Jay Shetty & Alicia Keys ON 5 Ways to Overcome Self Doubt

What does it take to truly embrace authenticity in a demanding world? How do you find the balance between ambition, self-care, and meaningful relationships?

In this On Purpose episode, Jay Shetty welcomes Alicia Keys, a 16-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, as well as entrepreneur, actress, and activist. She is the founder of Keys Soulcare, a holistic beauty and skincare line, a New York Times bestselling author, and co-founder of She Is the Music, an initiative advocating for gender equality in the music industry.

Alicia Keys opens up to Jay Shetty about her journey of self-discovery, from overcoming childhood insecurities to embracing holistic living. Through mindfulness, affirmations, and journaling, she shares how she stays grounded while navigating fame, family, and her creative passions.

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear

Alicia Keys has always had big dreams for her future, since she was a little girl. However, she admitted to Jay Shetty that she doubted they would ever become true. To protect herself, she built a wall around her, meant to shield her from disappointment, doubting that big achievements are in store for her. She still feels overwhelmed by her accomplishments today because they feel both amazing and surreal to her.

The artist opened up to Jay Shetty about her childhood fears: being hurt by loved ones, financial instability, and rejection. Growing up in New York City, she felt the constant pressure of holding onto what little she had while fearing it might slip away one day. But when she found herself in the spotlight, her anxiety only increased. Over time, Keys learned to prioritize her inner strength and trust her intuition over external validation.

Daily Affirmations

To overcome self-doubt, Keys embraced affirmations, consciously replacing negative thoughts with empowering ones. She explained to Jay Shetty that she views success like a marathon, with progress coming step by step from steady, gradual effort. The artist believes fear to be a natural part of dreaming big and that you should trust your instincts.

Alicia Keys shared with Jay Shetty how her daily affirmations vary but typically focus on practical challenges. That particular morning, she concentrated on being on time while juggling her kids' school schedules. Additionally, she often includes self-forgiving affirmations because she believes it is important to give herself grace for all imperfections.

Keys also discussed her mantra, “speak to me nice[ly],” encouraging herself to use kindness and encourage internal dialogue. According to her, this approach helps avoid unproductive spirals of guilt and shame, which she believes hinder personal growth and transformation.

Soulcare

Alicia Keys shared with Jay Shetty her journey with acne, which persisted well beyond her teenage years and caused her to become very self-conscious and uncomfortable. Only later in life did she understand that stress is linked to skin problems and that the high pressure of her early career years only amplified it. The body physically manifests stress, and the healing only starts when you address the root causes, such as overcommitment, toxic relationships, and lack of personal care.

The artist engaged in practices like meditation and journaling to become more self-aware and developed a philosophy she calls "soul care." She blends ancient rituals and modern self-care, focusing on finding peace and grounding in chaotic moments. Inspired by this concept, Keys created Key Soulcare, a skincare line integrating affirmations to remind users to be present. She explained to Jay Shetty how affirmations on each product encourage mindfulness during routine tasks like cleansing, bridging the gap between beauty and inner peace.

Constantly Seeking Thrills

The artist realized that living a busy, drama-filled lifestyle made her "addicted to stress." She told Jay Shetty that she consciously chose to create peace for herself and her family after two hectic summers on tour. She discussed how society convinced us that being always busy is a sign of success, yet it often masks deeper avoidance of unresolved issues.

In the beginning, Keys resisted spending time alone, but she now learned to appreciate the value of sitting in silence with herself. This mindset shift allowed her to gain clarity, decisiveness, and a sense of self she had never experienced before. Being true to herself and less conditioned to please others, she grew, and her decisions became more efficient and authentic.

Respect in Relationships

Alicia Keys opened up to Jay Shetty about her marriage with Swizz Beatz, telling him how they complement each other: she brings structure and strategy, while he encourages going with the flow. By being different, they always have something to learn from, grow together, and inspire each other. They believe in "loving with an open hand," a philosophy that ensures freedom and mutual admiration and allows both to thrive without control or restraint.

When they fight, the artist and her husband remain respectful of each other and handle disagreements with calm communication. Similarly to Jay Shetty and Radhi, they prioritize constructive dialogue over arguments and avoid yelling or aggression. They view disagreements as opportunities for growth, not conflict.

