It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you can’t do something, especially when challenges arise or self-doubt creeps in.
We all have moments where we question whether we’re capable of achieving our goals or making real progress.
But the truth is, your potential is far greater than you realize.
More often than not, the real limit isn’t what you can currently do — it’s the doubts you place on yourself that hold you back.
Unfortunately, self-doubt can be a powerful force.
Whether it’s feeling unprepared for a big test, doubting your ability to make a team or even second-guessing your worth in a friendship, that nagging feeling can prevent you from even trying.
Self-doubt is especially prevalent among high school students, as around 50% of adolescents in the United States suffer from low self-esteem.
But here’s what you need to keep in mind: failure, whether past, present or future, doesn’t define your potential.
In high school, we’re often under intense pressure. It comes from a stressful combination of our teachers, family, friends and the demands we place on ourselves.
Anytime we fail to meet these expectations, we might doubt our abilities. But I assure you, that doubt is misplaced.
Self-doubt stems from a fear of failure, not from a lack of ability.
I like this quote from Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” It underscores a critical truth: how we perceive our ability shapes the outcomes we achieve.
Oovercoming self-doubt means realizing you’re capable of more than you think.
Consider the journey of J.K. Rowling, the author of “Harry Potter.” Before the success of her books, she was a struggling single mother, living on welfare and barely scraping by. Even after facing multiple rejections from publishers, she kept going.
If she had let rejection define her, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would never have existed.
Her story shows how continuing despite obstacles unlocks potential. Too often, we let fear stop us before we have the chance to succeed.
You have to keep going, even when things get tough. When you push through, you’ll discover just how much you’re truly capable of achieving.
As you push forward, rely on the support of those around you. No one has ever truly achieved great things entirely alone.
While your self-belief is crucial, the support of others plays a significant role in helping you push past that wall of self-doubt.
Encouragement from the right people helps build confidence and resilience, enabling you to take risks that you might otherwise avoid.
If I hadn’t been encouraged by my family to give journalism a try one year ago, I wouldn’t be writing this article today.
Believing I could never win over my competitors, I nearly stopped myself from entering a piano competition earlier this year. I only gave it a shot after arguing the matter with my mom; thanks to her stubbornness, I’ll be traveling to New York this summer to perform in Carnegie Hall.
Without a strong circle of support, self-doubt can easily take over. With it, you’ll find the courage to move forward and take on challenges, knowing that you’re not alone.
Don’t let the fear of failure get in the way of your goals. Understand that failure doesn’t reflect your worth; it reflects your willingness to keep going. Embrace it as part of your lifelong journey, because it always will be.
It’s critical to recognize that the path to unlocking your full potential is ultimately paved with action. Believing in yourself is a requirement for steadily moving forward, but you’ve still got to move.
Start by setting realistic, achievable goals. Break your grander dreams into smaller, manageable steps so that you can measure progress, building momentum and motivation.
If your goal is to improve academically, create a feasible study schedule and stick to it. If you want to improve your athleticism, focus on one area to improve each week. Small successes lead to larger ones; over time, those small victories will snowball into something much greater.
You’re capable of more than you think. The only limits you face are the ones you place on yourself.
Embrace the discomfort of growth, surround yourself with supportive people and remember that setbacks are not the end, but rather the fuel that will propel you forward.
So the next time you face a challenge, don’t hesitate. Trust that you have the skills and strength to rise above it. Your true potential is waiting — it’s time to stop doubting and start acting.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 print edition.
