Moments of self-doubt are common, particularly when faced with uncertainty or new challenges. We can feel anxious, doubtful, or perhaps even like a fraud/an impostor. You might think that you can’t tolerate the discomfort, uncertainty, or distress you’re feeling. The truth, however, is that it’s likely you can endure more than you think because of your inner strengths. Let’s call this your inner power.
Rather than seeking validation externally, embracing your inner power means accepting your authentic self and tapping into your existing powers, wisdom, and potential. It’s acknowledging both your strengths and flaws, without judgment, and with self-acceptance. Embracing your inner power is also about trusting your intuition and overcoming any limiting beliefs. It’s about living in the present moment and taking intentional action to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
Here are some key strategies you can take to harness your inner power:
Practice self-acceptance. Recognise and value your unique qualities, strengths, perceived weaknesses and experiences. You can do this through quiet self-reflection and/or journaling what comes up. Own your story by embracing any failures as learning experiences. Identify your core values, those things that are important to you, and not the expectations of others. Throughout this process, treat yourself with grace and kindness, acknowledging the efforts you are making to explore these qualities.
Live in the present. Practice mindfulness, yoga or quiet reflection, and become aware of your energy or feelings. For example, notice if you are feeling tired or maybe you feel upbeat? Focus on the now, rather than ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. This is your place to find peace. Practice mindful breathing techniques to help calm your nervous system and create inner stability.
Shift your mindset. Question the voice of your inner critic by asking yourself if those thoughts are really accurate or helpful. For example, you might say “I’m no good at this”, but perhaps you have only just started and need more practice to get better at it. Use positive self-talk, such as “I can get better at this” or “I’m learning here”, focusing on what is possible. Examine what you are good at and be proud of the self-worth you are building through these practices.
Set and enforce boundaries. Be guided by your identified values and, if something’s not aligning with them, learn to say no. Setting boundaries is a big part of self-care and helps support your inner power and creates a sense of agency; that awareness that you are the one initiating and directing your thoughts and are in control of your own actions and their consequences.
Act and speak powerfully. Both your physical presence and communication influence your inner power. Identify and tap into that spot in your body where you can feel your power sitting, perhaps it’s in the belly or diaphragm area. Ground yourself by planting your feet evenly into the ground, hold your head up, put your shoulders back and make eye contact. Speak clearly and with confidence (even if you’re not really feeling it, the old ‘fake it ‘till you make it’ can work wonders) and project your authenticity.
Your inner power is like a muscle, in that the more you use it, the more it grows. Don’t be afraid to take little steps and grow into it, as harnessing your inner power is a journey. Be sure to do the self-reflective work beforehand to develop a deep understanding of yourself and use that understanding to take values-guided actions. These steps can help you overcome self-limiting beliefs and help you acknowledge the strengths you already have. Have the confidence to grow into your inner power and be unafraid to stand in your inner, authentic self. Now, believe in yourself and continue your journey; you already have everything you need.
Be kind,
Dr Nicole Jeffery-Dawes
Senior Psychologist, Bush Support Line
