purchasing a home, and career changes are all examples of personal risks.
Investing in new employees, product development, management strategies, expansion and partnering are examples of business risks.
Doubt precludes the positive outcome of any risk.
Now as mentioned, doubt is a form of fear.
Specifically, doubt is lack of trust coupled with the unknown.
In other words it is not lack of trust in the unknown that defines doubt, but lack of trust in something specific combined with the unknown.
We will explore the lack of trust element a little later.
For now let's examine goals and doubt in the form of equations.
The doubt equation can be viewed as: Form of Fear = Doubt = Lack of Trust + Unknown.
The simple equation looks like this: Doubt = Lack of Trust + Unknown The goal equation can be viewed as: Form of Risk = Goal = Opportunity + Unknown.
The simple equation looks like this: Goal = Opportunity + Unknown Now let's take a look at the element of the unknown.
The element of the unknown is an experience we take for granted regularly.
It is primarily an unconscious state that is independent of fear.
We can use the example of waiting for the bus to illustrate this concept.
We arrive at the bus stop ten minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
The element of the unknown is present without us consciously being aware because the bus could potentially not arrive.
If the bus arrives on time we get on and go about our day without a conscious thought about the unknown.
By having a better understanding of the element of the unknown, we can better understand how easy it is for the mind to confuse doubt with risk.
Observe in both equations how the element of the unknown is present: Doubt Equation Doubt = Lack of Trust + Unknown Goal Equation Goal = Opportunity +Unknown When doubt enters the goal setting process, the mind combines our goal with doubt and we end up with a false goal equation.
The equation looks something like this: False Goal Equation Goal = Opportunity + Doubt Now observe in the false goal equation how our goal now consists of opportunity and doubt.
They are counterproductive to one another.
Opportunity now becomes cancelled out by the lack of trust present in doubt.
Any goal using this false equation cannot become actualized.
OK so now that we understand the unconscious process of sabotaging our goals, how do we fix it?! The answer is by focusing on our lack of trust.
Remember earlier we identified that doubt involves lack of trust in something specific.
This is the key to restoring our goal equation to its true state.
Don't worry it's not as complicated as it sounds.
Let's break it down together with an example.
Let's use the example of applying for a promotion.
We start at the true goal equation: Goal = Opportunity + Unknown.
The goal is getting the promotion.
The opportunity is the offer of the position.
The unknown is whether or not our boss will give it to us.
Suddenly a big dose of doubt shows up.
OOPS...
now we are operating from the false goal equation: Goal= Doubt + Opportunity.
Oh no! Now what do we do? Our first step is to refer to the doubt equation.
Doubt = Lack of Trust + Unknown.
We are immediately reminded, " ah ha there is something we are not trusting".
The next step is to ask the important question: "What is it specifically we do not trust?" This is the key to solving the doubt variable and restoring the true goal equation.
It is very important we keep digging for the answer.
For the purpose of the exercise let's say the answer comes up as lack of trust in our skills.
The next step is the practicality question.
We ask, "Do our skills match with the skills required for the position?" We discover that the answer is yes because our skill set matches the skill set required for the position.
We have now eliminated the lack of trust.
By removing the lack of trust, we have now restored our true goal equation: Goal = Opportunity + Unknown.
HOORAY! The opportunity is the promotion.
The unknown is whether our boss decides to give it to us.
Hooray anxiety fades and we find ourselves in peaceful anticipation of our bosses answer.
Finally, doubt can be debilitating if there is a high level of distrust.
So it is very important to keep asking the question of what we specifically do not trust.
It is equally important to follow with the practicality question.
This assures that we are practically aligned with all the things necessary to achieve the goal.
So the final question becomes what if we discover that the answer to the practicality question is no?? YIKES! No problem.
Now we know we must reassess our goal.
And there we have it folks, a little doubt busting technique! OK let's recap on some key points.
• A goal is a risk with an intended positive outcome • Doubt is a form of fear • Both goals and doubt have the element of unknown • The key to removing doubt from our goals is to ask to two critical questions 1.
What is it specifically we do not trust? 2.
Does that specific thing meet/match the requirements to reach the goal? If yes, then lack of trust is eliminated and we are practically aligned with reaching goal If no, then we must reassess the goal and it's relevance or gain the necessary things required to reach the goal i.
e.
Skills, training etc.
Like all things, this takes some practice to really utilize the technique to it's fullest potential.
So practice, practice, practice.
Good luck and I look forward to hearing how it all goes!