How to deal with failure and self-doubt as a solo-entrepreneur

Do any of these situations sound familiar to you?

You created an offer, but nobody is buying it.
You gave advice to a client, but the client is not seeing immediate results.
You promoted your offer, but you don’t get any response.

As entrepreneurs, when trying something (new) that doesn’t seem to work the first time, we tend to see it as a failure and make it too personal. We make it mean something about ourselves. That is because you are 100% in charge: you pull the strings and you chose what (strategy) to implement.

‘Nobody is buying my product or service, so it is probably not good enough.’ ‘The client is not seeing results, so my advice is probably not good enough.’ These concluding thoughts can be really harmful to your self-esteem and confidence. It also affects your willingness and courage to try again.

'Failing' as an entrepreneur is so different from team effort and team ‘failure’, like when you work for a boss or in a project team. You have no team or manager above you that shares any of the responsibilities or consequences.

So what can you do to not feel this way?

When something doesn’t work out the way you planned or thought it would go, rather than seeing it as a failure and having it mean something about you, try to externalise it. Try seeing it merely as a business problem that needs fixing. Just like the way you help your clients fix their problems with your expertise.

Next time change your thoughts and perspective this way:

"It didn’t work, it will not work" to "I will try another way". Also ask yourself ‘did I do everything and in a way I should have done? Or did I skip a few steps/tasks?' You need to take ownership.
"I can’t do it", "I’m not sure if I can do this" or "I feel paralysed when I think of doing xyz" to "I will just take the first (tiny) step which is [...] and I will adjust as I go".
"I feel like an imposter" or "Who am I to say/do this?" to "I have proof that I can do this". Start looking for evidence and similar situations in the past that show that you are prepared to do what you want to do.

Entrepreneurship to me is a learning journey. One thing that is sure when you start for yourself is that you will get out of your comfort zone all the time. That is also what I love about it: so many things to explore, to learn, overcome and to master. But also being responsible and in charge of the results you get.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Despite having 10 years of experience in consulting (strategic, management and risk) and growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, I still had my doubts now and then of whether I can actually pull it off as a business coach helping other entrepreneurs grow their business (yep..imposter syndrome is a real thing!). But I learnt to trust myself more, because I know that I always have and always will find a way for myself and my clients. I know that I am willing to put in the work required and that I always look for solutions.

What doubt or insecurities did you have when you started for yourself? Let me know in the comments below or send me a message!

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Cheers,

PS. I help entrepreneurs reach their business ambitions and goals by helping them create actionable and manageable strategies. If you are curious to know if and how I can help you, send me a message or use this link to book your free call. Let’s discuss your challenges and who knows..you might be reaching your goals sooner than you think! :)

Categories: : Business Owner, Entrepreneurship, Mindset