Dealing with Self Doubt

By Jacob Woodcock

Jacob Woodcock, original co-founder of Boundless Company with Boston and I, graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2018, with a slot to head to Pilot training in Del Rio, Texas, in early 2019. His dad and ours, Maj. Troy Gilbert, flew the F-16 together and were close friends, and Boston and I have had the pleasure to grow up alongside Jacob, through thick and thin. To read more about Jacob, head to "Our Team" page at the top of the screen.

I grew up in a military family. This came with its own struggles and blessings. As any other military kid can attest to, the life of a military child certainly sets you apart from most kids. The high speed pace of moving, getting settled, trying to make new friends, all just to move again three years later is one of the many issues we face, not to mention the uncertainty of whether or not your parent will come home. We also have the opportunity to be surrounded by some truly inspirational people though. When you surround yourself with people who challenge you to be better, it's easy to tell yourself that you’re simply not good enough. But what if you were wrong and that life is a gift that deserves your absolute best each and every day? Self-doubt can be crippling if you let it win but it doesn't have to. I challenge you to be better.

How do you start? With making your bed. One of the greatest commencement speeches, given by Admiral William McRaven (linked here), talked about how someone can change the world. He shows the importance of doing the seemingly menial tasks in everyday life by creating a routine for yourself that helps to add structure and momentum in your life.

He shows the importance about the first step. The first step is the premise of this article.

This may look different for each person. What is it that is holding you back from your full potential? For me it was laziness. I am a homebody who would rather sit on the couch all day and binge watch The Office. Although I still do that on occasion, it is no longer the only thing I have to look forward to in my day. I wanted more from myself but didn't know where or when to start. I eventually reached a point where enough was enough, and I made a promise to myself that I would be better, even if it meant dragging my tired self through each day.

There wasn’t really a definable moment that I can point to and say that’s where I finally decided to beat my self-doubt. I still deal with these things every day, but I no longer let it stop me from doing the things that scare me. I learned to stop thinking about the potential outcomes of things and focus more on how this experience could grow me. I am no adrenaline junkie by any means and yet I convinced myself to jump out of an airplane, shoot for pilot training, seek out a public speaking class, and fly in my off time to get over my airsickness. All these experiences took one step; one choice between doing it and not doing it. I have grown in confidence and sincerity.

I challenge all of you to write down what you think of yourself now, where you eventually want to be in your faith and/or character, and what personal strengths you want to develop. Having it written will allow you to have a tangible contract to hold yourself accountable to. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed and who will hold you to an even higher standard than the one you set. Get rid of those negative influences in your life and start investing in yourself

All it takes is a random act of trying. Without it I would not have realized what I am truly capable of. It is not going to be easy and the change won't be instantaneous. In those times I reflect on the words of James who tells us to

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4).

 God did not put us on this earth to live in fear of ourselves or others. Take it upon yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable. Things that push you outside of your comfort zone will only show you how far you can truly go. If you need a brother in Christ to help hold you accountable, feel free to reach out to myself, Greyson, or Boston, we understand that this is not meant be done alone. That is why I believe in this company and everything it stands for. Allow yourself to be Boundless.