I grew up struggling with self-doubt and overthinking. I always had a deep love for learning about myself but I often found myself trapped in my own thoughts, unable to take decisive action. Structure was missing from my life, and I constantly second-guessed myself.
Over time, I developed a skill that would change everything: Cognitive reframing.
This powerful mindset shift helped me turn self-doubt into confidence, overthinking into strategic thinking, and anxiety into self-awareness.
What is cognitive reframing?
Cognitive reframing is a powerful tool for managing overthinking. When you overthink, your mind gets stuck in a loop of negative or anxious thoughts, analyzing the same problem over and over. Reframing helps you break that cycle by shifting your perspective.
For example, if you think, “I failed, so I’m not good enough,” you can reframe it as “This is a learning experience, and I can improve next time.”
How Motherhood Reshaped My Mindset
When I look back, I realize the true turning point for this mindshift happened when I became a mother.
Motherhood was the first responsibility that I fully owned. When I held my son for the first time, I realized that his growth and well-being were in my hands. And with that realization came another: If I had the power to shape and nurture another human being, I also had the power to shape myself.
I had spent years accumulating knowledge, but motherhood forced me to apply it in real-time. I had to trust my instincts, make decisions, and move forward despite uncertainty. There was no room for endless self-doubt when my child depended on me for guidance.
The Power of Cognitive Reframing
Through this journey, I discovered that:
Overthinking could be transformed into critical thinking—instead of spiraling, I learned to analyze effectively.
Self-doubt could fuel self-improvement—I started using challenges as opportunities to grow.
Anxiety could become awareness and preparation—I learned to anticipate problems and plan ahead rather than fear the unknown.
Motherhood didn’t erase my tendency to overthink; instead, it gave it structure, purpose, and clarity. It became the foundation for how I approach challenges in both my personal and professional life.
Reframing Motherhood as a Path to Personal Growth
Motherhood isn’t just about raising children—it’s about raising ourselves. I realized that the lessons I taught my children were the same ones I needed to apply to myself:
Progress over perfection.
I wouldn’t expect my child to get everything right the first time, so why did I demand it from myself? I started practicing the same patience I gave them.
Curiosity over fear.
Children explore without fear. I began asking, What if I approached challenges the same way? That shift turned uncertainty into opportunity.
Kindness in self-talk.
I encourage my child when they stumble—so why was I so harsh on myself? I started offering myself the same words of reassurance.
Now, whenever I find myself falling into overthinking or self-doubt, I remind myself: If I can teach my children resilience, confidence, and strength, then I can teach myself the same.
Motherhood didn’t just teach me how to raise a child. It taught me how to raise myself.
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