woman at top of cliff
Becoming an empowered woman | Living your best life

From doubt to determination: Believing in yourself

June 10, 2025

Posted by Karen Strang Allen

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

 

Did you know you can achieve just about anything in life if you change one simple thing?

And that thing is your beliefs.

And specifically, your belief in yourself—in your ability to succeed, to rise above obstacles, to create the life you’ve been dreaming of.

Because here’s the truth: the biggest common denominator among successful people isn’t their age, gender, culture, or even their resources. It’s their mindset.

They don’t let setbacks define them. When challenges arise, they don’t crumble…they adapt. When failure knocks them down, they get back up. What separates them from everyone else is not their talent or intelligence—it’s their unwavering belief that success is inevitable.

The power of decision

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

 

When you set a goal for yourself, it’s not enough to cross your fingers and hope it happens. That’s passive. That’s like standing at a wishing well, tossing in a coin, and waiting for the universe to do all the heavy lifting.

You are so much more powerful than that.

To succeed at your highest level, you need to move beyond wishing. You need to decide—decide that you are going after what you want. That you are going to succeed no matter what. That decision creates a shift in energy. It takes you from being a passive observer of your life to being the creator of your destiny.

When you say, “I will succeed,” you’re not just making a statement. You’re planting a flag in the ground. You’re telling the universe—and yourself—that you’re not turning back.

The 5 levels of belief

There are 5 levels of consciousness when it comes to beliefs. Most people never move past the first or second level. But if you want to achieve success, you need to climb higher.

1. Doubt (I can’t): This is the realm of self-doubt and self-sabotage. It’s the negative voice in your head that whispers, “Who do you think you are to even try?”

2. Desire (I should / I wish): At this stage, you realize you want something different, but you haven’t yet committed. You dream about change, but you don’t act on it.

3. Decision (I will / I must): Here’s where the shift happens. You commit to making the change, even if it’s uncomfortable. You decide to act.

4. Determination (I believe/ I know): At this level, your belief deepens. You don’t just decide to act—you embody the identity of someone who succeeds. You start saying, “I am capable. I am worthy. I am doing this.”

5. Declaration (I am): This is where success becomes a part of who you are. It’s no longer a struggle or an aspiration—it’s simply your reality.

Most people get stuck in the doubt or desire stages, wishing things were different but never taking the leap. But to create the life you want, you must move into decision, becoming, and ultimately realization.

Belief is the foundation of success

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

 

Here’s the thing: success doesn’t come from avoiding failure. It comes from believing that failure is just a stepping stone on the path to your goal.

When you believe you can succeed, you approach challenges differently. You don’t see them as roadblocks…you see them as opportunities to grow. You don’t let fear paralyze you…you let it propel you forward.

Belief is the foundation of everything. Because when you believe you can, you’ll find a way. And when you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.

Who do you believe you are?

“Your belief determines your action, and your action determines your results.” – Mark Victor Hansen

 

Belief isn’t just about what you want—it’s about who you think you are.

If you believe you’re someone who always struggles, who always fails, who isn’t good enough, then that belief will shape your reality. But if you believe you’re someone who is resilient, capable and worthy of success, you’ll start to act like it.

Your identity and beliefs are the building blocks of your mindset. And your mindset is what determines how far you’ll go.

The only way you fail is if you stop

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

 

Let’s be real: success isn’t linear. There will be obstacles. There will be moments when you feel like giving up. But the only way you truly fail is if you stop trying.

You must decide that success isn’t optional—it’s inevitable. And you must keep going, adjusting course as needed, until you get there.

Ready to shift your perspective?

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

 

If you’re reading this and feeling stuck at one of the lower levels of belief, you don’t have to stay there. You can change your mindset. You can shift your perspective. And you can succeed.

Sometimes, all it takes is a breakthrough—a moment of clarity that helps you see what’s been holding you back.

This is where I can help.

During a Love Breakthrough Session, we’ll explore the beliefs that are keeping you stuck in bad relationships and create a roadmap to help you move forward. You have the power to succeed in life and love—and I’d love to help you see that.

👉 Book your Love Breakthrough Session today and take the first step toward creating the life you dream of.

You are capable. You are worthy. And you are so much stronger than you think.
xo Karen

Share your thoughts

What doubts are getting in your way? Let’s start a conversation in the comments!

Resources

You may also enjoy these articles:

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

If you’d like to join a global community of single women who want to heal, feel empowered and support each other, I invite you to join my Empowered Single Women – loving life and attracting love Facebook group

About the author

Karen Strang Allen

Karen is a love and empowerment coach for single women. Widowed at 22 and separated at 35, Karen’s mission is to help single women feel great about who they are and create a life they love so they attract their dream partner. 

Learn More about Karen