When you start a business, no one can fully explain or prepare you for the mindset struggles you’ll face.
Doubts can be crippling. Add my over-thinking introverted nature into the mix and I very often hit brick walls.
Back in January 2019 I was feeling particularly lost.
My business wasn’t going the direction I wanted it too – in fact, I didn’t really have a clear direction.
Focus was a big issue for me and I had these heavy doubts hanging over me, stopping me in my tracks.
“Am I good enough?”
“Do I even know what I’m talking about?”
“Who will listen to me?”
Imposter syndrome is something so many of us face throughout our lives.
This time I knew I couldn’t continue to struggle with it alone, so I sought out ways to help me get focused and moving forward.
If you’re struggling with doubts, keeping focus or getting stuff done, there are people who can support you.
1. Work with a Business Coach or Consultant
In was Feb 2019 when I decided to make a big pivot in my business and start on the new path I’m on now. However, I was letting fear and indecision get in the way (over-thinking and full-on introverting).
I needed someone else to push me in the right direction, to be a sounding board for my ideas, help me make a plan and keep me accountable.
I met an amazing coach Susan when I need help the most.
She helped me sort through my thoughts, got me heading in the right direction and we figured out my next steps.
Susan also shared the power of having a Reflection Journal.
This is a weekly or monthly review of what you’ve achieved and a great way to keep track of all the good things that happen.
If you start to have doubts and feel like an imposter, you can look back at what you’ve accomplished.
I also make sure to collect screenshots of testimonials, emails and everything positive that someone has said.
It’s nice to read through them and reflect on how I’ve helped others when I’m feeling down or unmotivated.
Tips to Help You Choose a Business Coach
Know what you need help with
Maybe you need to get more done in a day, perhaps your struggling with imposter syndrome, or maybe you need help packaging your services. You can find a coach or consultant who specialises in what you need.
Get to know their personality and how they work
You can get to know them by checking out their social media, their website and content, or watching them give a talk.
I’d find it difficult to work with a coach who is very extraverted, as it wouldn’t flow with my energy or thought processes.
Research their experience running a business
It’s important that a business coach has experience in a similar style of business. If you’re a solopreneur working with a coach or consultant who’s only seen success in medium-sized business, then it wouldn’t be good a fit.
2. Join a Business Membership & Community
I’m sure you’ve come across different online memberships to help you learn about almost anything in business. Many have courses, masterclasses, masterminds and a community of people supporting each other.
I’m part of Atomic by Andrew & Pete.
They are genuine, funny and just really friendly guys. Their YouTube videos are entertaining and packed full of value bombs (if you haven’t seen any you should go check them out).
At the point when I was struggling the most, they launched their new Online Programme kicking off with Ground Zero – How to Conquer Overwhelm.
It was perfect!
And as a little birthday treat to myself I signed up – it was the best decision I made.
That programme made me see that I was still offering too many services and not focusing enough on what I wanted to be known for. So I cut them down and concentrated on one thing.
There are tons of courses and masterclasses to help with everything from Getting Sales (like Payday), creating content, email marketing, getting social media engagement and so much more.
One to the best things about being an Atomic Member, however, is the community.
I know that at any time I can reach out to other members and get advice and support on pretty much anything, Andrew and Pete are always on hand with their expert knowledge too.
If you’ve been considering something like this, then I can’t recommend Atomic enough.
There are two common reasons you might put off joining a membership group programme:
You feel like you don’t have time
If you choose the right membership for you and have a good understanding of what you need to grow your business, then I promise you will find the time to do.
I set aside time in the evening to learn and work through the courses and masterclasses in Atomic, as I know that I’m working on core parts of my business.
You don’t think you can’t afford it right now
It can be hard when money is tight, but if you choose a membership that helps you work on setting up your business in the right way (not just marketing it), you’ll gain valuable knowledge to help bring in more sales long term.
Not only that but you also become part of a community, which can lead to new opportunities and possibly work.
If you are considering joining a membership programme, also check if it has a money-back guarantee. With Atomic you get a ‘no questions asked’ money-back guarantee within 30 days of joining if you’re not happy. So really, there’s nothing to lose.
3. Find an Accountability Buddy
My amazing friend Jane, is my business buddy.
We both work in similar areas so we can help each other with ideas and keep each other accountable.
We have informal video calls every week, aptly named ‘Board Meetings’. It’s a great way to get things off your chest and get a fresh perspective.
Have a think about who you could buddy with and set up a regular call to support each other.
Surround Yourself With the Right People
Entrepreneur and podcaster John Lee-Dumas often says “You’re the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.”
So surround yourself with people who support you, believe in you and can help you move forward.
If you’re still struggling with doubts and imposter syndrome, and it’s really holding you back, then don’t be afraid to seek professional help as well.
What things help you find focus and get past doubts? I’d love to know in the comments below.
