A steady sense of inner self-confidence is needed to exceed the vagaries of self-doubt we may absorb from the weather, the world around us, or negativity in people we encounter. For many, it is difficult to hold a steady inner compass amidst all the distractions and pulls on our energies and time.

The new field of energy psychology supports and addresses taking personal responsibility for our health and moods. Better than that, it gives us specific tools for steering through the waters of personal  doubts with healthy, life-enhancing affirmations. To celebrate and encourage self-esteem in all layers of the personality, these affirmations and techniques are carefully anchored to the body and its energy system while stimulating changes in feeling, thinking, and actions.

Here's a sampling of specific things you can do to chase the clouds of self-doubt. To connect with the unlimited supply of energy that is available, you need two ready internal resources—your willingness and your intention.

• Listen to your inner dialoguethat may hold twinges of self-doubt. For example, " I can't decide," "I'm too old (or too young, or whatever else)" "I'm helpless," "There's nothing I can do," " The world is a mess," "I'm not smart/good/strong enough to cause change," "It's in the hands of others."
• Select one of thesevery present self-doubting thoughts with the intention and willingness to update it and make it something more refreshing and upbeat. Research demonstrates that our neurons fire and multiply when we stretch our minds to new ideas.
• Treat the phraseby incorporating it into a more positive, hopeful adage. Examples: "Even though I know the world is a mess, I still deeply and profoundly accept myself and choose to make at least one positive contribution every day." "Even though I feel helpless in this situation, I deeply and profoundly honor who I am and am finding a healing path."
• Embed the new statementinto the body by gently massaging the heart area. Let it resonate with each cell by repeating it as often as needed.
• Assert your right to "refire" self-doubtsor old beliefs by turning negative phrases into positive ones, and trusting your energy system to integrate the new information so it can be available when you need it.

Often, I'm asked questions on the spot. Recently, a number of journalists asked me how the new healthcare bill will affect personal health when goes into effect over the next several years. I answered, after releasing fear and self-doubt about making public statements, "No amount of insurance, even when it becomes available to a wider population, will guarantee good health or adequate care--taking personal responsibility for one's health is still the key. It begins with the mind: each person must ask themselves, 'Am I willing to help prevent illness in my body? Am I willing to eat nutritious foods and drop junk foods? Am I willing to exercise regularly and get 8 hours of sleep? Am I willing to affirm that I am the key to my health and stop depending on someone to do it for me?' Personal health is just that---personal, since each body is unique in its needs. When we learn to listen to the body and pay attention to what makes good sense, we can have better health."

I was quite amazed at how easily I said all that. Speaking up is an essential skill we all must practice after abandoning the ill winds self-doubt. You can re-fire your old patterns at any stage of the human life cycle. Empower yourself, release self-doubt, and live more fully!

Dr. Dorothea Hover-Kramer is a leading "re-firement coach" and the author of seven books about energy therapies includingSecond Chance at Your Dream.