Freedom from Self-Doubt | B.J. Davis | TEDxSacramentoSalon
A former felon, turned doctor, clinical director, and professor, Dr. B J Davis is living proof that our past doesn’t dictate our future. Our past can refine us. He shares his story of coming to the realization that he needed to create own miracle.
Dr. Davis is the Director of Strategies for Change, a substance abuse and mental health treatment agency. He is also the author of the movie "What is Recovery?" In addition to his doctorate, Davis has a dual BA in philosophy and religion, and masters’ degrees in psychology and counseling. Aside from working at Strategies, he is a Professor in the Forensic and Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program and consultant to the Sacramento Aids Housing Alliance.
It is his history that allows Dr. Davis to speak with authority. A recovering drug addict, Davis spent time in State and Federal prisons, until he found people who believed in him, then a reason to believe in himself. Rather than drugs he depended on praise, and used that to become a director, a doctor, and a mentor. He now uses his unique background in addiction, recovery, and counseling to encourage others to believe in themselves.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
"The only person left to believe in me, that needed to believe in me, was me" is so powerful. Thank you
Yes! This hit hard!!
💯
I agree. I am an old guy now and have actually had similar experiences throughout the decades of my lifetime. I spent too many times saying and doing non beneficial things chasing the crave of approval and the results didn't improve my financial status or improve my social life. Additions are more than Drugs and alcohol. I can do this. Thank you BJ.
Indeed its amazing statement !
Self-doubt, inferiority complex, low self-esteem imprison a person like no other. It evokes paralyzing fear, triggers anxiety, encourages loss of hope, and results in depression!
That's right, I agree with you because am experiencing that, and it's a miserable feeling especially if injustice is there too
Self doubf is worst even m suffering i dont beleve in my self..
If you walk around feeling defeated, doubtful, and sad, the Universe can’t supply you with high-vibe positivity.
subhankar de well said!
@@hannahbeghi8148 Forget about your injustice. Change your self image.
This wasn't just a TEDx Talk, it was a brave and directed self-disclosure. I had the extreme pleasure and honor of working in the substance abuse counseling and prison re-entry fields with Dr. Davis as my Clinical Director for 5 years and his passion for scientific/evidence based Behavioral Health treatment are a passion driven by his own life life experiences. As a person in recovery myself, his message has brought truly meaningful and lasting change to my life based on his message that "It was regaining the belief in myself that gave me the power to change the direction of my life". Thank you BJ!
Karlene E u
Mark Parker Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Dr. Davis has a powerful story on his own but it is always meaningful to hear from a personal co-signer.
Excellent Video clip! Apologies for chiming in, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you thought about - Lanaleb Peyaria Rule (just google it)? It is an awesome one of a kind guide for clearing self-doubt and achieving success minus the hard work. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my cousin after many years got amazing results with it.
Powerful!!
The world is much better when people remove masks, for real. Thank you for sharing. Dr Davis has an amazing story.
Conclusion: You can achieve anything in life, just believe in yourself.
This was very extensive n bloated
@@getjoshnow This was very extensive n bloated
Self doubt somehow is the *real boss stage*, most hard to defeat.
_"You don't have to wait for a miracle, you can _*_create_*_ your own."_ -B.J. Davis
I hope you created a miracle in your life in the year since you quoted this 💛 Thank you for sharing
My favourite part was when he said, "You can either let your past DEfine you, or REfine you" so inspirational 🙌
Learn how to speak
krisz Salas yeeeesss
💔
@@doloresconolly7602 no negativity, thank you.
Exactly great purpose too know and rely on in those times of being in matters of trauma or neglected situations just imagine the worse that's happening around the world who don't have all these answers gathered😪🥲✅
I teared up at his mother getting to see the man she always believed he can be. If he can accomplish all that after addiction and prison, maybe I can do it too. :')
Laura Dawn Cannon No Doubt about it Laura!!
Yes you can!!!!!!
You sure can Laura!
Yes, WE most definitely can. 🌼
You can do anything you put your "mind" to.
I purposefully searched for this video, I was feeling that doubting my self was actually ruining my life... as many friends and family members consider me to be the person who encourages them and tells them "YOU CAN DO IT" I felt so stupid and weak to be doubting myself and my abilities... Mr. Davis here said many gems in his talk that I will always hold in my mind when ever self-doubt seeps into my soul; and for that I thank him sincerely.
