Joy Wasted with KB Dickey

Have you ever noticed that your first instinct is often right—but you still change your answer? Recently, while preparing for my professional exam, I realized something powerful: 98% of the time, my first answers were correct. Yet, I kept second-guessing myself and switching to the wrong choice. That left me asking, Why do I keep doing this when I’m right?

This isn’t just about exams. It’s about life. Many of us struggle with an internal block that keeps us from trusting ourselves. Let’s unpack why this happens and how to overcome it.

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Why We Second-Guess Ourselves

Second-guessing is rooted in fear and self-doubt. Here are some common reasons:

1. Fear of Failure
   We think, “What if I’m wrong?” That fear pushes us to overanalyze and override our intuition.
2. Perfectionism
   When we believe we must be flawless, we assume our first thought can’t possibly be good enough.
3. Conditioning
   Society often teaches us to seek external validation—teachers, bosses, peers—so we learn to distrust our own judgment.
4. Overthinking
   Our brain loves to complicate things. Instead of trusting the knowledge we’ve worked hard to build, we spiral into “what if” scenarios.

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The Truth About Your First Instinct

Research shows that your first answer is usually your best answer—especially when you’ve prepared. That initial response comes from your subconscious, which has processed all the information you’ve learned. When you second-guess, you’re letting fear override logic.

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How to Start Trusting Yourself

1. Recognize the Pattern
   Awareness is the first step. Notice when you’re changing answers or doubting decisions.
2. Pause Before You Switch
   Ask yourself: Why am I changing this? Is it based on evidence or fear?
3. Build Confidence Through Preparation
   The more you study or practice, the more you can trust that your instincts are informed.
4. Affirm Your Knowledge
   Use affirmations like: I trust my first instinct. I’ve prepared for this moment.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
   Even if you make a mistake, it doesn’t define you. Trust grows when you allow yourself to learn without judgment.

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The Bigger Lesson

Second-guessing isn’t just an exam habit—it’s a life habit. Every time you override your intuition, you chip away at self-trust. But when you start honoring your first instinct, you unlock confidence, clarity, and success.

So next time you feel the urge to change an answer—or a decision—pause and remind yourself:
You’ve got this. Your first instinct is powerful. Trust it.

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