Starting your own business comes with a plethora of obstacles you need to overcome but the one which stands out most is the one which is rarely talked about.
From financial worries to the difficulties of going it alone, business is a minefield of worry but what about self-doubt, the niggling feeling that can cost you your confidence and business?
“When you doubt your power, you give power to your doubt.” Honore de Balzac
When you start a business, you will always have a niggling doubt in your mind most made up of ‘what if’s’ and self-deprecating questions on whether you can actually do this. Well, let us tell you that, yes you can!
Self-doubt is a funny thing because it’s like the devil on your shoulder telling you that you’re unable to do something or questioning every decision you make.
The thing about self-doubt is that if you let it win, if you accept its notions of you can’t do this or it proves you right, then it will eat away at you. further chipping your confidence until you no longer have any control, power or boss lady instinct to carry on being a strong business women.
This is something we all struggle with, but the trick to overcoming it is how we deal with it.
Take a look at some of City Girl Business Club’s top tips for fighting self-doubt.
Be Honest with Yourself
We all have areas of improvement or things we need to work on but if you identify these and set goals to work on them, they won’t seem like the daemon in the back of your mind.
Instead of saying ‘I can’t do this’ say ‘I can’t do it yet, but I’m taking these steps to make myself better at it’. Or if you start to wonder ‘what if I fail?’ then remind yourself that, ‘I’ll try again’.
Don’t Listen to Negativity
We like to think we’re surrounded by strong women and friends who build us up and support us but unfortunately this isn’t true and there are a lot of people who don’t like to see you achieve.
Even if they don’t mean to, they will always be those people who shoot down ideas, creativity and new ways of thinking because they just don’t like to challenge the norm.
Removing this negative energy from your life will keep you in a positive mindset and help you to achieve more.
Remember the Success
You didn’t get to where you are by doing nothing. So, in those moments of self-doubt, remind yourself that you’ve come this far, achieved so much and to keep on pushing.
I like to do this by making a list every time I feel down then looking back on it and remembering what I have done. A little boost like this will really help to bring your mind back to where it should be and restore confidence, so you can carry on.
Trust Yourself
You know you can do this.
You are probably your worst enemy but instead, you should be being your own best friend.
Be kind to yourself, as well as others and give yourself the confidence you need to succeed and we promise you’ll go far.
Do you have any tips for fighting self-doubt or have any stories you wish to share with us here at Business Century? We’d love to hear from you so get in touch today.
