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Hey everyone,

It's Neon here, diving into something that's been on my mind a lot lately. Have you ever felt like you're somehow allergic to success, or maybe just afraid of it? Like there's this invisible barrier holding you back, whispering that big wins aren't meant for someone like you? I've been reflecting on whether there's a self-defeating mechanism deep inside me, planted from my chaotic upbringing (or lack of one), that keeps me from stepping fully into my potential.

I also wonder: Am I alone in this? Or do others feel that same quiet sabotage?

Let me share a story that still lingers with me. A few years back, I invested in a crypto project that started to skyrocket. Serious momentum—I could have been a millionaire within months. But then, disaster hit: a hack, followed by some questionable decisions from the founders, and it all crumbled. What sticks with me isn't just the loss; it's how I felt during the surge. Excitement built: "Wow, it's really happening. I'm going to make it." But beneath it, a little voice sneered, "You? Really?" It was this unspoken doubt, a core belief that I shouldn't get too excited because success like that could never be for me.

I've seen others thrive consistently. Not always because they're smarter or more talented—sometimes it's just because they act. But in other cases, it's their mindset: They expect good things because, well, they always have. The universe seems to align with their confidence. For me? My doubts run deep, and I know they tie back to my upbringing. But to what extent? I'm still unpacking that.

I recall a moment at 15, before I ran away from home. Chatting with a friend, Joel (some of you might know him), I said something casual that revealed my insecurities. He gave me a strange look and said, "Dude, you're going to have an inferiority complex." It struck hard. Even then, I knew he was right. I have replayed the conversation hundreds of times over the years. I've always known it was true, but I never figured out how to change it.

That complex has led me to sell myself short so many times. I'm fearless in many ways, but when opportunities stare me down, I hesitate because I feel lesser than. I've shared this before—those moments where I spot a golden chance, meet its gaze, and do nothing. It's happened with ventures, ideas, and even people.

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Picture this: At a day club in Hollywood, a hugely popular actress sat across the room. Her friends had left, leaving her alone. I noticed her—living in LA, celebrities aren't unusual—so I looked away. A minute later, I glanced back, and she was staring right at me. Eyes locked, no one else around. She looked stunning in a sundress with a crown of daisies. And what did I do? Absolutely nothing. I didn't approach. In my mind, even with her clear interest, there was no way someone like her could want someone like me. Who was I, anyway?

Why do some of us think this way? What sparks it an unstable childhood, repeated setbacks, societal pressures? And crucially, how do we break through? Therapy? Mindset tweaks? Surrounding ourselves with believers?

If this hits home—if you've felt that inner voice pulling you back—tell me. Reply here or post on X (@Neon_on_X). Share your experiences; let's unpack this together.

While we're all figuring this out, here are some ways I've been exploring to push past it.

Conquering this isn't instant. It's about rewiring your brain through steady, consistent effort. Experts point to a layered approach: mindset shifts, real actions, being kind to yourself, and having solid support. Here's a clear guide with practical steps, based on real insights.

Important note from me: All of these are new to me as well. I haven't started any of these therapies or tactics yet. I haven't read the books either. I added them because I'm genuinely interested and thought you might be too. If any of this resonates, this section can point you in the right direction when you're ready to try something. Start small, track your progress in a simple note or app, and build from there.

Build Self Awareness: Uncover the Roots Spend 10 to 15 minutes each day journaling about moments when doubt hits. Write something like: "During that crypto rise I felt unworthy because..." Then trace it back. Did your parents or lack of them criticize more than they encouraged? This simple habit interrupts the automatic pattern. If you're open to it, consider cognitive or Adlerian therapy to shift the belief "I'm lesser" to "I'm capable." Online options like BetterHelp make it easy to start. For social anxiety like freezing in that Hollywood moment, try gradual exposure. Start with small interactions to build comfort. Take a free attachment style quiz to see if insecure patterns from early life are fueling this. A solid one is at attachmentproject.com/attachment style quiz. It's quick, takes about 5 minutes, and helps you understand your wiring. Healing comes from building secure connections now.

Challenge Negative Self Talk: Reframe the Inner Voice When that voice says "You? Really?" hit back with evidence. List five real wins. Your growing audience, surviving tough times, anything solid. Ask yourself: "Is this a fact or just fear?" Studies on cognitive techniques show this can cut distorted thinking significantly. Create simple honest affirmations like "I've seized chances before so I can again." Say them daily but back them with action. Apps like Calm have 10 minute mindfulness sessions to observe thoughts without getting swept up. Research shows this quiets the brain's fear center over time.

