In Conversation with a State of Mind--Doubt

**This piece is being published as a work in progress :)

Transcript: In Conversation with a State of Mind--Doubt

Interviewer: Welcome back, we are glad you’re here! We have a great guest with us today. We are excited to get into conversation with Doubt! Doubt is the author of a new book, In Solidarity: How Doubt Leads You to Confidence. She demystifies misconceptions around her role and clarifies her purpose as a partner to help people reach toward their higher selves. Doubt, thanks for being here with us today. 

Doubt: Thank you so much for having me! 

Interviewer: So, let’s just jump right in. Doubt, can you tell us about yourself and your role as a partner with folx? 

Doubt: Yeah, thank you so much for asking! I think I would categorize myself formally as a consultant, but I like to consider myself a thought partner. I think it’s a little bit more informal, but I do think it captures the dialogic approach I take when working with someone. I usually show up when folx have new opportunities, are making big decisions, or trying something new. 

Interviewer: Okay, got it. So, in the Introduction of your new book, you mention that there are a lot of misunderstandings around your purpose. Can you explain that? 

Doubt: (laughs) yes! I’m sort of under attack in the self-help world of influencers (laughs) right now.

Interviewer: (laughs) Tell us more about that. 

Doubt: Well, most people know me pretty intimately, but over time, people have developed this intense aversion to me. It’s this idea that, like, if a person is in conversation with Doubt, then they are in danger. That person–as fast as they can–needs to sage the space, chant incantations, and expel me immediately, because otherwise, they may stop believing in themselves or question everything or become uncertain about what to do next. 

Interviewer: Hmm, yes, I’ve seen some posts that push back against your purpose and advocate a harsh break with you. So, where do you think this comes from? 

Doubt: Ugh, I don’t know for certain! I do have this nagging suspicion that it comes from our emotional illiteracy. We are in a society that acts as if emotions don’t exist or that any state of mind that isn’t immediately comfortable should be devalued and shunned. But, I have discovered, during my own journey and reflection, that I think the root of this issue is that we don’t understand the purpose of these emotions or states of mind. That’s why–

Interviewer:--you wrote the book? 

Doubt: Yes! Also because business is in jeopardy (laughs), but in all seriousness, I’m a valuable partner if the relationship is clear. 

Interviewer: Tell us, then. What kind of partnership should people expect from you? 

Doubt: Can I tell you a story to answer this? 

Interviewer: Please do. 

Doubt: I worked with someone once. They had just received an email back from a hiring manager about the job that they applied to. They were over the moon and wanted to connect about it. I told them, sure of course. I asked them about the job details and description and also about some of their personal responsibilities. The job was a promotion and was promising great pay, which this person wanted really badly, because they had just had their second child and wanted their spouse to take time off. They already made pretty good money, but they were convinced that this raise was what the family needed. 

Interviewer: That makes sense, kids are expensive.

Doubt: Right. They totally are, financially, but also, they are expensive emotionally and mentally and creatively. I asked about the adjustments from 1 - 2 kids and this person told me it was pretty rough because both kids are under 2. Additionally, they didn’t live close to family. I asked about the workload of the promotion. This person said that they were totally capable of doing the work, but it would probably be an additional 10 - 20 hours a week.