The Borrowed Certainty of Self-Doubt: Insights from Leonardo Freixas

In a recent LinkedIn post, Leonardo Freixas delves into the often-misunderstood nature of self-doubt, reframing it not as a lack of certainty, but as a form of ‘borrowed certainty.’ Freixas argues that the internal voice of doubt is frequently an echo of external judgments internalized over time, rather than an authentic personal assessment.

Understanding the Origins of Self-Doubt

Freixas challenges the common perception of self-doubt as mere uncertainty. Instead, he posits that it often manifests as a seemingly familiar voice, one that has been heard and perhaps even respected in the past. This voice, he suggests, can originate from influential figures like parents, teachers, or managers whose opinions have left a lasting imprint.

As Leonardo Freixas notes:

Self-doubt rarely arrives as uncertainty. It arrives as recognition.
The voice feels true because you’ve heard it before.

This perspective highlights how deeply ingrained external feedback can shape our internal dialogue. Freixas elaborates on this by explaining that the power of these voices often persists long after the individuals themselves have moved on from our lives.

The Impact of Internalized Judgments

The core of Freixas’s argument centers on the idea that many individuals spend years adhering to judgments they never consciously chose. These are not personal failures or uncertainties, but rather verdicts absorbed from others. This distinction is crucial, as it shifts the focus from an internal deficit to an external imposition.

According to Leonardo Freixas:

Most people don’t lose years to fear. They lose years obeying judgments they never chose.

This observation underscores the passive way in which self-doubt can take hold. It suggests that overcoming self-doubt may involve a process of discernment – identifying which voices are truly one’s own and which are echoes of past external influences.

Borrowed Certainty: A Key Concept

Freixas introduces the concept of ‘borrowed certainty’ to encapsulate this phenomenon. He explains that the conviction behind self-doubt isn’t innate but rather adopted from figures who once held authority or influence. The departure of these individuals does not necessarily silence their judgments, which can continue to dictate personal beliefs and actions.

In Leonardo Freixas’s view:

Self-doubt is often borrowed certainty. The person left. The verdict stayed.

This powerful framing suggests that self-doubt is not a reflection of one’s inherent capabilities, but rather a lingering consequence of external validation or criticism. By recognizing self-doubt as ‘borrowed,’ individuals can begin the process of reclaiming their own authentic voice and decision-making power.

Freixas’s insights offer a valuable lens through which to examine the roots of personal hesitation and fear, encouraging a deeper understanding of how external narratives can shape internal realities. His work prompts a critical evaluation of the voices that guide our decisions and the origins of our deepest-seated beliefs about ourselves.