5 Tips for Beating Self Doubt & Rocking Your Business
Self doubt can be a huge block to anyone’s success, but when you are starting out as an entrepreneur the noise can be a little unbearing. I get it, you are literally putting yourself out there for the world (or just your clients) to judge. Whether you provide a service or a product, there’s a sense of vulnerability involved with sharing your gift. It’s a personal journey and we get that, but here are a few tips to get you going.
1. Give yourself credit
You didn’t get here by chance (and even if you did you had to work to keep it going). Remember the late nights, the hours of staring at the screen and all the hours you put into making this crazy-awesome decision. You have to give yourself credit for the time, effort, successes and lessons you’ve gained from this experience. When I first started, I was absolutely terrified. When I succeeded I chopped it up to luck and God’s grace and when I failed I took the hits hard. In all truth I succeeded because of the time I put in and God’s grace, it wasn’t luck. When I failed it always seemed way bigger because I took it personally, when sometimes the client or project just wasn’t for me. Remember you can only control what you can control. The doubts set in when you lose sight of your goals and perspective on the journey. It is a journey with turns and twists, hills and valleys. Keep going.
2. Right Mindset - Open to feedback
So when you are starting out it’s important to set your expectations and be open to discovering more, more about your industry and more about yourself. The amount of information that will flow from Facebook groups, Instagram, Youtube tutorials and LinkedIn will be overwhelming. Create a filter that allows you to take in what you need when you need it. For example, I’m most clear around 5:30 am -7:30 am. So I put on my student hat and research, research, research. After that I answer client emails. It’s important to understand that communication is key to developing a great relationship with your clients as well as giving yourself some peace. It can be hard to take critique of your work especially when your hand drawing logos and have hours, days and weeks of research behind the concepts you create. Understanding through effectively communicating the needs, goals and overall vision will make it a lot smoother. Go into each conversation, open and compassionate, don’t take feedback as a critique of you as a creative.
3. Trusting yourself and Others
FIND YOUR TRIBE or MAKE YOUR TRIBE. I’m collaboration or competition ALL THE WAY… sorry for yelling, I’m a little passionate of this (facebook.com). Sometimes we can get a little territorial and that’s okay, but it’s important to realize we are all in this together and a step forward for one is a step forward for the whole gang. I’m a constant Facebook group groupie. I love being surrounded by all the inspiring, hardworking, go getting ladies in the virtual space. I listen I give advice and I ask for it. I think the biggest investment you can make in your business and in working through self- doubt is to build your community.
4. Take a break
Simple as that! Don’t work yourself into a corner. I believe in balance and working hard without playing a little hard makes for a rough go. Conquering self doubt is about having balance.
5. Keep learning
I am a forever learner. Whether I’m watching tutorials, diving into my design books, pinning like it’s my job- it kinda is (udemy.com, Skillshare.com). Don’t just learn from others. I think it’s important to identify how you work best, where you work best, at what time and so on and so on. This also doesn’t mean you have to master everything- just master your niche. There are always new things coming around - software, products, styles but if it doesn’t fit you, don’t force it.
As always you are welcome to join the Moxie tribe! Send us a message!
