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Most of us, at one point or another, have faced the gnawing feeling that maybe we are not good enough. Well-thought-out plans to write a book, start a business, or undertake a new project sometimes get crushed long before they are given a chance to gain momentum. Much of this is the result of self-doubt. Often, if we were to follow through and push past the initial hiccups, we would find the drive to continue building on our ideas and ambitions.

But what is self-doubt? Where does it come from, and how can we reduce its effects in our lives? While these may seem like simple questions, the answers are often different from person to person. We all have things about ourselves that we are self-conscious about — something we feel disqualifies us from reaching the goals we aspire to. However, these limitations are often largely imagined, and determination becomes the key to moving beyond what we believe is impossible toward what we can achieve with confidence.

One inspiring example that comes to mind is Walt Disney. What many people do not know is that Walt was once fired from a newspaper job because an editor believed he lacked imagination. Yet that same man would go on to create some of the most beloved characters and stories in history.

Similarly, Bill Gates was largely dismissed when he first introduced the idea behind Windows. There are countless examples of people who faced moments that could have broken them down, but instead chose to believe in themselves and their vision.

Things You Can Do to Help Silence the Negative Voices

• Take time to reflect on your goal:

Whatever your goal may be, it is important to keep it in the foreground of your mind. This way, even when setbacks arise, you remain focused on where you want to go rather than becoming discouraged by temporary obstacles.

• Break the goal down into stages:

Sometimes dreams feel overwhelming because they appear insurmountable. Running a marathon can seem impossible, but jogging around the block is achievable. You do not have to accomplish everything at once. Simply starting — and remaining consistent — can amount to tremendous progress over time. As the saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

• Celebrate the small victories:

Every achievement, even those that may seem small or insignificant, can be a sign of growth and should be appreciated. If someone is working on a novel and suddenly faces writer’s block or moments of doubt, reflecting on the progress already made can provide encouragement and renewed motivation to continue.

Self-doubt is something most — if not all — of us face regularly. But the truth is that we have always been enough, and much of what we need to accomplish our goals already exists within us. Deep inside each of us is an unquenchable fire and a tenacity that reminds us that we are capable of far more than we often believe. When we learn to trust ourselves and keep moving forward, even in uncertainty, incredible things can happen.