I’m a quote nerd, collecting them like a philatelist collects stamps or a card collector hoards football cards. I have quotes filling old notebooks and journals, tucked away in files somewhere in the cloud, or proudly displayed as a constant reminder. They make their way onto the covers of my journals, tacked up on my walls, or sharpied onto my mirrors.
So when I come across one or someone says something that stands out to me, I jot it down so I don’t lose it. It’s an addiction, I know. But a healthy one, I think.
This quote, I came across during a Peloton cycling class recently, instructor Olivia Amato (@oliviaamato) shared a phrase that landed unexpectedly but powerfully: “Any doubt, toss it out.” She even surprised herself with the rhyme, calling it out with a smile.
Yet those words lingered with me long after the class ended. And, you guessed it; I had to write it down.
The Meaning Behind the Quote
At its core, “Any doubt, toss it out” is about refusing to let uncertainty dictate your actions. Doubt is often an unwelcome guest in our minds, sowing seeds of hesitation and fear. This phrase is a call to recognize that self-doubt, while common, is not always truthful or useful. It reminds us to actively reject thoughts that undermine our potential, much like discarding old, unnecessary clutter that no longer serves a purpose.
Doubt, when left unchecked, can prevent us from taking risks, pursuing dreams, or even simply believing in ourselves. This quote is an invitation to practice discernment—to acknowledge when doubt is merely an unfounded fear rather than a helpful signal. By metaphorically tossing it out, we make space for confidence, action, and progress.
How This Relates to Everyone
While the quote resonates strongly with those who suffer from anxiety, its message is universally applicable. We all experience doubt in various aspects of our lives—career decisions, relationships, personal goals, or even day-to-day tasks.
Think about when you second-guessed yourself. Maybe you hesitated before speaking up in a meeting, questioned your ability to start a new project, or felt unqualified despite your accomplishments. Doubt sneaks in, whispering that you’re not ready, not good enough, or that failure is inevitable.
But what if, instead of entertaining that doubt, you simply tossed it out? What if you trusted yourself more and allowed action to take the place of hesitation?
By embracing this mindset, we free ourselves from the weight of self-doubt and step into a space where we can move forward with clarity and conviction.
For Those Suffering from Anxiety
For someone struggling with anxiety, this simple phrase can serve as a powerful mental reset. Anxiety often thrives on self-doubt—second-guessing decisions, fearing the worst, and questioning one’s own worth.
“Any doubt, toss it out” is a reminder to disrupt that cycle. When doubt creeps in, envision physically tossing it away, as though you’re clearing clutter from your mind. This act of release creates space for self-compassion and confidence, helping to replace the heaviness of uncertainty with a sense of empowerment.
It’s not about ignoring challenges but choosing not to give power to unhelpful, anxiety-fueled thoughts. A small shift in mindset like this can pave the way to calm and clarity.
How to Apply This in Everyday Life
- Catch the Doubt: When you notice yourself hesitating or questioning your abilities, pause for a moment. Recognize that doubt is present.
- Assess Its Validity: Ask yourself if this doubt is based on fact or fear. Is it truly protecting you from something, or is it just keeping you stuck?
- Physically Toss It Out: Use visualization or even a physical motion (such as flicking your hand outward) to symbolize discarding the doubt.
- Replace It With a Truth: Swap doubt for an empowering thought. Instead of “I can’t do this,” say “I am capable, and I will try.”
- Take Action: Even a small step in the right direction builds confidence. Momentum grows when we move forward despite doubt.
Final Thoughts
Doubt will always try to find a way in, but it doesn’t have to stay. The next time you feel uncertainty creeping in, remember Olivia Amato’s words: Any doubt, toss it out. See it, acknowledge it, and then let it go.
You are stronger, wiser, and more capable than your doubts would have you believe. Trust yourself. Move forward with confidence. And if a lingering doubt remains? You know what to do.
If you are a quote junkie like I am, share your favorites. I could always use some more.