Feeling That “I Can’t Do This” Panic? Here’s How to Snap Out of It

Okay, let’s talk about something we all feel but nobody loves to admit: self-doubt.

You know that moment—right before you hit send, step on stage, speak up, start something—that nagging whisper pops up: “Who do you think you are?”

Yeah. That one.

The Ancient Root of a Modern Problem

That doubt is not just insecurity. It’s ancient. Like, caveman-level ancient. Back in the day, doing something “risky” or standing out literally could get you kicked out of the tribe. And if you got kicked out of the tribe? That was it. No more fire. No more protection. No more berries.

So your brain—sweet, loyal, overprotective—learned to avoid that kind of danger at all costs.

The only problem?
We’re not in the cave anymore.

But our brains haven’t exactly updated their software. They're still operating like one wrong move means exile. So every time we try something new or bold or vulnerable, that same survival instinct flares up. Cue the doubt. Cue the hesitation. Cue the panic.

So What Can You Actually Do About It?

You don’t have to go full Beyoncé right out of the gate. In fact, please don’t. Your primitive brain will absolutely short-circuit.

Instead?
Take a tiny step.
Just one. That’s all it takes to start disarming that inner alarm system.

Feel like you can’t do the big thing? Cool. Do the small thing that leads to the big one.

Post the idea. Send the email. Open the notebook. Ask the question. One teeny-tiny action that you can do without alerting your amygdala. Sneak by the guards if you will.

Little Wins = Big Growth

Here’s the secret sauce:
One small win leads to another.
And then another. And before you know it, you’re doing the big thing you thought you couldn’t do—and that lizard brain of yours is just sitting there like, “Huh. Guess that wasn’t so bad.”

You’re still going to get that fluttery feeling. That “oh god what if I fail” moment. That’s not a red flag. That’s a growth flag.

It means you’re evolving.

So next time you feel that doubt? Smile at it. Say “Thanks for your concern.” And then take the step.

You’ve got this. One little win at a time.

—Katie