Let’s Get Real: My Honest Journey as a Business Owner
I want to be real with you. Despite the outward appearance, I’ve been struggling lately. I often hear words of affirmation from others that “I am killing it” or “so confident in my business.” But the truth is, I don’t have it all together. Sure, I put on a brave face and work hard to project confidence, but underneath the facade, I'm an anxious overthinker, constantly seeking approval. Even after a decade in business, I grapple with Imposter Syndrome, fearing failure at every turn, and have an ongoing mental battle against perfectionism, people-pleasing, and pricing. In short, I do not have my shit together.
As business owners, we're dreamers and go-getters. We set our sights on big goals, both in business and in life. But more often than not, our minds become the biggest roadblock. Oftentimes, self-doubt creeps in, fear takes hold, and anxiety clouds our judgment. Those amazing ideas get pushed aside, and what once was an exciting dream becomes a source of stress and uncertainty.
Sound familiar?
The Many Faces of Mindset Blocks:
In my journey, the two major hurdles that stand out are people-pleasing, and a shaky sense of self-worth. These aren’t surface level issues, they’re deeply rooted in my past. Childhood bullying left me with serious self-confidence issues and a constant need to please others. Growing up in a household that struggled financially led me to undervalue my self-worth and the work I do. I’ve tried various approaches to overcome these mental challenges, but since I am being honest, I still grapple with them daily. You might see me answering client emails immediately or pulling 80-hour work weeks – that's me overcompensating, trying to prove my worth. But the root problems remain tied to my self-worth and confidence.
Here’s the thing: we all face challenges. As business owners, there's often this pressure to appear perfect, to have it all figured out. However, I have learned that it is through sharing our struggles that we truly connect and help others.
Daily Hurdles We Deal With:
Here are some of the shit and challenges I occasionally face. And when I say “occasionally,” who am I kidding? These are a constant daily struggle. Here’s a peek into my mental obstacles and how these hurdles trip me up:
Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like a fraud waiting to be exposed.
Fear of Failure: The dread of making a mistake and everything falling apart.
Decision and Analysis Paralysis: Overthinking to the point of inaction or serious impulsivity.
Comparison: Constantly measuring yourself against others and feeling inadequate.
Perfectionism: Trying to get everything perfect.
Anxiety: Worry that permeates thoughts and actions.
Overcoming These Hurdles:
Some of this works for me, but only when I'm really putting in the effort. When we don't try, we stay stuck. There's that old saying: the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
I truly believe emotional healing starts with understanding and accepting your feelings. It's okay to feel deeply, express pain, and confront past scars. We need to forgive ourselves and those who shaped our experiences, even when it's super hard. Overcoming these challenges isn't easy and doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, dedication, and often, support from others.
Here are some steps that have helped me:
Identify Your Thoughts and Fears: I've learned to pause and really examine what's holding me back. It's not always comfortable, but understanding the root of my fears is crucial for moving forward.
Break It Down: Make big goals more manageable by breaking them into smaller steps. This reduces overwhelm.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Confront Imposter Syndrome and fear of failure by reminding yourself of who you are and what you have accomplished.
Set Realistic Expectations: Perfectionism is a roadblock. Set achievable goals and remember, done is better than perfect.
Limit Comparisons: Focus on your own journey. Remember that social media is a highlight reel, not reality.
Practice Self-Care: Manage anxiety with activities that relax and rejuvenate you, like walking, hobbies, or deep breathing.
Every dream, whether personal or business-related, comes with its own set of challenges. But on the other side of those hurdles can be a wonderful, albeit still challenging, journey. Let's be real: life would be boring without those moments of struggle and the subsequent excitement that follows overcoming them.
Balanced Office Solutions is here for you and to support you, even when we ourselves are a hot mess. We get it—sometimes things are tough, and it feels like you're wading through chaos. But it’s in these moments that we find growth and strength. We’re in this together, helping each other navigate the ups and downs. No dream is without its bumps in the road, but that’s what makes the journey worthwhile. Let’s tackle those challenges head-on and celebrate the victories, big or small, that come with perseverance.
Want or need to chat with someone who gets it?! We are here…
