I've been listening to a book on Audible called "Can't Hurt Me: Master your mind and defy the odds" by David Goggins. It is a story about a man who was depressed. overweight, and with no hope for the future, to one of the most accomplished men to ever join the military and a highly decorated endurance athlete.
Some of the things he has been able to accomplish is crazy! He ran 100 miles with no training and on 3 days notice. It nearly killed him, but he was able to do it.
One of the techniques he uses to push himself further than what should be humanly possible is what he calls his cooke jar technique. I perked up on this one, because I'm not big on running 100 miles but I can crush cookies. Alas, he had something slightly different in mind.
He was talking about a cookie jar you have that you go to just on special occasions. But this cookie jar is filled with inspiration rather than sugar and flour.
You fill you cooke jar with all of the things you have been able to overcome in your life. When you start to doubt yourself and think you can't overcome, you reach in and remind yourself how awesome you are.
Some cookies could be:
I was able to raise 3 kids as a single mom
I put myself through college
I overcame addiction
I lost 30 pounds
I grew a human in my body for 9 months and then gave birth
Whatever your personal cookies might be, think back through your life and create a collection. Then next time you think you aren't good enough or you are doubting, go back to that time.
When your mind is right, you start to become unstoppable. You are tougher, stronger, and more capable than you are giving yourself credit for.
Get those cookies ready for the hard times, you got this.