The more expansive the calling, the more likely we are to experience feelings of self-doubt. Tony Dungy (GLS 2010) recently wrote a deeply personal post about how he overcame self-doubt at critical junctures in his leadership journey.

Self-doubt is normal, especially when you experience new situations. The most confident people still have their moments, while with others, self-doubt can be so overwhelming it can paralyze the person. I was fortunate to have parents who instilled confidence in us that we could accomplish anything with God’s help. Even with that kind of foundation of love and encouragement, it can still be difficult when facing unknown challenges. This has been the case with my life.

These are the 3 biggest times I was confronted with overcoming self-doubt.

When I Went to College

As a freshman in college, I thought I was a good athlete and student, but I questioned myself. I wondered how it was actually going to be. Will I be able to live up to the success of those who came before me or will I fall short?

When I Went into The NFL

After college, I went undrafted to the talented Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. Self-doubt crept into my head again. The same thoughts I had in college came flooding back. Can I even make this team? Would I be good enough?

When I Became a Coach

Fifteen years later, I received an opportunity as the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I had the thoughts: Is this going to work? Am I going to be able to do it? Do I have the right formula? Those thoughts only intensified after we lost our first five games.

Two things helped me overcome my self-doubt.

1. Focusing on What Is in My Control. The first was advice my mom gave me. She told me not to worry about the things I couldn’t control. Just focus on the things I could control, work on those and do my best. She encouraged me by saying that if I did, those things I would be fine. In times of self-doubt, I have always remembered to focus on her advice.

1. Depending on God. The second is depending on the Lord. Anytime I face self-doubt, I spend a lot of time in prayer and no matter what happens, I place my trust in Him.

Those two things have helped me overcome self-doubt.

Have you ever had self-doubt? How have you overcome it?