Emmanuella Ese
An old friend once told me about an entrepreneur, she was really good in her field, a really
young startup at that. But there was always an intrapersonal feeling she battled with. This was
self doubt, she always encounter this feeling at every networking event she went for. Despite
her constant effort to overcome this challenge, she always felt she wasn’t good enough. She
found Solace in the words of a successful woman who encouraged her to embrace herself as a
motivator. At the end of it all, she realized self doubt wasn’t a weakness but a strength,
motivating her to strive for excellence. She constantly made effort to surround herself with
individuals who reminded her of her accomplishments.
Self Doubt In Business
Starting a business is an exciting and challenging journey, and as a female entrepreneur, it’s
common to face self-doubt along the way. Whether it stems from societal expectations, a lack of
confidence, or fear of failure, self-doubt can hinder your progress and limit your potential.
However, by recognizing and addressing these doubts head-on, you can empower yourself to
overcome obstacles and thrive in your entrepreneurial pursuits.
Effective Strategies To Get Rid Of Self Doubt
1. Embrace Your Unique Perspective
As a female entrepreneur, you possess a distinctive perspective that is valuable and worth
celebrating. Your individuality brings to the table a set of strengths that can greatly benefit your
business. It is crucial to recognize that your diverse experiences and ideas have the potential to
set you apart from your competition. Embracing your uniqueness and seeking to understand its
worth will allow you to cultivate a sense of confidence in your abilities. By doing so, you will be
better equipped to overcome any self-doubt that may arise on your entrepreneurial journey.
2. Surround Yourself With Supportive Network
Building a strong support system of like-minded individuals is crucial for overcoming self-doubt.
Self-doubt often creeps in when we are pursuing a path less tread or taking risks in our
entrepreneurial endeavors. To combat this, it is important to seek out communities, mentorship
programs, or networking events specifically designed for female entrepreneurs. By surrounding
yourself with people who understand your journey, you can share your challenges and successes.
These individuals can offer guidance and encouragement, boosting your confidence and belief in
yourself. They have likely faced similar obstacles and can provide invaluable advice, helping you
stay motivated, focused, and resilient. Through their support, you can gain fresh perspectives,
learn new skills, and build lasting connections.
3. Focus On Your Achievements
Instead of allowing ourselves to be consumed by thoughts of our failures or perceived
shortcomings, it is essential to redirect our focus towards recognizing and celebrating our
accomplishments. By keeping a journal or list of our successes, no matter how big or small they
may seem, we are actively reinforcing our self-belief and empowering ourselves to combat self-
doubt. Each time we acknowledge even the tiniest wins, we are providing ourselves with a sense
of validation that strengthens our confidence. It is crucial to remind ourselves of our unique
talents and skills, constantly recognizing the value they bring to any situation. With our
achievements serving as a guiding light, we can navigate through self-doubt and embrace the
endless possibilities that lie ahead.
4. Practice Self Care And Self Reflection
Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is vital for combating self-doubt.
Engage in activities that rejuvenate and empower you. Engage in regular exercise, practice
mindfulness and meditation, and surround yourself with positive influences. Engaging in self-
reflection also helps to identify any limiting beliefs or negative thought patterns. Challenge these thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations that reinforce your abilities and worth.
5. Embrace Failure As Part Of your Journey
Fear of failure is a common source of self-doubt for many entrepreneurs. However, it’s essential
to re-frame failure as a learning opportunity rather than a reflection of your abilities. Embrace
failures as stepping stones on your path to success. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and grow
stronger. Realize that even the most successful entrepreneurs have faced setbacks along the way
and that failure is a necessary part of the entrepreneurial journey.
6. Seek Professional Development Opportunities
Invest in your personal and professional growth by seeking out relevant educational resources,
workshops, and training programs. By continuously expanding your knowledge and skill set,
you’ll feel more confident in your abilities as an entrepreneur. Consider attending conferences or
seminars that focus on women in business, as they can provide valuable insights and
connections.
7. Leave Your Comfort Zone
Constantly challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone. Growth and self-assurance
stem from pushing boundaries and embracing new opportunities. By taking risks and facing your
fears, you’ll build resilience and gain confidence in your abilities. Remember, every successful
entrepreneur has faced these moments and emerged stronger on the other side.
As a female entrepreneur, self-doubt may naturally arise within you, but it doesn’t have to define
your journey. By embracing your uniqueness, surrounding yourself with supportive networks,
focusing on your accomplishments, practicing self-care and self-reflection, embracing failure,
seeking professional development, and stepping outside your comfort zone, you can finally bid
farewell to self-doubt. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and watch your entrepreneurial
dreams become a reality. Remember, self-doubt isn’t a weakness but a strength.
