I’ve always believed that optimism is my superpower. It’s the reason I get up and keep going, even when the path ahead looks more like a mountain than a hill. But if I’m being honest, even optimism has its kryptonite. For me, it shows up as self-doubt.
But here’s the thing: optimism isn’t about avoiding self-doubt. It’s about not letting it stop you.
If you’re feeling stuck, wondering why you’re not seeing the results you hoped for, I want to share something that’s helped me countless times. I call it the 10% Rule, and it’s one of the simplest tricks to keep moving forward when self-doubt creeps in. No, it won’t make self-doubt disappear entirely (wouldn’t that be nice?), but it will make sure you don’t give up when that little voice in your head tells you to.
Why Self-Doubt Happens to Everyone (But You Don’t Have to Listen)
Here’s a quick reality check: Everyone—and I do mean everyone—deals with self-doubt. I don’t care how successful or confident someone looks on the outside. Self-doubt is part of the process, especially if you’re trying to do something meaningful.
The first time I started creating videos, I was full of optimism. “I’ve done hard things before,” I told myself. But guess what? Reality hit. It wasn’t easy. Six months into making videos, I wasn’t seeing the progress I wanted, and self-doubt came knocking. I started wondering if I was just spinning my wheels, wasting time, and making sacrifices that wouldn’t pay off.
Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: self-doubt is a liar, and its favorite trick is to make you feel like you’re the only one struggling. You’re not. And if you can push through it, you’ll realize something powerful—self-doubt is often a sign you’re actually on the right path. Why? Because you’re stretching yourself. You’re growing. And growth doesn’t happen without a little discomfort.
The 10% Rule: The Trick to Keep Going (Even When You’re Ready to Quit)
So, let’s talk about this little trick that’s helped me keep going more times than I can count—the 10% Rule. It’s ridiculously simple, which is why it works.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Out of a million people who have the same goal—whether that’s losing weight, starting a business, or learning a new skill—90% won’t even take the first step. They’ll talk about it, think about it, but they’ll never do it. But if you’ve taken that step—if you’ve made that first video, signed up for the gym, or opened that blank Word document—you’ve already put yourself in the top 10%.
Then it gets tough. And this is where the second part of the 10% Rule comes in. When the initial excitement wears off and things start feeling hard, most people quit. But if you keep showing up, even on the days you’re doubting yourself, you’ve put yourself in the top 1%. That’s the magic. You’re not competing with everyone else—you’re just competing with your own self-doubt.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep moving. Progress beats perfection every time.
Why You’re Already Winning (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It Yet)
I know, I know. This all sounds great on paper, but when you’re in the thick of self-doubt, it feels a lot less inspiring. But let me hit you with a reminder: you’re already winning.
Maybe you’re six months into a project, and you haven’t seen the results you thought you’d have by now. Maybe you’re questioning whether you should even bother continuing. That’s when the 10% Rule becomes your best friend. Remember, you’re not supposed to have it all figured out. And success? It doesn’t always come as fast as we’d like.
But the fact that you’re still showing up, still putting in the effort, means you’re already ahead of most people. Think about it this way: every time you push through self-doubt, you’re strengthening that resilience muscle. And that’s the real victory.
Practical Steps to Apply the 10% Rule in Your Life
So, how do you apply this in your own life? Here’s how you can take this concept and run with it:
- Start Now, Not Perfect – Whatever your goal is—whether it’s getting in shape, launching a business, or starting a new project—don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Just start. 90% of people never do, and that’s your advantage.
- Keep Going When It’s Hard – When the initial momentum fades and self-doubt creeps in, don’t quit. This is where most people give up. But not you. If you stick with it, you’ve already moved into the top 10%.
- Celebrate the Small Wins – Progress doesn’t always come in huge, Instagram-worthy moments. Sometimes, it’s small and quiet. Celebrate the fact that you showed up today when you didn’t want to.
- Remind Yourself of the Odds – Anytime you feel like quitting, remember the 10% Rule. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep going.
The Bottom Line: Self-Doubt is a Liar, But You’re Not Listening
The next time you feel that self-doubt creeping in (and trust me, it will), just remind yourself of one simple fact: you’re already ahead of the majority of people. You’ve started. You’ve kept going. And the more you push through, the more you build the kind of resilience that leads to real, lasting success.
Remember, you don’t have to win today. You just have to keep showing up. And if you ever need a reminder, check out my video below. I’ve been there—and I’m still here, moving forward, just like you.