Transform self-doubt into a powerful tool for personal and professional development.
The first half of 2024 has been filled with a lot of change and growth and when you are in that phase of your life, doubt will come up, whether you like it or not. So instead of fighting it, you better embrace that inner critic as it will not help you out anyway.
At the beginning of the year, I was running 3 businesses, a hospitality business, a drone training school, and of course my coaching business. I’m not saying this to brag, it’s just part of my personality, I see opportunities everywhere and find it hard to resist them.
By the way, when I’m talking about my personality, I’m referring to my money archetypes: Maverick | Romantic | Ruler – get your own top 3 archetypes by doing the quiz by Kendall Summerhawk.
As both the hospitality business and the drone school grew tremendously in the past year, it took away my attention from my coaching business, my true passion! It didn’t sit well so decisions needed to be made.
Not to bore you with too many details, the hospitality business was sold by the end of March and I proudly handed over my shares of the drone school in May! After months of negotiation and preparing both firms for a smooth handover, I found heaps of time left and empty spaces in my planner just as I had envisioned.
A relaxed and inspired way to grow my coaching business, nurture my clients, and pour all my energy into further developing my business coaching program Visionary Women.
I created more FREEDOM in my life and business!
And then that little voice in my mind speaks up… my inner critic wanted its say! Let me tell you all about it!
At one point, I was sitting in one of my favorite spots in the backyard, recording my Thursday Talks. I walked there, as the movement boosts my creativity, I was taking my time, because I now had that time to take it easy and enjoy the lovely afternoon sun.
When a couple of limiting beliefs popped up:
- Who am I to think it is the way to grow my business?
- You should be sitting behind your computer instead of in the sun!
- Why do you believe that stepping away from those two successful businesses will be helpful anyway?
And a couple of other ones came up as well, but they are not to be shared publicly 😅
The inner critic was not only critical but also rather aggressive and a bit resentful even!
I was frustrated, I thought I was done with these conversations and that I had stepped away from these limiting beliefs. You would think that after more than 20 years of entrepreneurship, you would have more helpful thoughts pop up in your mind 🙄
Nope, I must burst your bubble, you will never be done with them 🤣 you will just be better equipped to deal with them.
As soon as the thoughts came up, I listened, acknowledged, and thanked them. As soon as I was back at the office (not because my inner critic said that this was my place to be, but it was just getting cold as the sun was setting 😅) I wrote them all down. Grabbed a couple of my personal development books and tried not to be too hard on myself.
The next day I did some thought practices and reached out to my fellow coaches to help me through this phase. I reminded myself of where I’ve come from and reframed the thoughts into positive ones. These steps allowed me to refocus and bring even more passion and dedication to my coaching business.
Whether we like it or not, these moments are all part of your growth process.
You are not alone!
So, when you find yourself paralyzed when you are embarking in the next stage of your business, know that you’re not alone.
Many of us battle with the relentless voice of our inner critic. But when approached in the right way, it could actually be your greatest ally in achieving growth and success.
Understanding the inner critic
The inner critic is that persistent voice inside your head that questions your abilities and decisions. It’s the one that says, “You’re not good enough,” or “You’ll never succeed.” The problem is that many believe the best way to deal with this voice is to ignore it or silence it, but doing so can actually make it louder and more disruptive.
Understanding that your inner critic stems from a place of self-preservation—often rooted in past experiences and societal expectations—can help you address it more effectively.
Oh, did I mention that my inner critic also reminded me that I should be working from 08:30-17:00 otherwise it wasn’t socially accepted? Just shows you how deeply engrained these beliefs are!
The dual role of the inner critic
Your inner critic can either be a source of self-sabotage or a catalyst for growth, depending on how you manage it. Left unchecked, it can lead to paralysis by analysis, causing you to second-guess every decision and miss out on opportunities. However, when harnessed correctly, your inner critic can make you more self-aware and motivate you to improve. By listening to my inner critic constructively, I identified areas for growth and honed my skills.
Self-awareness: the key to growth
Self-awareness is crucial for any entrepreneur. It involves recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, understanding your emotions, and being conscious of how your actions impact others. Developing self-awareness allows you to make more informed decisions and respond to challenges more effectively. Techniques such as journaling, practicing mindfulness, and seeking feedback can enhance your self-awareness. When you understand yourself better, you can turn the inner critic’s messages into opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Transforming self-doubt into a growth tool
Reframing the messages from your inner critic involves three steps: identifying, analyzing, and responding. First, identify the negative thoughts and write them down. Next, analyze these thoughts—ask yourself if they are based on facts or assumptions. Finally, respond with positive self-talk and affirmations. For instance, if your inner critic says, “You’re not capable of handling this project,” counter it with, “I have successfully managed similar projects before, and I can do this too.” Utilize tools such as cognitive restructuring and positive affirmations to reshape your mindset. Books, apps, and workshops focused on cognitive behavioral techniques can be immensely helpful in this process.
Reach out!
No entrepreneur succeeds alone. Building a support network of mentors, peers, and advisors can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement. Seek out mentors who have walked the path you’re on—they can offer insights and share experiences that can help you navigate your challenges. Peer support groups create a safe space to share successes and struggles, fostering a sense of community and mutual growth. Remember, asking for help and sharing your journey is not a sign of weakness but a step towards greater strength and resilience. I’m so grateful to have so many powerful ladies in my inner circle I can reach out to!
Recap
Embracing your inner critic and developing self-awareness are powerful steps towards personal and professional growth. By transforming self-doubt into a tool for improvement and building a supportive network, you can navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with greater confidence and resilience. Remember, the journey of self-discovery is ongoing, and every step you take towards understanding yourself better is a step towards achieving your goals.
In short… Get over yourself and embrace your inner critic!
P.S. Do you want to find out what is holding you back from embracing life and business in more freedom? Take the ultimate freedom quiz today!
