(soft upbeat music)
- The Virgin founder and all-around adventurer,
Richard Branson, isn't the kind of guy
to let doubt stand in the way of an outlandish goal.
But, just because Branson personifies
the swashbuckling, risk-taking entrepreneur,
that doesn't mean he never experiences self-doubt.
Branson confessed that he, too,
is sometimes haunted by doubts.
He just refuses to be stopped by them.
So how does he overcome fear when it threatens
to stand in the way of his outsized dreams?
His first move is to remind himself
"of all the brilliant innovations and discoveries
that would have come to nothing
if their innovators had given in to their doubts."
His next move is to try a handful
of well-practiced, fear-busting techniques.
Number one: talk it out.
Left in your head, doubts can metastasize
or return in an endless loop of unproductive rumination.
Rather than worry over the same fear over and over again,
it's better to let the air in with a little conversation
and fresh perspective.
"It's always a good idea to discuss any doubt you have
with colleagues and friends,
and to really listen to their feedback.
If you feel more confident after these conversations,
take a 'screw it, let's do it' attitude
and push your doubts to the side."
Number two: examine your doubt.
What if your doubt seems to linger?
Then it may be time to listen to it.
Sometimes doubt is there for a reason,
and the best way to deal with it
is to actually solve whatever issue is causing you to worry.
"Your doubts may signal a niggling problem
that has to be addressed.
If you demand proof from your doubt,
you'll be able to either squash it or solve the problem.
Either way, your dreams and ideas will be better for it."
And, number three: take a break.
Like any good brit, Branson's final suggestion
starts off with the need to get a cup of tea.
But don't worry if you're not a fan
of hot steeped beverages,
the point is that sometimes the best solution
for negative thoughts and tough obstacles
is a little distance.
"Whenever doubt starts to get the better of me,
I find exercise really helps.
I'll get on my bike, play some tennis,
or have some downtime with my family.
This is often when my best ideas come to me as well."
Science shows nature reduces stress,
exercise makes us smarter,
and rhythmic activities that demand some
but not all of our attention,
like walking or shampooing your hair,
can shake out creative ideas.
No wonder taking a break can actually be the fastest way
to work your way out of self doubt.