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Many people struggle with self-doubt and overthinking, which affects their daily lives. How can someone break free from the cycle of negative self-talk and build confidence?

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Better Mind

Many people struggle with self-doubt and overthinking, and it can feel like driving through thick fog—you can’t see the road ahead clearly. But just like a fogged-up windshield can be cleared with a defogger, our minds can also be cleared with the right tools and actions. It’s not a one-time fix—it requires regular effort and care.

Negative self-talk often comes from our inner critic, which is shaped by past experiences like critical parenting styles, lack of emotional validation, or constantly being compared to others. Perfectionism plays a role too—setting unrealistically high standards makes any mistake feel like total failure.

To break this cycle, start by building awareness. One powerful method is the ‘friend test’—ask yourself: If my friend were going through this, what would I say to them? Then apply that same compassion and advice to yourself.

Overthinking pulls us into the past with guilt or into the future with anxiety. Grounding techniques like journaling, breathing exercises, physical movement, or even tapping can bring your mind back to the present.

Pay attention to your internal dialogue. The way you speak to yourself matters. Shift from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I’m learning how to do this.’ That small change can build hope and motivation. Confidence and mental well-being are like muscles—they grow stronger with consistent practice. Start with small acts of courage. Over time, these build trust in yourself.

Finally, aim to build a healthy relationship with your inner voice. Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience you would offer to someone you care about. With time, awareness, and practice, it’s absolutely possible to break free from self-doubt and step into a more confident, grounded version of yourself.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has questioned Russia’s commitment to upcoming peace talks in Istanbul, citing a lack of response to Ukraine’s ceasefire proposals. He warned the meeting could be “fruitless” without clear preparation.

Russia confirmed its attendance but has not shared its terms. Both sides reported fresh explosions ahead of the talks. Russia currently controls about 20 percent of Ukraine, including Crimea, BBC reported.

US President Donald Trump announced a sharp increase in tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, raising them from 25 percent to 50 percent. Speaking at a rally near Pittsburgh, Trump said the move aims to strengthen the US steel industry and protect American jobs, according to Reuters.

The new tariffs, which go into effect Wednesday, will apply to both raw metals and related products. The statement coincided with Trump's approval of a $14.9bn merger between Nippon Steel and US Steel.

Allies criticized the decision, with Canada and Australia describing it as damaging to economic cooperation and commerce. Meanwhile, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc's shares rose 26 percent on anticipation of increased profitability as tariffs rise, Reuters reported.

The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to stop using race, sex, ethnicity, or national origin data in hiring, as part of efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

A memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) directed agencies to base choices entirely on merit and job-related criteria, and prohibited the use and broadcast of demographic statistics in recruitment, Reuters reported.

The directive also promoted broader recruiting beyond elite institutions, including as public universities, vocational schools, and religious colleges.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met US Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender in Washington from May 27–29 to discuss deepening economic ties and coordination on upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) processes, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The conversations were part of a larger effort to improve the India-US COMPACT project, which focuses on defense, trade, and technological collaboration, according to Firstpost.

The talks come as India prepares to advocate for Pakistan's removal from the FATF grey list, claiming substantial proof of its support for cross-border terrorism following the recent Pahalgam incident in Jammu and Kashmir.

India is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s increasing defence spending amid economic crisis, raising concerns over misuse of international financial aid, Firstpost reported.

Israel has decided to block the entry of foreign ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates who intended to visit Ramallah on Sunday for a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, according to Xinhua.

Israeli Foreign Ministry officials condemned the planned visit as a "defiant act" to promote the formation of a Palestinian state. They also cited the Palestinian Authority’s continued refusal to condemn the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel as a reason for the decision.

“Israel will not cooperate with actions that threaten its security,” the officials stated.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe is boosting defence spending following pressure from the Trump administration, calling it “tough love.”

At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Kallas supported US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for allies to invest more in defence, noting EU unity on security, Xinhua reported.

She connected European and Indo-Pacific security, warning about China's economic power and military ties with Russia and North Korea.

Kallas recommended further cooperation with the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and others to combat common threats. Hegseth credited US President Trump for pushing Europe to “step up”, according to Xinhua.

US President Donald Trump bid farewell to Elon Musk on Friday after Musk stepped down from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump praised Musk for driving major reforms and credited him with transforming outdated government practices. As a gesture of thanks, Trump presented him with a golden key.

Musk said he would continue to advise the president but plans to scale back political donations, stating, “I think I’ve done enough.” He also criticized Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” calling it a “massive spending bill” that increases the deficit and undermines DOGE’s mission, Associated Press reported.