It's common for us to feel inadequate and less significant throughout various stages of our lives. However for some this can be an ongoing state of mind that affects their daily lives. They simply assume that they aren't good enough, smart enough, young enough and allow self doubt to affect their levels of confidence.

Usually this self doubt stems from past experiences that we've encountered throughout their lives. Particularly negative and traumatic experiences can have a profound affect on how we evaluate our worth both personally and in the eyes of others.

A good example of this maybe a person being subjected to bullying during their schooling years or perhaps a particularly traumatic relationship where they were constantly criticized and made to feel insignificant and even worthless in extreme cases.

* Past experiences that were traumatic are one of the biggest contributing factors to a person developing low self worth, self doubt and having low levels of confidence.

Can you relate to this? Do you feel less significant than others? Do you lack self confidence? Do you doubt yourself and your abilities?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then the next question is how can you turn things around and gain the self confidence and belief you want and deserve? The following is one of the key areas for overcoming self doubt and building your self confidence.

Avoid letting the criticism of others affect you in a negative manner

First you need to let go of the criticism you were subject to in the past. This isn't easy as it's a projection of your subconscious and ingrained in your mind but be mindful of it and accept that the past is the past. STOP revisiting those memories and allowing them to affect the person you are today!

You also need to learn to shut out the negative criticism you may face in the present. For example, if you had a confrontation at work with your employer or perhaps a colleague then don't allow it to play and over and over in your mind. We all encounter confrontational situations but once it's done it's done. If you feel maybe you were genuinely at fault then apologize and then forget about it.

If you feel that the other person was totally unjust in their actions and perhaps picking on you because you're an easier target then just let it go over head and know you're the better for doing so. Gaining confidence in yourself will be impossible if you allow others to affect you in a negative manner like this.

Remember as well that people who vent their anger towards others like that (especially those of authority over the person) usually do so because of their own inadequacies. If someone acts in this manner then learn to laugh it off in your mind. Their negative criticism says more about them than it does you!

* Never rise to the challenge, you're a better person for learning to let negative criticism go over your head than the other person is for dishing it out.

* Where possible surround yourself with people who are encouraging and positive and make you feel worthy and strong.

Although this only one technique for building self confidence and eliminating doubt it's one of the most important. It's empowering to be able to rise above these criticisms of others. Learn to let go of your inhibitions and take the opinions and criticisms of others at face value.