“The antidote to self-doubt is taking one small step forward.”
Self-doubt is the universal challenge-one that keeps so many people from chasing their dreams, taking risks, and doing their best. Not for Michael Black, founder of Success Tutoring. For him, it is more of an opportunity than a mountain to climb over. For Michael, confidence can be built through action and not by being perfect. The small purposeful steps taken by Michael helped him overcome his uncertainty moments and inspired so many people to do the same.
This is the article that explores the way Michael Black fights self-doubt, his translation of this philosophy in his work, and take-home lessons for anyone struggling to find his or her confidence.
What is Self-Doubt?
This is a reaction that occurs in response to fear, uncertainty, or the unknown. It will often sound like these questions:
“What if I fail?”
“Am I good enough?”
“Do I deserve this opportunity?”
Michael Black understands this question to be part of human nature. He was already an entrepreneur but, at different stages, he doubted his capability to run such operations-be it creating Success Tutoring or handling rapid growth, mentoring other people.
But self-doubt didn’t make Michael quit. Instead, it marked time to reflect, recalibrate and then act. “Doubt is not a reason for halt,” he says. “It’s a reason to press onward, no matter how hard and small the step”.
The Confidence-Action Connection
Michael Black’s philosophical outlook is anchored on one simplistic and powerful idea: self-doubt does not wait out or disappear-confidence comes from the acts.
1. Confidence Through Momentum
Michael always emphasizes that even the smallest actions create momentum. He believes making a phone call, drafting a plan, or starting a conversation, whatever it may be, will help build compounding effects. It gives confidence by proving to yourself that this is possible.
For example, Michael never began Success Tutoring as a national franchise. He began tutoring just one student and listened to the needs of his student. Each little success validated his vision and ability to make it come true.
2. Action as an obstacle to the doubts
Action practically distracts the mind from self-doubting. Focusing on the job takes away your focus from negative thoughts and gives it to constructive solutions. Michael observed that being busy with work gives him little space for allowing himself to doubt himself.
Lessons from Michael Black’s Experience
1. Start small but start now.
He also believes in starting small. When he found things too big for him with his problems at Success Tutoring, he split them into smaller steps. This made the process less scary and he could also celebrate a few of the small wins along the way.
For Michael, the secret is to start-no matter how imperfectly. “Waiting for the perfect time or perfect plan is just another form of self-doubt,” he says. “The only way to overcome it is to begin.”
2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
The second important tenet of Michael’s philosophy is that progress is much better than perfection. Usually, it is a case of self-doubt because one wants things right the first time. He advises one to accept errors as part of learning.
As he himself learned, one cannot aim for perfection. Growth is the key. Each trial, whether it is successful or not, provides for the acquisition of lessons to apply in improvement.
3. Tap into Your Network of Support
Michael always believed that everybody needs to have a network of support-mentors, family, or colleagues who believe in you and help counterbalance all the feelings of self-doubt.
As a young man, Michael was blessed with advisors who at all times had a word of encouragement and some perspective on things. Today, he pays forward as he mentors students, entrepreneurs, and educators going through their own bouts of doubts and struggles.
Applying This Philosophy in Education
Michael Black’s work at Success Tutoring reflects his commitment to helping others overcome their self-doubts. Most of the students who go to Success Tutoring suffer from a lack of confidence and do not feel they are “good enough” in academic terms.
Michael’s method enables the students to feel self-confidence step by step. Mastering an idea or attaining a grade level, they start feeling capable at each stage and become confident one after another.
A student came one time feeling crushed by failure after failure at math. Michael and his team drew up a detailed plan breaking down the subject into manageable parts. Every little success would increase the confidence of this student to now look at learning and life differently.
Self-Doubt as an Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship is a path fraught with uncertainty and, very often, a companion in self-doubt. Michael Black knows this all too well. Every step of building Success Tutoring presented new questions and challenges for raising funds and scaling operations.
Simple advice from Michael Black to aspiring entrepreneurs: trust the process. According to him, the only thing they should focus on is taking consistent meaningful action, and setbacks are an opportunity for growth.
“Every entrepreneur faces moments of doubt,” Michael says. “The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is the ability to take action, even when you’re unsure.”
Actionable Steps to Overcome Self-Doubt
Michael Black’s philosophy can be distilled into actionable steps that anyone can apply:
- Acknowledge Your Doubts: Recognize self-doubt without letting it paralyze you.
- Break Down Goals: Divide big goals into smaller, achievable tasks.
- Celebrate small wins: acknowledge whatever success no matter how small.
- Positive Reinforcement from a Positive Influencer: mentors, friends, and family support the dream.
- Learn from failures: failure is just the opportunity to grow, and one will become better from such mistakes.
- Keep on reminding yourself of your “why”: the purpose and change that you want to effect
Ripple Effect of Self-Efficacy Through Action
Michael Black’s philosophy not only helps the people but also creates a ripple effect that inspires others. When this confident action is emulated, Michael gives the power to students, educators, and entrepreneurs to move above their own self-doubts and work towards their goal.
Here at Success Tutoring, it shows how students once disbelieving in their potential now inspire themselves to succeed as they become confident.
Final Thoughts
The antidote to self-doubt is the one small step forward. It is the way Michael Black has dealt with uncertainty to win confidence. His story tells that the main antidote to come out from the grip of self-doubt is action.
Through his work, he inspires people to take that first step, embrace progress over perfection, and believe in their ability to do big things. It is a testament to the transformative power of action: proof that the smallest moves can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Remember, Michael: Start small, start now, and let each step forward build the confidence you need to keep going. Your future is waiting, and it begins with action today.
