The Invisible Black Woman

Doubt. That sneaky, persistent, insidious little voice that shows up uninvited. Doubt has been my unwelcome companion, a tagalong as I try to make headway on a big project. Instead of cheering me on or silently minding its business, it’s been sitting on my shoulder, whispering questions like, Are you sure you’re the one to pull this off? or, What if it’s not good enough?

Let me just say this upfront: I know better. I know how much I’ve accomplished, the hurdles I’ve overcome, and the audacity it takes to even step into the arena. But doubt? Doubt doesn’t care about any of that. It doesn’t respect résumés or accolades. Doubt’s sole purpose is to make you question yourself, your abilities, and your worth.

And yet, here I am, pushing through it anyway. Because, let’s be honest, what’s the alternative? Sitting on the sidelines and letting doubt win? Not an option. But since we’re keeping it all the way a buck, let’s talk about what it looks like to navigate doubt when it’s trying to take up permanent residence in your head.

Right now I’m working on this project—something big, important, and deeply personal. It’s one of those projects that could be a game-changer. Naturally, that means the stakes feel impossibly high. And with those high stakes comes the pressure to get it just right.

That’s where doubt thrives. It feeds on perfectionism, insecurity, and the fear of failure. And let me tell you, it’s been having an all-you-can-eat buffet in my mind, despite all the wins and the headway I’ve made.

I’ll sit down to work, full of energy and purpose, and within minutes, doubt shows up with its long list of questions: What if this isn’t as good as you think it is? What if people don’t understand? What if you’re wasting your time? What if you’re not good enough?

Oof. That last one hits hard, doesn’t it? Because that’s the root of it all, isn’t it? The fear that you’re somehow not enough.

And it’s not like this is my first time dealing with doubt. Oh no. We go way back, like childhood-back. But even with all my tools, mantras, and hard-earned wisdom, doubt still finds a way to knock on my door. And when it does, it’s loud.

One thing people don’t always talk about? Doubt isn’t just a mental or emotional experience—it’s physical too.

When I’m deep in doubt, I feel it in my body. My shoulders tense up like I’m carrying a literal weight. My stomach churns as if I’ve had three cups of bad coffee on an empty stomach. My chest tightens, making it hard to breathe deeply.

It’s like my body is shouting at me, Stop! Turn back! Abort mission! Even though my rational mind knows better, my body doesn’t always get the memo.

So what do I do? I stop and breathe. I mean it—big, intentional, cleansing breaths. I stretch, go for a walk, or do something to remind my body that it’s okay. Because here’s the truth: doubt is uncomfortable, but it’s not fatal.

Now, let’s get into why doubt is even here. I’ve come to realize that doubt is just fear in disguise. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of not measuring up. It shows up when I’m stepping outside my comfort zone or chasing something big.

And you know what? That’s actually a good thing.

Doubt wouldn’t be here if this project didn’t matter. If I wasn’t pushing myself, stretching, and growing, doubt would have nothing to latch onto. The fact that it’s here is proof that I’m doing something important.

But that doesn’t mean I have to let it steer the ship.

Over the years, I’ve developed a few go-to strategies for keeping doubt in check. They’re not foolproof—doubt still finds ways to creep in—but they help. Here’s what I’m going to do this week to keep it at bay…

When doubt says, What if you’re not good enough? Imma talk back. I’ll say, Actually, I am good enough, and here’s why. Then I’ll remind myself of all the times I’ve succeeded despite my fears.

Big projects are overwhelming by nature, and doubt loves to prey on that. So I break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on the entire project, I ask myself, What’s one thing I can accomplish today?

Sometimes, I just need to hear someone else say, You’ve got this. Whether it’s hubby, a friend, mentor, I lean on my support system when doubt feels too heavy to bear alone.

Doubt thrives on inaction. The longer I sit there second-guessing myself, the louder doubt gets. So I take action—even if it’s small, even if it’s imperfect. Because momentum is the antidote to doubt.

When all else fails, I do turn to my higher power and meditation. I ask for guidance, clarity, and strength. And then I sit in silence, letting the noise of doubt fade into the background.

One thing I will say though: doubt is not always the enemy. Sometimes, doubt is just trying to protect me from failure or disappointment. It’s misguided, sure, but its intentions aren’t always bad.

When I take the time to sit with my doubt, instead of running from it, I can learn from it. What’s it trying to tell me? What am I afraid of? And how can I move forward despite those fears?

I’ve been here before, wrestling with doubt in the middle of a big project. And you know what? Every single time, I’ve come out the other side stronger, wiser, and more confident.

That’s the thing about doubt—it’s a test. A crucible. It forces me to confront my fears, dig deep, and prove to myself just how capable I am.

And while I’m still in the thick of it with this project, I know that the other side is waiting for me.

If you’re reading this and thinking, That’s me too, then take comfort in knowing you are not alone. Doubt doesn’t discriminate. It comes for all of us, especially when we’re chasing something big.

But here’s what I know for sure: you are more capable than you realize. You have everything you need to succeed. And even if doubt shows up, you don’t have to let it win.

So keep going. Keep pushing. Keep believing in yourself, even when it’s hard. Because on the other side of doubt is everything you’ve been working for.

And remember: doubt is just fear in disguise. And as one of my favorite speakers always says, fear is just false evidence appearing real. The only way to beat it is to face it head-on and keep moving forward.

Until next time, I wish you nothing but sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns, which are no less magical than the fearless you are.