Stop Comparisons and Build Self Worth We all know social media is tough to quit, especially in crypto and online spaces, but when self doubt gets triggered try being more mindful of your time online. Set a hard cap at 30 minutes a day and mute accounts that spark comparison. Shift focus to "comparison steals joy." Track only your own progress. Each day list three unique strengths or things you're grateful for like "I'm fearless in chaos." This moves you from seeing gaps to recognizing your gifts. Do a quick SWOT analysis (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats) to lean into what you're good at like your storytelling for goals that match your values not someone else's.

Take Behavioral Risks: Build Momentum Through Action Start with low stakes moves: message one contact, pitch a small idea, or reply to someone in a group. Build up to bigger ones like chasing that opportunity you've been eyeing. Celebrate every step. It reprograms your brain to link action with reward. Set value based goals instead of just "get rich." Think "take one daily step toward my vision." Use SMART goals (Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time bound) and track them in an app. Visualize success then role play tough scenarios like approaching someone with a friend to make it feel normal.

Foster Support and Self Compassion Surround yourself with people who lift you up like Joel for real conversations. Join crypto communities, growth groups, or X circles where people share honestly and hold each other accountable. Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd give a friend: "Doubt is normal you're human." This simple shift can reduce harsh self criticism noticeably. If things feel stuck look into short term anxiety tools or trauma resources to speed things up. No shame in extra support.

Long Term Maintenance: Prevent Relapse Once a month review what opportunities you grabbed or missed and adjust. Support your brain and body: exercise to burn off stress hormones like cortisol, prioritize sleep, and eat foods rich in omega 3s (fish nuts etc). Keep reading solid books like The Gifts of Imperfection (Brene Brown) or Atomic Habits (James Clear) for ongoing tools and reminders.

For the Skeptics: Overcoming Self Doubt Without the Therapy BS

Some people see therapy as too soft or a waste of time. That's fair not everyone wants to dig into feelings with a stranger. The good news? You don't need it to make real progress. There are straightforward no fluff ways to break down that inferiority complex and build serious confidence. These focus on discipline action and results pure grind stuff that actually works when you stick with it.

Confront Your BS Head On: Acknowledge and Challenge the Noise When that doubting voice kicks in "You? Really?" during a big opportunity or moment of doubt don't ignore it call it out. Write it down or say it out loud then immediately list hard evidence against it: past wins tough times you survived skills you've built. This is mindset auditing not journaling fluff. Do it consistently like weekly reps in the gym. Staring in the mirror daily and reminding yourself "Those I feel inferior to aren't superior" sounds simple but repetition builds proof that the voice is lying.

Stop Comparing to Idiots: Focus on Your Own Lane Comparisons kill momentum especially in crypto or LA where everyone's flexing wins. Cut the noise: limit social media time unfollow triggers that spark doubt. Track only your own progress yesterdays you vs todays. Break goals into tiny steps message one contact today instead of build an empire. Stack small wins and own them as evidence you're moving up. Compare only to yourself. That shift takes you from feeling like a victim to being in the drivers seat.

Build Proof Through Action: Grind Out Small Risks Ideas without action are worthless. Force yourself into low level discomfort: send that cold email approach someone at an event or take a small step toward something you've been avoiding. Start tiny so it doesn't feel overwhelming. Repetition rewires your brain fear turns into habit. No magic just consistent execution.

Leverage Your Edges: Turn Weaknesses into Weapons Dig into what makes you different your boldness from a rough background street smarts or ability to hustle. Amplify those instead of hiding them. Set goals based on your own values not what others chase. When you flop skip the self pity and ask: "What did I gain?" This turns failures into data. Watch out for fake superiority too thinking you're better because you don't party or follow the crowd is just another delusion that blocks real growth. Own your path fully no excuses.

Hack Your Environment: Surround Yourself with Winners Cut out energy drainers and build a circle of mentors podcasts or X groups where people share real wins not just flexes. Read no nonsense books like Atomic Habits for building routines or The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck for dropping unnecessary doubts. Practice tactical gratitude: list three edges you have over yesterdays version of you. Hit the gym or go for runs to spike endorphins and burn off doubt fueled stress. Determination alone crushes this when you pair it with smart shifts.

In essence treat it like a project: spot the pattern make a plan compound the wins. Your backstory already gave you grit now weaponize it. If you're in the grind drop your no BS hacks on X: "How'd you beat doubt without the soft stuff?" You've already started by facing this head on keep stacking.

Until next time ———> claim what's ours.

For those of you that don’t know and maybe have a different idea of it. Be Punk Rock about your life. Make things happen. Always keep pushing, especially when people tell you can’t.

If you got this far, Thank you so much, it means the world to me.

Neon