Whenever I hit a slump .. you motivate me and never fail to remind me to create my own miracle. thank you again Mr. Davis
Thank you for following this amazing tedtalk by this amazing comment ,same situation for me , and It's been a year and 13 days since I've started doubting my ability to be what I only imagined myself to be exactly 9 years ago , am studing civil Engineering (4th year) and for a year now I wake up everyday with a serious of dropping out of university because the world is looking scary to everyday and now it's getting worse and worse , I used to be the strongest mind in the room ...now am seeking for some help and I know that everybody I know is even more afraid than me to help me , so I'm keeping this to my self ..swallwing the pain every night while everybody is rushing to finish school and start a business . Sorry for making it long and boring but I really wanted to say thank you 🔮💜
Thank you for this intelligent comment. You helped me settle my own doubts by reaffirming what i saw in the video. I'm also a mediator in my family so it's nice when I hear from someone who also gives more than they receive sometimes.
BIOnerd93 ... I’m two years late with this comment as I’m just seeing this video, however I completely OVERstand this comment! This video just popped up in my feed, I was going to just pass it by, but apparently it was everything I needed to hear! I’m the one that can encourage, empower and motivate everyone else except me... and it’s so crazy, self doubt... not feeling worthy... that and some more ish creep in. It’s definitely paralyzing! I’m encouraged by this video (and will watch again and again)... AND by your comment! 😊
I didnt search for it. It showed up and I am very grateful
I like this talk because it seems so real, so raw and not polished the way so many other talks seem to be.You can see his pain. No glib phrases, just a heart-felt telling of a wonderful story. Thank you Dr Davis.
Took the words right out of my mouth
Agree!
this. other stories are polished and self-righteous. i really enjoyed this.
i suffer from severe depression and low self esteem thank you for this
you look good, and are honest with yourself. Stay strong.
Stay strong homes
share your story while on the same page Bro then we get to the whys and hows!
i feel you wholeheartedly and i hope you're straight
Plant the seed and be patient, look for it in-word not out-word.
Awesome, brother. My story is similar. I walked out of prison in 2010, and graduated with my bachelors in 2013, working on my masters presently. Your talk was very inspiring. I also have stories of horrible choices and nightmare relapses that are still very painful memories. I would love to shake your hand sir. Bravo.
I wish that you grow leaps and bound in your life. Have an amazing family and have a content life. Fulfilled in all areas of life. Amen.
How similar J hellreich king? while we are on the effects
j hellreich king I’d like to shake yours brother
🙏🏽 congrats on the degrees ! Continue on that journey
That's amazing, congratulations on your degrees! I hope you're proud of yourself for everything you've managed to overcome, and I wish you the best of luck in everything you aspire to achieve in the future.
"Isn't it amazing what a person can do when they start believing in themselves." Whew I had to pull out my phone and take notes!
That hit a home for me too, felt just as stunned as he was when he heard it. That’s a powerful one. Teachers are slick & quick like that... idk how they already know to believe in us it’s trippy.
I literally dropped my phone in disbelief when he said his mother had survived to see him graduate with a doctorates
Best part was when he said it was his mom in the audience at graduation. As soon as he said that I had a rush of emotion and tears shot to my eyes.
same--> "As soon as he said that I had a rush of emotion and tears shot to my eyes."
Im very proud and happy for this man ,another brother from another mother changed his life around ,turned despair into salvation and freedom. I believe in change ,i made mistakes, im not the perfect son ,i will get my freedom from the chains, the mistakes, the sorrow that binds me .
Beautiful - we are truly the writers of our own story. I was so happy to see his mother be able to see him. Thank you Dr. Davis for his vulnerable and powerful story and for sharing it with us.
Love this video and his powerful story. Key takeaways for me were: 1. It’s only true if you believe it. 2. Don’t let self-doubt paralyse and imprison you. 3. You have a choice - whether you want your past to define you or refine you. The part that most resonated with me was when he said: ‘It was regaining my belief in myself that gave me the power to change the direction in my life.’ Yes, yes, yes to that! 😊
I feel a strong sense of hope towards my future because of this talk. I loved this talk, and the amount of respect this person has for himself and others.
Now this is among one of the best Ted Talks I've ever watched.
Beautiful! Believe in yourself and create your own miracles!
i was crying when the first slide or quote was shown. i am full of self-doubt, which even ruined my college graduation. i ruin all things, including my supposed achievement for myself. all i see are my faults. this video is really inspiring! thank you for this! i will try to keep these in mind.
Kai Chiba well accept and owning the issues is huge many people do not so big congrats to you and from here on in the rest is easy, enjoy the journey.,. You are worthy...
Keep ya head up it only takes one more to get better. One more hour, one more day, one more week, one more month.....❤
The first, and often hardest, step to solve any problem is to recognize it.
