Aaaah, you gotta love that wee emotion called self-doubt huh? There you are blazing along, confident in the path you’re taking and then – BAM! – self doubt rears it’s ugly head and pays you a visit. It’s like the friend or relative that overstays their welcome yet their presence forces you into silence and you just roll with it.
Thankfully my moments of self-doubt are few and far between as of late, but oh it’s there, it’s there. In business, heck in life, self-doubt can be debilitating. So severe it can stop you in your tracks and force you down paths that are not true to your heart. It can be hard to overcome. Hard to ignore as it can be so loud that the “what ifs” consume you and it becomes an exhausting one-way conversation with yourself.
Of course, I expect my self-doubt to be rampant over the coming weeks. With my launch approaching I can’t help but think…. will everyone be disappointed in my new products? Will they be expecting more? Is re-launching with 8 products enough? Should I wait and make it 16? What if nothing sells? What if… what it… what if?
See what I mean about that one-way conversation? With so many questions running through your head it’s often hard to hear the answers. The answers spoken from your gut. Your inner confidence telling you it’ll all be okay. Eventually you begin to hear them, but damn, someone needs to tell self-doubt to leave already. It’s noisy in here!
How do you deal with self-doubt?
Photo Credit: Daniel Y. Go
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Ok first of all, you find the best images! Just sayin’…
Self-doubt is something that we all deal with (in business and in life). I know I do. After all, we’re human. People find all kinds of different ways to deal (some people unfortunately don’t). What I find works for me is co-working. I often pick a day or two to go out and share a work day and work-space with a colleague or friend of mine. We end up sharing goals, passions, brainstorming ideas and more. The challenge of course is focusing and filtering through the noise so as to remain productive. But really, it’s the free-flow of ideas and exchange that happens between us that is uplifting and motivating. It gets the creative juices flowing and really does an excellent job of removing all sense of self-doubt.
Ricardo Bueno | May 5th, 2010I drink.
Nicole : Three By Sea | May 5th, 2010I kid. Normally if I’m having those moments, it’s more a sign for me that my work isn’t were I need it to be yet. If what I’ve created gets me excited, then I’m excited to share it with others. And at that point, what will be, will be. If you’re excited about it, that enthusiasm will convey to others.
I completely understand what you’re going through. But take the plunge and dive into the deep in. Let the self-doubt roll off your back. Easier said than done, I realize but I know it’ll be great!
xo
Perideau Designs | May 5th, 2010Bridgett
I know what you mean. I think some doubting us healthy- it means you’re thinking things through. But it can become kind of crazy-making…I know it is for me at times. I try to remember how dull life would be without taking chances & remind myself of all the times I took a risk & it ended up being a point where my life turned for the better…..moving to california, joining teach for america, applying for my masters program…and now….with my handmade business (quiltish).
So…best of luck & rejoice in the uncertainty of it all!
Allisa | May 5th, 2010“So severe it can stop you in your tracks and force you down paths that are not true to your heart.”
I think that line has the potential to keep anyone’s head above water. When you write these posts, you help others as well. And seeing the response, these posts also have others encouraging you and motivating those such as myself who read their comments as well.
As mentioned, we all have those moments, they do pass. Yet as Nicole said, if you’re not happy with your products then the passion for them won’t shine through. Even though the confidence might not be there 100% in yourself, as long as its in your products, the rest takes care of itself.
Michelle from Holley & Gill | May 5th, 2010Adele! I’m right there with you. Although, you are miles ahead of me. I can’t even take the baby steps and am paralyzed with fear to invest any “real” money into my business. I even wrote a blog post about today and gave myself some public homework to ensure that I don’t keep going around in circles.
Bess | English Muffin Shop | May 5th, 2010Your work is great and I am sure my expectations will be met when you have your big reveal. Look how far you have come and all that you have accomplished. You’re great – and so are your designs!!
xx bess
I read blogs like yours to know that it’s not just a “me” thing! Thanks for being so transparent! :)
Jen | May 5th, 2010