4 Ways To Help You Get Started And Keep Going
As much as we may hear that confidence is overrated, the fact remains, we all crave it at some point or another.
When we lack confidence it can leave us feeling like we’re not good enough or worthy enough to do what we feel we’ve been called to do.
And when it comes to starting an online business for the first time our doubts and insecurities can bubble to the surface and stop us dead in our tracks like a deer in headlights.
In my early years as a copywriter, I remember feeling “lucky” when jobs came my way because I lacked so much confidence and questioned my abilities as a writer.
I felt like the new kid on the block, lacking the expertise and social proof that I felt would validate my occupation.
But then I realised how to embrace one of the core fundamentals in building confidence, which we’ll dive into in a sec. Doing this one thing changed everything.
Let me jump off real quick and say, I still lack confidence.
Believe me, I question whether I’m good enough or worthy enough all the time but I’m learning how to push past those mental roadblocks using these 4 principles.
So, what do you do if you’re looking to start your online business but lack the confidence? You do it anyway!
There, you have the answer. That’s the crux of today’s post but it’s not my style to give you a sound bite answer and no action steps to follow through so let’s take this a step further.
Here are 4 Ways to keep your cup of confidence full and abundant.
1. Belief
You need to believe, deep down in your bones, that your idea is worth sharing with the world. That your business; your product, service or experience is of value to the marketplace and has the ability to improve the quality of people’s lives.
When you know this to be true then nothing will stop you because your reason - or why - is bigger than you.
You wouldn’t have the idea inside you if you didn’t have what it takes to bring it to life.
You need to trust your instincts and listen to your gut.
When you believe, at your core, that your idea has merit then you can shout about it with passion and enthusiasm.
Your energy introduces you before you even speak.
When the naysayers and Debbie Downers rock up to your party looking to dampen the mood with negativity and all the reasons why your idea won’t work, you’ll have the confidence to show them the door and keep your party - a.k.a. The pursuit of your dream - in full swing.
2. Proof
Seeing proof of success in the area of business you want to be is incredibly powerful.
When there is proof that your goal is achievable you will grow in confidence because it means you can achieve the same, if not more.
Find game-changing people and the bright stars in your industry and learn as much as you can about them. Read their books and blogs, follow them on social media and listen to podcasts, videos and interviews.
The proof is in the pudding
Listen to their advice and implement what you learn. Model the behaviours of successful people and you will see similar results. And when you do your confidence will grow.
Listen to the wise words of others then design your own path and leave footprints for others to follow.
Starting an online business for the first time can feel overwhelming so it’s a good idea to study and read as much as you can on your industry and on the needs of your customers.
A business coach, mentor or teacher with a proven track record can help support and guide your choices. But remember, you are building your online business so listen and learn and then make sure the choices you make are your own and are in alignment with your values.
3. Support
Did you know that we are the sum total of the 5 people that we hang around with the most? That includes our partners, associates, colleagues, friends, etc.
When you’re looking to start your online business it’s important to be aware of the people you surround yourself with.
Are they lifting you up or weighing you down?
Are they propelling you forward or holding you back?
Are you surrounding yourself with anchors or engines? Are your associations fast-tracking your success or slowing you down?
It’s important that you have a group of people, a support system, to keep you motivated, energised and productive.
The last thing you need when you set a big goal like starting a business is to hear the negative tapes of someone else’s failed attempts or worse people’s opinions when they’ve never attempted to do what you are looking to do.
Let’s jump off for a sec because now’s a good time to share this poem with you. It was delivered by Theodore Roosevelt on April 23rd 1910 and it gets to the heart of what this principle is all about:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt, Man In The Arena, 1910.
So, be vigilant, be conscious, and don’t care what others may say as you. Limit the time you spend with people who suck the joy, hope and excitement from your life.
And fear not, you will attract more people into your world with whom you share a kinship. Create space for them by letting go of the relationships that are no longer serving you. Having the right kind of support will build your confidence.
4. Action
Do it! Yep, Nike said it best, Just Do It! It’s the best tagline in the world because it’s clear, direct and to the point. There’s no misinterpretation of what Nike mean when they say, “Just Do It!” and as budding entrepreneurs, it’s a slogan we should embrace.
There’s no time for excuses. When we know what needs to be done, just do it!
This is your dream, your idea and your business and only you can bring it to life. Just Do It!
An idea without action leads to delusion. Action is the difference between the dreamers and the dream-creators.
It’s easy to slip into the zone of study and planning when we’re afraid to put ourselves out there - heck I’ve been there - but that’s just procrastination masquerading as something else. Don’t fall for it.
Instead, do enough. Do enough learning and enough planning to get your wheels in motion and then get out of your own way!
Confidence is found on the other side of action.
And, there you have it - 4 Ways To Start (And Keep Growing) Your Online Business When You Lack Confidence.
But, before I jump off let’s take a closer look at the idea of confidence.
The word confidence comes from the Latin word ‘fidere’, which means to trust. So to have self-confidence literally means to have trust in oneself.
We are result driven creatures. Every human being on the planet enjoys the reward after hard work.
This is why we decide to stick to a diet plan that helps us lose weight. When we see the results we want, our confidence grows and we feel motivated to keep going.
Confidence is like a muscle, the more you exercise it the stronger it gets.
We basically need to get in the game and start.
Start your online business so your dream customers can buy from you.
Start writing your blog so your customers can learn more about you.
Start making money doing what you love so you can create the life you love.
Start Now
Start doing these things and start working those muscles and your confidence will grow.
The Secret To Lasting Confidence
There is one more way to help build your confidence - consider this a bonus tip, I love you that much.
Here it is: Give it to someone else
That’s right, I know that might sound confusing and perhaps even a little counter-productive but hear me out -
The best way to build confidence is to give the very thing you’re lacking to someone else who needs it too. For example -
If you crave love, who can you give love to?
If you need support, who can you support?
If you desire happiness, who can you give happiness to?
The great thing about confidence is the more you give, the more you will receive.
Try it today - think of the area of your life where you lack confidence and think of someone who could benefit from a boost in the exact same thing.
Don’t take my word for it, a chap called Luke once said, “Give and it shall be given unto you” - supposedly there are some wise words shared in the Bible...Who am I to disagree!
OK, that’s it for today. But before I let you go, I’d love to hear from you!
Did you like this post? Which of the 4 principles will you try to build your confidence? Tell me in the comments below.
Love Nat x
P.S. I know it's fashionable to be late to the party but you don't want to miss the weekly treats I share with my subscribers. Sign up and let's have some fun while you build your business and change your life.
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