Lately I’ve found myself talking with new entrepreneurs who are panicked about business. They’re afraid they don’t have what it takes to make it online. They’re comparing themselves to more experienced entrepreneurs and feeling like they’re coming up short.
I know the feeling. We all know that feeling.
If you ever feel fear and doubt about being in business, listen up. I have one important message for you in today’s super-short video.
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In the comments below, I want to hear from you. Tell me…
1. What you do when fear and doubt creep in?
2. When fear and doubt do creep in, how do you keep moving forward with your world-changing agenda?
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When I feel that fear, it seems that what I need to most – a person, something I read or hear (like this video!) – brings the inspiration and motivation to break through. Am so glad to have found you!
You’re lucky, Angela! So great to hear that the right thing come to you when you need it most. Happy to be that resource for you today!
Sometimes I just need to take a break…a nap…a walk…watch a stupid movie….or an inspirational movie.* Maybe have a good cry to let out the stress. Then think about what makes me unique. My experiences. How I won’t connect with everyone, but the key people that I can help will be worth it. Reflect on how things have fallen into place in the past, so just keep moving forward and unexpected things will happen. Mentally comb through my accomplishments and emails from people giving thanks for what I do. Then remind myself of what I want….the fine balance of doing what you get a kick out of is usually how you can best serve others.
*This might sound nerdy, but I broke down crying watching Ken Burns Lewis & Clark documentary…it related to life in general…they were determined…they didn’t totally know what to expect…they prepared as best they could, which wasn’t really enough and was far from perfect…sometimes they took a wrong turn….but they made it AND crazy stuff happened to help them along the way. It wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding. And what if they just sat at home too scared to do anything? Afraid of making mistakes? In the end…no one really focuses on the mistakes after you’ve accomplished great things.
You’re a wise soul, Kelly. Naps, walks, breaks, movies, a good cry — they all help.
What a great addition: reflecting on your uniqueness, what you have to offer, how things have fallen into place in the past. Conjuring up previous “evidence” of when things worked out is a great way to calm a freaked out brain.
I think I’ll check out that movie. I love nerdy 🙂
Thanks for being here!
What a sweet message! I find this too with my career coaching. When people connect to who they really are and what they want to give to the world it is a particularly personal and vulnerable spot, especially right at the beginning. I think the point that you offered- that this is normal and part of the journey- is a great to keep in mind.
Glad to hear that the message resonates with you and your clients, too, Ali. I always value your perspective 🙂
Did you do this vid for me, madame?
Today: Cry sesh, walk, sit, listen, grilled cheese + tomato soup + brownie & vanilla ice cream. Nap. Write heartfelt Blog post.
Tomorrow: I think I’ll be back on my “A” game. And if I’m not there yet, that’s o.k.
xo
A
You and the hundreds of other unsure, uncertain, worried entrepreneurs. Heck, I even created it for me some days.
Good for you for taking care of yourself and allowing some space for the doubts to pass on through. Smart move!
Wow did I need to hear that today! Thank you Jenny. (Don’t take this wrong but you made me cry – which is EXACTLY what I needed today to get my stuff in gear and get busy!)
Thank you. 🙂
Stepping back is always the thing I need to do when I feel this, but it is the thing I fear doing the most at the same time. There’s something in our culture that tells us we need to “push through the pain” and “just work harder!” But really, following our heart has to apply to all areas of our life – including how we take care of ourselves. Growth is hard work. Becoming this amazing new person requires a bit of rest now and then! That’s the thing I need most when I feel fear. I need to step away, take a break, get some rest, and stop comparing myself to everyone else. Brownies also help occasionally. 🙂
Great video post, Jen. I will be watching this regularly! Thank you for the pep talk.
(Can I apply to be your biggest fan??)
A good cry is always a good thing!
I can totally relate to how hard it can be to step back, take a break, and gain perspective. I’m a big “pusher,” too, and always am inclined to “fix” or “take action.” Sometimes that’s good, but other times it just perpetuates, prolongs, or delays the pain!
I knew there were some people out there who needed a pep talk. Looks like the message was received by those who needed it most.
Thanks for commenting here!
I googled “entrepreneur doubts” today and found this.
I have these days where I ask myself “What am I doing? How can I pull this off?”.
I remind myself of the quote “Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid” by Basil King, and sometimes it helps.
The thing that helps the most is action – making my way through the list of tasks to be done.
And sometimes when even that doesn’t help, I google and find things like this that give me the energy to carry on.
I love that quote, Lisa! Thanks for sharing it here, as it’s perfectly appropriate!
What works for you often works for many entrepreneurs: put one step in front of the other, move forward, and take action. Thanks for saying so!
I’m glad Google directed you here!
Thanks Jenny.
I’m also reading Jessica Livingston’s “Founders at Work”. A great read for any entrepreneur, and reading a chapter is great medicine on a rough day.
Hey, is this an “all girls” channel? 🙂 Kidding of course and even if it was, I’m glad I’m here because of the positive message. Some day’s, panicked and ‘overwhelmed’ seem to be one and the same – especially as a newbie!
Can never get enough positive energy, regardless of where it comes from, so I wanted to let you know, you and your message, are appreciated! Thanks.
We’re mostly women around here, Lou, but always inviting cool guys who want to join us, too. Glad you’re here! 🙂
I’m glad the positive message was what you needed today and that I was able to provide it for you! Hope to keep seeing you here!
Thank you, Jenny Shih I so needed that. You rock, woman!!!!
1. Honestly, i just say F off
2. I’m stubborn, I keep going anyway