Colm, I do want to post and share the experience. I feel it is a little bit too soon to give feedback, because a lot of advice has been given and there is a lot to take on board.
I feel that one theory is right: there is most likely a deep and inconscious belief in me that creates the negative mind chatter.
Here is what I have started doing:
- accept my doubt
- relax
- account for my goals
I listen to my doubt, and stop trying to deny it, to kill it... because it is a part of me, and all I end up doing is trying to kill a part of myself. So I pay attention, and try to not freak out. Maybe it's trying to tell me something. I am not saying I agree with it... but when it comes, I pause, let it pass like a breeze of wind, then carry on with whatever I was doing.
A lot of my doubt surface when I am on a stage in front of people, or in front of my paper, imagining people reading my writing... I relax trying to look at the situation from a larger perspective. In the end, the world will not stop if I am not perfect.
Yesterday, I gave a speech, and I felt much less nervous, even if there was a lot to improve about my delivery, my word choice, etc... I didn't put so much pressure on myself.
Finally, sticking to my goals is a big piece of work for me, so I try and not take more projects until I complete the ongoing ones...
Will let you know once I have had time to study the links I was given.
Have a great day!