Lack of confidence holding me back

[LackOfConfidence]

I’m self employed. I’ve been pootling along part time for a few years. Making ends meet. Ive come up with various directions I’d like to go in over the years but dread of failure always means I talk myself out of trying anything. I see all these new businesses coming up on social media from people I knew from school or former colleagues etc and think “well if they can do that, I can do what I want to do” but I’m too afraid to go for it and spend money incase I’m a massive failure and everyone will laugh at me. I know how ridiculous that sounds.

I need to reprogram my thoughts to get rid of this deeply ingrained self doubt.

What do I do? I need to pull myself out of this work rut.

Ohmygosh.... I could have written this post word for word.

Hugs, it's not easy.

I think its the vulnerability of 'putting yourself out there', being seen to launch and then people watching your results to see what happens.

I think it's time for us both to put the blinkers on and get on with it!!

Yes, but what you don't see on facebook is all the businesses that people tried and which failed to take off. Nobody boasts on FB about those!

I’ve had this in the guise of imposter syndrome. But I’m not an imposter. I’m bloody great at what I do and it’s okay for me to say that out loud!

Take it one idea at a time. You wouldn’t be making ends meet if you couldn’t do it.

I’m not completely sold on the theory but have just listened to an interesting podcast about lack v abundance mindsets. The essence is believe in yourself and remember that opportunity is not a finite commodity, look outward and do for others what you want to do for yourself.

Thank you everyone for responding. Lots of great points being made here. I need to take a deep breath and make the leap. And decide that it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about it. Negative self talk is a horrible habit. Need to find a way to stamp on that when it starts.

One thing I do when I have an idea is actually write it out. All the to dos, the to buys, the how to market etc and build a mini business plan. It makes it feel more obtainable and far less scary than just having an idea wafting around in my head.

I have a book full of ideas, plans, budgets, steps etc it’s just actually taking the first step where I get the jitters and talk myself out of it. It’s like the cold light of day hits and all I can see is problems and reasons not to do it.

I know, it’s hard. I’m launching a new side to my business and I’m having to really force myself to mention it to potential clients. Have you thought about a coach/mentor? Someone to hold you accountable or make you feel like you have permission?

Feel the fear and do it anyway

That’s a good idea ubbe. I have a close friend who is really the only person I have vaguely discussed any off this with and she is very supportive/encouraging. Maybe I should lay it all out as my “official plan” and ask her to help keep my focus if she hears me talking myself out of anything.

Sounds like you have a great cheerleader, just believe her! I think once you have taken the plunge you'll wish you just got on with it. Good luck!