Self-doubt, or what’s affectionately known as “imposter syndrome” in the entrepreneurial world, has played a major role in deterring and even derailing many aspiring entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey.
Properly defined as "the lack of confidence in oneself and one’s abilities," self-doubt is really just a fear-based reaction to an external trigger.
Most, if not every person who’s attempted to step into something new, be it a new job, career, business, relationship, etc., has been faced with the challenge of overcoming this negative emotion.
So, if you’re feeling doubtful or maybe even a little scared about whether or not you’ve got what it takes to succeed at the next level of whatever it is, you’re trying to achieve, you’re in good company!
Ask any “successful person” and they’ll tell you (if they are being honest), that they intentionally have to work on overcoming their own self-doubt at times.
So now that we’ve covered what it is and have established it as a common emotion amongst most (if not all) achievers and go-getters, it’s important to also address the hidden dangers inherent to hanging on to self-doubt.
When I first started out on this entrepreneurial journey, I had no idea how hard the process of becoming an entrepreneur would be mentally.
Dealing with the financial constraints, time management, client acquisition, sales calls, etc., were hard enough, but having to wake up every day and face myself (my fears, self-doubt, negative beliefs), was the task I dreaded the most.
As an employee, I was confident in what I did and had the resources and the network needed to get the job done. So even if I didn’t have the answer,
I knew I could reach out to a colleague or another department to get the answers. As a new entrepreneur, on the other hand, that was not the case…I felt like I had to have ALL the answers, or that everything needed to be perfect, and when I didn’t or it wasn’t… there was self-doubt, creeping up from behind me, telling me I didn’t have what it takes to be successful in this space.
I spent months in this cycle and came close to calling it quits a couple of times. But each time I got to that place, my spirit would remind me of my “why?”
And that helped give me the courage and strength needed to overcome that negative narrative.
During this process, I also learned how to strategically and consciously monitor my thoughts and emotions, so I could identify specific triggers and address them in the moment.
It’s still a work in progress for me, but there are a few strategies that have worked well for me and continue to help me (and my clients) overcome fear’s cousin, self-doubt.
There are many, but I’ve listed my starting five below:
1. Remember You Are Not Alone.
As stated before, everyone experiences self-doubt at some point. And the biggest lie fear will tell you is that you’re the only person dealing with self- doubt.
So, when you find yourself feeling this way, reach out to other entrepreneurs (in FB or LI groups), your Coach, or trusted mentor…9 times out of 10, someone will either be facing the exact same thing or just recently overcome it and can share with you how they did it.
2. Keep a Brag Book Nearby
Another way to overcome self-doubts is to keep a brag book or journal with you at all times where you can write down ideas as they come to you, and also use it to write down any accomplishments you experience throughout the day (aka publish your weekly blog post, scheduled a strategy session, etc.)
Related: 3 Ways To End Self-Sabotaging Behaviors
It doesn’t matter how big or small the win is, just write it down.
So, when you’re starting to feel those negative emotions rise up again, you can refer back to all the things you’ve done and be reminded that you are progressing forward.
3. Get off the Comparison Hamster Wheel
The worst thing you can do is compare yourself and where you are on your journey with anyone else. Comparison only breeds more self-doubt and even jealousy.
At the end of the day, you have no idea what other people have gone through to be where they are, or even what you’re seeing is the full picture.
So, comparing yourself to what you see on social media is fruitless.
Admire, gather ideas, but never compare!
4. Set Small, Actionable Goals.
Another way to overcome issues with self-doubt is to create small wins.
The momentum and excitement you’ll gain from completing a task or achieving a milestone will help fuel you to stay motivated until you complete the next task, and the next task, etc.
No goal is too small, so start setting small goals that allow you to build momentum and experience immediate success.
5. Surround Yourself with Positive People.
Become deliberate in networking activities to not only connect with prospects but also those you can collaborate with or learn from.
Build a supportive network around you, both personally and professionally by attending events such as meetups, taking professional development courses, joining a book club, etc.
You don’t need to have an entourage, just a handful of people around to support you and “pick you up” if and when you find yourself in that negative space.
**Bonus** Embrace Your Mistakes
Type-A individuals have a hard time with this one (I know I did & still do at times).
Stepping into the next level will sometimes force you to let go of your unrealistic expectations to get thighs right or perfect the first time.
The beauty in this process is being able to grow as you learn…and sometimes that learning comes in the form of making mistakes.
So, when you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up, instead, choose to accept it, learn from it, and make adjustments as necessary.
As stated, there are many more…these are just a few of the ones I think are “easy” to begin implementing so you can either get or stay unstuck.
Like with everything, these strategies for dealing with self-doubt will only work for you if you implement them.
This means making a conscious decision to examine your thoughts, emotions, and attitude towards the goal(s) you are trying to achieve.
Remember, feeling self-doubt is common, even among “the greats”.
However, letting it control you, influence your decisions, or affect how you pursue your goals is a problem and can be addressed with the strategies shared.
If you’re looking for additional support, and need a trusted Coach to come alongside you and guide as you navigate this new level in your career or business, I’d love to help!
You can book a FREE Strategy Session with me >> HERE <<Spots are limited and the free promotion will end soon, so don’t delay! Reserve your spot today!
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