Champagne Toasts : Self Doubt

I was very hesitant to write this blog for a number of reasons. One reason being that I don’t want to give too much energy to the negative thoughts that are born out of self doubt. The other is well…to be honest is it’s embarrassing. As I sat and thought more about it, I realized that those two reasons are exactly why I need to talk openly about self doubt.

Owning a small business is hard work. For me the creative side of wedding planning comes naturally. The other stuff I struggle with. For example, I am not a sales person. So many times I’ve scrolled through Facebook and come across a post from a friend about something wedding related. Immediately I’d type up a response full of helpful hints and then delete it. I’d delete it because I didn’t want to come off as the pushy wedding planner stalking Facebook for leads. Then later on the doubt would creep in and tell me that I’m not aggressive enough for this business. And you know what sometimes I’d believe it.

That is where being open about your fears comes in. If you hold onto that negative energy it will start to consume you and eventually undo all that you ARE capable of doing. The only way to rid your mind and spirit of the negativity is to be completely honest about it. As I began sharing my fears with other small business owners I learned that I was not alone. Like me they struggled with self doubt and conquered it by continuing to pursue their passion and surrounding themselves with supportive and encouraging people.

Last month at Cultivate Retreat Rhiannon Bosse handed me a Starbucks gift card with a note attached that read:

“Don’t dig up in doubt, what you planted in faith.”  photo

Those words spoke to me because that is exactly what doubt does. It uproots your foundation, disturbs your soul and destroys your spirit. DON’T LET IT!!

To all my fellow entrepreneurs out there struggling with feeling inadequate, incapable and all those other words synonymous with doubt – I understand, you are not alone and you are capable of great things. Go be great!

Until next time, happy planning,

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