How are you now?
@@futureconcepts7107 not as bad as before. i didn't see the point of living before. i'm definitely not there yet but right now, i'm taking small baby steps. at least there's progress. thank you.
Not the biological but the real mother who raised me .... ; Wow ..He said something really deep.
Well please share Mohit as we are at some very deep studies on the biological parenting issues---- Linda Pow
Indeed for those who are aware.
I now think that believing in the good in myself is important. As someone who have always struggled with self-doubt, this talk was more than needed, thank you!
Yess, Luna!! If you're still struggling with self-doubt - know you are not alone. So many of my clients face this, as well - &, just like you are, there's a way to navigate through to confidence!
"The only person left to believe in me, that needed to believe in me, was me." I needed to hear that.
Currently watching TED-talk videos to boost my own self confidence because I have struggled with it lately, I have to admit that these videos do help and I’m feeling much better right now because these information and stories that these people share strikes me. Leaving my first ever comment on a youtube video in the past 10 years since I have created this account.
Self-doubt can actually determine what your life will look like. Only if more people were aware of it, it can change their life. Congratulations for staying strong!
Wonderful speech. The part where he said, that everyone in the world believed in me except the one person that needed to, stuck a cord with me. We really need to believe in ourselves before we can transform. We may not know how in the moment, but that belief is a prerequisite to finding the path eventually.
I have suffered a lifetime of self doubt too. I can't help but think that we are programmed to not believe in ourselves rather than the opposite. Here we see a strong, powerful man rise above self doubt and inspire us all to have faith in our own ability to be who we are meant to be.
@@joannerigby5780 Yes agreed. Self doubt served us well from an evolutionary standpoint (for surviving in forests, etc). The extremity has reduced in today's world though.
"It's only true if you believe it." Thank you so much for this. Recently, I had doubts about myself & the job I'm currently at. Yes, self-doubt really is parylizing. This man, right here, just inspired me even more to believe in myself & achieve greatness. It ain't too late to make things right. Thank you!
Isn't it amazing B.J.....what a person can do if they start believing in themselves❤🔥❤🔥
“We do have a choice whether we want to have our past define us or refine us.” B.J. Davis Powerful TED Talk!
This was hands down the best Ted talk I have ever seen.
25 million subs and not a single advertiser interrupting our viewing. Bravo Ted.
I really truly admire the fact that he opened up about this...it really does help others to open up. Recently in my psychology class, I gave a speech about "Being Sane In Insane Places"...I shared my personal experience Being committed 14 times to psychiatric wards, and I broke down crying in the middle of it. But it led other students to open up, and my professor wrote a note to me about how much of a treasure it was to have me in the class. I wish more people could see the value of opening up like this...now this whole auditorium of people will remember his story and take the lessons from it for the rest of their lives.
Wow....I love his vulnerability. It can take a lot to own up to our reality, to realize that maybe things have contributed to addictions or bad behaviors, and own up to our actions in a non derogatory, non apologetic fashion. There comes a point where we must say "Not my fault (how we grew up), but my responsibility (to address those issues)."
So proud.. Simply.. just so proud of our now Dr. B J Davis. Amen
WOW! What a powerful testimony!!! Create Your Own Miracle!!
he made his mom proud, his family proud, his counselor proud and gave us hope :) (y)
There are so many key phrases in this talk. My favorite is “it’s only true if you believe it”. Thank you so much for sharing your life story and it is an inspiration to many and will be to many
Wow!!! ooh my! Powerful!! He conquered!! Self doubts are paralysing, create your own miracle, believe in yourself!
I believe in myself now. I needed to hear this today-wakes up the spririt in me.
MizB 💓
I got a job that, I think, exceeds my abilities a lot. I’m starting tomorrow & I feel so anxious. I can’t sleep and now I’m just sitting on the kitchen, crying non-stop.
How's it going?
Push your boundaries. Best way to live.
Hey there. I know it's been a while since you wrote this and I hope you're doing good. I was wondering if you've tried self hypnosis? I've been listening to it for a few months now and it's really helped me! I recommend Michael Sealey on KZhead. 👌🏻 Much love to you! ☺️
@ Alice The hiring manager chose you because they believe in your abilities. That should be the validation that you need to believe in yourself.
oh man this brought tears to my eyes. Such a beautiful story
Be your own miracle, no god required. Powerful message.
It still shows that when someone has hope in you it helps to believe in yourself. It’s so difficult when most of your family and friends don’t believe in you.
Stay Honey totally! That’s how I feel too... If I could have a family member believing in me things just would be so much easier.