Alicia Keys recalled a song inspired by her godmother’s experiences, emphasizing that “the tightest grip is an open hand,” a metaphor for freedom and trust in love. To her, a lasting relationship also entails maintaining individuality while building a nurturing connection between partners.

A Love for Crystals

Alicia Keys' love for crystals began as a form of self-care and exploration, inspired by the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. She found peace and connection in crystal shops so selecting which ones to use became an intuitive practice. She uses them to focus on courage, manifestation, or clarity. The artist incorporated this interest into her Soulcare line, where products infused with crystals encourage mindfulness and empowerment through daily rituals.

Keys told Jay Shetty that crystals and ancient rituals reconnect us to forgotten traditions. She uses crystals for herself and her family, including her children, and to promote grounding and calmness. The artist believes in listening to your instincts, so, she encourages people to unapologetically embrace their inner light and authenticity.

Self-Care Rituals

To maintain a positive attitude, the artist turns to rituals that ground and rejuvenate her. Meditation plays an important role for Keys, helping her find balance and quiet her mind, even if it means waking early for a few peaceful moments. She also journaled, allowing her to release emotions freely and reflect without judgment.

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Physical activity is another practice that Alicia Keys enjoys. She told Jay Shetty that a good workout helps her reconnect with her body and regain energy. She also incorporates skincare into her routine, such as cleansing and applying her Key Soulcare products, which feature affirmations such as, “I welcome all circumstances as a catalyst for change.”

Keys is mindful of creating a balanced, grounded environment for her children, focusing on practices such as gratitude and prayer. She teaches them to give thanks for what they have and express their desires through prayer. She also gently introduced meditation, letting the children observe her and allowing them to join in whenever they felt ready.

Hell’s Kitchen

Alicia Keys' journey to bringing Hell’s Kitchen to life lasted 13 years. It was a passion project built over time through collaborations with writer Chris Diaz and director Michael Greif, who brought structure and expertise to the process. It was an entire journey to refine, and each phase of development allowed her to reassess, adjust, and align the story and music with her vision.

Because she chose to take it slow, the timeline allowed space for creativity and growth. Keys explained to Jay Shetty how choreographers and orchestrators contributed unique elements, transforming her music into a multidimensional experience. She got even more attached to this project while writing new songs and reimagining existing ones.

Creating Hell’s Kitchen was an experience both challenging and rewarding for the artist: it allowed her to apply lessons from her career, fixing past mistakes and honing her craft. She was inspired by her diverse team of experts across various fields, and she witnessed the magic of collaboration at the highest level. Receiving 13 Tony nominations added another layer of enthusiasm feeling that her work was recognized.

Having a Clear Vision

Alicia Keys shared with Jay Shetty how she balances perfectionism with collaboration and flow. To her, it is essential to have a clear vision while inviting the right collaborators to enrich it, teaming up with people having the same energy can elevate a project without compromising the original intent.

The artist sees beauty in refining ideas, even as adjustments challenge her to simplify or rediscover a project’s core. She learned patience, persistence, and the value of relearning confidence in new creative spaces while bringing Hell's Kitchen to life. Keys told Jay Shetty that effort and challenges are part of the joy of creation, and she believes that love for what you do is the driving force, even if the timeline or outcome doesn't coincide with the expectations.

Spending Your Energy Wisely

Alicia Keys shared with Jay Shetty how she protects her positive energy and remains grounded in a challenging industry. She is thankful to her mother for teaching her empathy and the importance of being mindful of how actions impact others. She learned from a young age the importance of cultivating good energy in every space she enters, and it inspired her to bring joy and light wherever possible.

Over the years, Key has learned to set boundaries, understanding that her energy is precious and should be shared intentionally. She explained to Jay Shetty that giving from a place of abundance is essential, yet she recognized when to step back and recharge. Learning this balance allows her to stay authentic, protect her well-being, and offer her best self to those who truly value it. The artist is adamant that when you honor your energy and use it wisely, you empower yourself and inspire others to do the same.

More From Jay Shetty

Listen to the entire On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast episode “Alicia Keys ON 5 Ways to Overcome Self Doubt & Build Confidence Within” now in the iTunes store or on Spotify. For more inspirational stories and messages like this, check out Jay’s website at jayshetty.me.