How to Overcome Self Doubt

Starting a business is hard, but keeping it running is near-impossible.

Starting a business is hard, but keeping it running is near-impossible.

Starting a business is hard.

But staying involved in one can be even harder.

Overcoming self-doubt is key to long term, sustained success.

Here’s 5 strategies to eliminate self doubt that’s inevitably going to impact you if you start building anything.

(1) Practice self-awareness

Entrepreneurs must recognize the Dunning-Kruger effect holistically.

It is important to evaluate how fruitful their efforts and involvement are.

To acknowledge the value, they bring to the table.

Self-awareness eliminates self-doubt.

(2) Measure results as proximity to a grander vision

Often, short-term results can fail to meet your expectations.

For most startups, profitability is a far-fetched reality.

But genuine businesses are inspired by the greater good.

Measure success as proximity to your purpose.

(3) Stop comparing, idealizing

What your peers/idols achieved isn’t your business.

Every founder has a unique mix of market conditions, benefits, odds, & resources.

Don’t idealize their working methods & results.

Don’t forget that only you fill your shoes.

Focus on your next steps.

(4) Practice self-gratitude

Recognize that not everyone hears their calling, let alone taking action.

Your journey is unique, challenging, and not-so-safe, unlike normal life paths.

Appreciate, celebrate & cherish yourself.

Self-gratitude keeps you going when nothing is favorable.

(5) Allow yourself the luxury of failing

A series of failures isn’t the path to success, but it isn’t inevitable either.

Perfectionism is a cancer to entrepreneurs.

It annihilates the possibility of improvement.

Be comfortable with the idea of failing.

Fall, learn, rise, repeat.