Yes. I believe that too. My family thinks I’m such a failure
Fucking powerful stuff. SO much respect for this guy.
Man this is one of the greatest Ted talks I've ever seen, Thank you BJ Davis
"You don't have to wait for a miracle, you can create your own."
Excellent speaking skills. Rare clarity.
You made that beautiful Mother of yours SOOO proud!!! You have honoured her life in the deepest way possible. Bless you!!!
Thank you sir for your powerful video. I too served time in prison like yourself. And how I stopped using drugs and alcohol was that my father passed away and I thought of suicide. Now I am sober for some years now.and I have graduated with certifications in Microsoft Word and Excel. You are a phenomenal person. And best wishes in all your future endeavors.
Thank you B.J Davis... Im truely grateful...✌️
The best ted talk I have listened. Very natural and easygoing, not fake and ultrapremeditated like a lot of the ted talks lately
Basically, an authentic talk.
Message so clear, powerful, inspirational, emotional, truthful.
I feel depressed many times I lack self confidence and self esteem the video really helped me get a different perspective So Thank You Dr. B J Davis
Keep your head up and keep going no matter what brother, things will turn up
Debating to apply for a new job to get out of the unhappy one I am at. Paralyzed by my own self-doubt, afraid to fail. So thankful that I happened to come across this speech.
Dear Mr. Davis.I don't believe we can find anybody not trembling of hope and enthusiasm while listening to your speech. Bravo for your determination.
how come I only now stumbled upon this! Amazing speech, great inspiration. It's never too late to become the person you were meant to be.
THIS ! Awesome human being !
Some great points, and some narrow thinking.. get mp3 version@ tinyurl . com \ nz639jb . remove spaces.
Nali Nisi
Awesome story , inspiration to many people. I am from Sacramento as well been living in this beautiful city for 20 years now. Currently 25 years old, making big life decisions to better myself and my life. That is right our past doesnt define us. I am not who I was. Today I have the chance to become a better individual than I was yesterday. Progress and self belief lives in me.
That was truly inspirational Mr. Davis! I have never made a public comment, but after hearing your story was compelled to wright this. I'm a 49 year old male, have struggled with poor self worth since a child, which has lead to depression, alcoholism, not liking myself or others, relationship issues, not being the husband and Father i could have been......but am trying. I love u man, i have so much respect and admiration for you, way to go!!!!!!
I Love This GUY! Dr Davis, I will be bringing your story to group this morning. Sixty inmates will hear but only a few will get it. But, if told well, the ones that don't get it will remember it. In those times of remembering, they may run with a modicum of hope and try once more.
bringing youtube to the prison inmates to speak openly and to self discovery and an early time
💜
change a few words and this is my story. thank you. i'm going through pretty hardcore encounter with my real self which includes anxiety and lots of phylosophical scepticism and it feels really calming to know that i'm not the only one who went through this and was able to succeed. good luck in your further life, B.J.
Adam Čech and to you man, keep on moving foward
Keep up the good fight brother!
I'm going thru the same type of thing. How are you doing
This man is AMAZING AND A COMPLETE INSPIRATION!! I AM SO HAPPY THAT HIS MOMMA GIT TO SEE HIM SUCCEED!!! GOD BLESS HIM & HIS PRECIOUS MOMMA!!!
"You don't have to wait for a miracle, you can create your own". Really powerful talk. Extremely life changing.
Define or Refine Us...What a great line!
We are not the sum of our total mistakes....We do change!!
What an incredible TED talk and a person! Create your own miracle!
Amazing! I felt so proud when he said that he achieved his doctorate
"... you can create your own miracles instead" 💛
What an inspiration. You The spirit of doubt is very sneaky. Most people who experience it are the ones who seek change and have the power/desire to change not only their world, but others. It KNOWS the potential and true purpose of an individual and will deceive that person to think/believe they're unworthy or their dreams won't come to pass. Thank you for this message, it has helped me tremendously.
Christie Trumb I like your comment, well said 👍🏼
This has me in tears. I’m happy you came out and spoke about something that locks many, not a few, but many. Thank you. Thank you so much.
Of all of the ted talks I've watched, this is my absolute favorite.
I hope more people can hear your talk. Truly inspiring and makes me dream for a better me.
This has to be one of the most impactful and real Ted talks/speeches that I've been fortunate enough to listen to. Just reading through the comments it's obvious that so many others feel similarly. Raw, real life testimony.
I appreciate transparent people. I've got a lot of self-doubt.
