4 Ways to Progress From Spiritual Doubt to Confidence

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Or so we are told. December brings the hype of Santa Claus and lights and decking the halls. But it can also bring moments of doubt and uncertainty as we contemplate where we are on our spiritual journey. Stories of the Christ child. Lighting the menorah. Kwanzaa. All religious traditions with a giant spotlight during the final month of the year.You might not feel like your spirituality is ready for the spotlight. Maybe you’re feeling a little rocky, with questions and uncertainty about where you stand on specific spiritual principles. That’s ok. ‘Tis the season. The season for a little extra magic and motivation to deepen our spiritual confidence. Below are a few suggestions to help us make the most of December.

1. Understand Your Spiritual Identity

I love the stories behind names. They add depth to an individual and allow us to live up to a legacy. Just as we take pride in our given name, we should look deeper and strive to understand our spiritual legacy.“Having a personal sense of spirituality is one of the most important steps to happiness. For many people, this sense gives life meaning. Without it, life can seem empty and without purpose” (“How to Reclaim Your Spiritual Identity”).To discover this core identity, reflect on the spiritual moments you’ve had. Think about a time you’ve felt your soul connect with heaven. A time when you’ve felt your spirit-filled. Contemplate the relationship you have with God. That higher power ignites an inner light. You are truly a spiritual being.Understanding this divine identity provides a foundation for your spiritual journey. Relying on this truth will help you develop a deeper confidence in your personal beliefs.

2. Explore Your Beliefs

The best part of a journey is an adventure. Getting lost on a curvy, country road. Taking a dirt path off a hiking trail. Exploring beliefs and personal morals on your own spiritual journey should be no different.When we step into unknown spiritual territory, our faith grows. Discovering new truths—whether from others’ beliefs or communication through prayer—instigates progression. It allows us to contemplate how the new spiritual belief fits in to our outlook and grows our faith. As our faith expands, our confidence deepens. Rather than judging others for taking the road less traveled or uncharted territory, let’s see it as an adventure. An adventure of exploration and questioning the core of who we are. An adventure with twists and turns that help us strengthen our spirituality. And…who doesn’t love a good adventure?

3. Create Spiritual Habits

Questions and doubt sneak into my thoughts when I get lost in the mundane of life and forget to nurture my spiritual core. But to ensure healthy spirituality, daily habits are required. Author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins taught: “If we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” Spiritual habits help develop our character and allow us to connect with our authentic self. As we create a relationship with our true, spiritual self through regular habits, doubt will dissipate. Confidence conquers the pesky thoughts of self-doubt and feeds our inner light. One prayer, one spiritual study, one act of service. One at a time, these habits brighten our light and deepen our confidence.

4. Stop Comparing

The quickest way to lose confidence in your spiritual wellness is to compare. Every single one of us is at a different place on our spiritual journey. Some of us are better at regularly engaging in service. Others are filled with faith, no matter the trials in their life. But if we judge others, we leave no room for love. Love for yourself or for others.“The trouble is that when we enter the state of comparison-making, our seeing is distorted. We become blind to our own value while devaluing or dismissing the real worth we have” (Psychology Today). Comparison chips away at the foundation of your spiritual identity. Don’t let the toxicity of comparing effect the faith you’ve grown at this point.Remember: we’re all at a different place in our spiritual journey. No matter where you are on the spectrum of spirituality, take time to test out these tips. Soak up the holiday magic and make it “the most wonderful time of the year.” Let the lights of this season spark a desire to deepen your spiritual confidence.