Why Is It So Hard to Believe in Yourself?

Featured art: Poster by Stefanie Rapoza found on Etsy

I see it in my own creative process. When I want to create loud, expressive art, I hesitate—softening my brushwork, reaching for muted tones instead. I crave boldness, yet I hold back from the high-pigment colors I freely explore in my digital sketchbook. Nagging thoughts whisper, “That won’t sell” or “Designers won’t want loud art.” These narratives creep in, crafted by our minds to keep us playing small.

Lately, I’ve been diving deep into mindset work, untangling the stories we tell ourselves. And let me tell you—it’s an ongoing battle.

Have you watched HBO’s Physical? I remember sitting there, wine in hand (because, priorities), and being struck by how familiar the protagonist’s inner voice sounded. It hit me—I've spoken to myself with that same harshness. In high school, my inner critic incessantly scolded me—I was too this, not enough of that. And even now, that voice sneaks back in. Could it be my insecure, 17 year old self coming back to be so critical?

I recently listened to a Mel Robbins podcast where she talked about battling our past selves to achieve success. Her daughter was releasing her first album and found herself hesitating—not because she lacked talent, but because she was fighting against the insecure version of herself from years ago. Identifying that internal conflict, and more specifically what version of herself she was up against, helped her silence the doubt.

That’s the key: recognizing the voice for what it is—a relic of past fears, no longer relevant. When we see where it comes from, it loses its grip on us.

If you're working toward a big goal, this struggle will show up. It’s going to be hard. Some days, you won’t feel like doing anything. Some days, you’ll feel stuck, lazy, or unmotivated. And all the while, your friends and family might think you have it all together. They’ll see the curated social media posts and assume you’ve got it all figured out. But the real work? That happens behind the scenes—where you wrestle with self-doubt and pick yourself up again and again.

Maybe it’s time to acknowledge that inner voice from a past self—thank it for trying to keep you safe—and then firmly place it in its own little corner while you get to work. It’s time to stop the endless scrolling, the comparisons, and the hesitation, and instead, shift your focus.

This year, I’m choosing to create for the joy of it—art that empowers both myself and others, filled with bold graphics and vibrant color. I’m stepping away from the pressure of selling and returning to what truly excites me and connects me to others.

What about you? What critical voice do you need to recognize, then set aside? What would happen if you chose to believe in yourself?

I'll be sharing more about creativity, mindset, and the behind-the-scenes of my art journey. If this resonated with you, let me know in the comments or share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Wishing you a fantastic week ahead and the courage to rise above your own doubts.

xoxo,
Stef