Do you struggle with keeping your chin up trying to weather through the storms of entrepreneurship? Do negative voices in your head tear you down and make you doubt yourself?
It can be far too easy to become stressed and overwhelmed as a business owner. You have a never-ending to-do list and sometimes it feels like you’re being pulled in a hundred different directions.
But keeping your confidence up is crucial to success and can make all the difference in whether you sink or swim.
Here are four simple steps to boost your confidence and keep you from getting bogged down in worry and fear, so next time, you’ll get out there and grab the bull by the horns!
1. Remind Yourself of Confident Thoughts All Day
Keeping yourself in the right mindset by constantly saying and thinking positive things really helps you kick negativity to the curb.
Bring in reinforcements by purposefully thinking to yourself that you have what it takes. And then tell yourself, out loud, that nobody else is like you.
That you know what you’re doing. That you’re going to reach your goals. That you will make it through the slow times and the hard times.
Scribble out motivational phrases and positive notes that resonate with you. Tape them to your laptop or desk, so every time you start working on something, the first thing you see is inspiration.
Whenever you start feeling low, read them back to yourself.
They’re a tangible reminder of who you are, what you are capable of, and what you will accomplish.
Also, keep in mind that some of the most famous entrepreneurs faced failure and rejection, but they didn’t let that stop them.
2. Know Who You Are
You are strong. You are qualified. You are smart.
Reminding yourself of positive and encouraging phrases out loud, thinking them, and writing them down all work to remind you of who you are as a person and especially as a business owner.
On top of what you’ve already written down, here’s a list of motivational phrases and a list of Bible verses referencing who you are for you to print out, tape to your mirror, and be motivated by every day.
3. Be Prepared for Those Who Just Don’t Get It
This is a big one. You’ve probably had to deal with well-meaning friends and family who are confused by your desire to run your own business and who say discouraging things.
You may hear that what you’re doing is too risky. You might hear comments through the grapvine after you experience a slump in business.
When you hear a bunch of questions or doubtful comments from others, don’t let it surprise you. Simply being prepared in your mind to hear those things will help keep your confidence from being shot down.
If they say something directly to you, respond (politely) with something like, “I appreciate your concern, but I know I can do this. This is what I want my career to be and I’ll regret it if I don’t pursue this.”
Remember, even if you haven’t struck a profit yet, you don’t have to explain yourself in detail to everyone all the time.
It’s often better to give a short and sweet answer without digging into the nitty-gritty, but if the situation calls for it, feel free to explain whatever you think is necessary. It’s completely up to you.
The point is to not let their doubts translate into your mind where you start questioning your abilities.
4. Hang Around Supportive People
Surround yourself with people who, even if they don’t have a clue what running a small business is like, are happy for you.
Who makes you feel happy and encouraged? Hang out with those people. Be accountable to each other. Do fun things together.
On top of that, connect with like-minded people on social media. Look for Facebook groups where other business owners hang out, especially those that are in the same industry as you are. Follow them on Twitter and start interacting.
And don’t just look at them with referrals or business-related networking in mind, but realize you can and should establish real relationships with them for mutual encouragement and support.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it! Four easy and practical ways to maintain your confidence as you travel on this exciting entrepreneurial journey with mountain highs and valley lows.
It’s in those low moments, when you’re remembering every bad decision you’ve ever made and every discouraging word you’ve ever heard, to use these strategies to work yourself back up a positive place.
Remind yourself of confident thoughts, remember who you are, be prepared for people who don’t get you, and carv out time to be with the ones who do.
Countless other people have run their own successful business and there’s every reason that you can do the same!
Comment below and tell me what your toughest experience as an entrepreneur has been. What did you do to scale the hump and hit the ground running?