Today on the Nurse Educator Talk Network, we are talking about the principles of potentiality and conquering the illusion and unruliness of self-doubt! The manifestations of self-doubt are like that of a weed that has the ability to multiply rapidly and grows anywhere there is room for opportunity. Synonymous with the seeds of negativity and fear planted into our minds that serve to cripple our self-confidence, and passion to discover our hidden potentials, self-doubt weeks havoc in all of our lives at one point or another but what lies within each of us is the power and purpose of potentiality. Success is not limited to obtaining a higher degree however, as nurses we know that advancing our education in nursing as research has found enhances patient safety and quality of care subjected through advanced critical thinking and confidence skills, higher RN job satisfaction, improved leadership skills, career advancement, job security and securement of qualified nurses who may transition to nursing academia; addressing the nursing faculty shortage (Phillips & Titzner Evans, 2017). But for many of us its’ deeper than this…We operate from intrinsic and extrinsic motivators; something that occurs on a much deeper level. We strive to operate within our full educational potential often because we have so much care and compassion for the nursing profession and the clients we serve. In this podcast, our host, Melissa Knight, RN, MSN, CNE is joined with Joanne Root; a nurse with over 28 years of nursing experience, a nurse motivator, blogger sales consultant, a member of Lady’s Justice and an executive director for a reputable online RN to BSN program. Both Melissa and Joanne leave you with steps for nurses to overcome self-doubt summed up as:

1. Avoid looking outside of yourself and look within. We are often our own worst critic. We allow others to dictate who we are and our future. Comparing oneself to others is destructive behavior and serves no purpose for your own potentiality. Don’t get distracted by grass that appears greener on the other side…this is an illusion that people paint in the image of perfection and this is not even real!

2. Embrace Fear. Look fear dead in its’ eye and say you have no authority over me. At some point we all have a fear of failing …its natural…but some think people become great because they have all this confidence and courage. In reality, you may be surprised to know other people are just as scared or even more so than you to pursue their dreams.

3. Commit to life-long learning and know your why. Don’t’ allow what you want to be to become a destination. Life is a journey filled with learning…stop overthinking things…we are all “becoming” and evolving as Michelle Obama in her book “Becoming” proclaimed. When you stop learning you stop growing.

4. Get in touch with true self. Life is full of disappointments, disturbances, and interruptions. Trust in yourself and have trust in a higher power bigger than yourself. Think about the challenges within your life that you overcame. Use this testimony to regain your potential, focus and passion.