HummerLove199 You can accelerate his experience for yourself. Over time he built up a list of people in his mind that believed in him. Start building your list. Who has seen you as confident, intelligent, or whatever you think you are missing. Keep digging into your own mind and you’ll see times in your past and present where you demonstrated what you thought was missing. You’ll be the last to realize your potential, just as he was. 🙂
This is phenomenal. As a complete stranger, I'm so proud of you, B J Davis.
Escape the helpless, hopless reality that was my life...yes sir. Every addict fealt those words. Depression is the enemy! Love is the answer! Amazing the power these loving people with just a few words stirred such change. Words he may have never heard, something as simple as I believe in you. Versus you're no good, you're just like your father, you're a disappointment. Faith can move mountains!! Nothing like the motivation to make momma proud..
Something I have been wanting to hear from. Everything starts with yourself.. I overthink and overanalyse a lot of things. I lack of motivation and sources for it. I fear bad impressions from people towards me and always want recognition from anyone at all because I feel inadequate and insecure. I wish I could change but I dont know how anymore?
Iyem Bored a lot of ppl like you. I am sure you can change. Ok
Start thinking you changed, smile, try to always see something good in everything. Don't fight with yourself. Let negative ideas come face them see them as they are, they will go instantly...
I have spent my morning listening to TEDx talks... I just finished this one... and for some reason, I started going through the comments because I realized that this talk received a lot less comments than most others I had listened to this morning, and yet, as great as the other talks were,,, this is the only one that made me tear up. Anyhow, by goin through the comments, I saw this one.... @SaifulIslam thanks for your honesty. Changing can be very difficult.... I do know from experience. I'm going to make a suggestion because it's something that completely changed how I viewed life once I learned about this.. You may or may not have any knowledge of the human Energy (or Subtle) Body... but if not, my suggestion is to start there. Learn about the 7 main chakras and how they affect our lives. I believe that when we are able to heal our energetic bodies, we begin to see and FEEL that which is congruent to our natural desires
Beautiful man. I never met anyone who’s gotten away with a perfect existence. We all have our inadequacies and our strengths. Believe in you. Whatever makes you YOU. Ok😊
Being aware of all those things, facing them, writing about them and reaching out. Why do you think 34 people liked your comment including me? Because it resonated with us, we all suffer from those things, most of us hide them and don't have the courage to admit them to anyone. You are a brave person, and give yourself time, you are gonna be fine. (Even after writing this comment I doubted myself if it was good enough. But I am sending it anyway, that's OK.)
Always doubting myself no matter what. Thank you for this !
This...is a Godly man. I thank God for men like this. Who ELSE can understand another addict and give them hope? In my view, NONE. This man is "living proof that a person's past doesn't have to define their future".
There is a tremendous amount of love that helps usher us to our highest self. This was a great blessing to hear.
And where do blessings come from? Need to factor God into the mix!
So inspirational! Perfect timing for me to watch this as I feel I’m at a crossroads. Congratulations and THANK YOU!!
Dr. Davis is a good man with a huge presence. I had the honor of meeting him once after he spoke at Professor Senna's retirement ceremony at ARC and he was extremely encouraging about me getting my degree in Social Work and he ddin't even know me.
Mr. B.J. Davis hit my heart when he said, "The seeds of believing in myself which were planted in my garden of self doubt took root and started to grow. In a moment, I realized that the only person left to believe in me, that needed to believe in me, was me."
Some one smart learns from their mistakes but a genius learn from someone elses mistakes.
I saw this first hand and it was one of the most moving talks I have heard in my life. Keep up the good fight my friend!
congratulations sir!!! You are spreading hope over despair. Thank you!
Wow. A powerful presentation. Seeing people giving away personal success to a deity makes me so frustrated. I would love them to own it and give themselves the credit they truly deserve.
This made me cry, for sorrow and for joy. Thankyou so much for sharing this life's story, it's made me feel strong n empowering xx
Such a simple yet powerful talk.
Thank you for your courage to speak your truth and inspire others to believe in themselves
Thank you for sharing your powerful story!
This is inspiring! Congratulations to your liberation. I wish every of us here get the power of self-belief, the courage to make our dreams happen and persevere through any adversity. May we live the meaningful life! ♥️♥️
Life changing talk. It just changed my whole outlook towards life.
Oh my god I cried seeing his smile with his mom. It was a great cry.
Wow,..this guy should be President! Truly Inspirational.💫✨
Thank you BJ DAVIS such inspiring story!!
I am deeply inspired by Dr Davis' story!
I am REALLY happy to have seen this Ted talk
“We do have a choice whether we want to have our past definite us or refine us.”