Building your own business allows a sense of freedom that some will never experience. The ability to set your own schedule is just reward for the discipline, dedication, and creativity it takes to launch your services and products into the world and commit to finding paying customers.
Yet long lunches and the opportunity to take days off for family fun and holidays (at any time of the year) can’t cancel out the inevitable moments of tremendous stress and doubt that come with being your own boss.
If you are experiencing the anxiety prevalent when working to make your business a success, here’s how to find the motivation to keep on pushing:
Focus on the bigger picture
When everything is getting a bit too much, it’s time to get back to why you are in business in the first place. We all have our reasons for going it alone – whether it’s to make the most of our unique talents or to make more money than we ever could as an employee. Whatever your reasons for starting your own business, get clear on what you want and visualise the bigger picture for your future. What does business success mean to you? What will it allow, if you just keep going through the uncertainty to get where you want to be?
Ask your audience
It’s easy to get caught up in the unknown when starting a business, there’s a lot of guesswork that comes with trying new things and tackling new business challenges. Reduce the anxiety by reaching out to your customers and asking them what it is they want and need. Directly securing feedback from existing and potential buyers acts as welcome direction when your confidence is waning.
Feel the fear, and do it anyway
There are days when the uncertainty of running your own business leaves you seriously considering packing it all up and getting a ‘proper job’! Realise that these fears are completely natural and that any successful entrepreneur you speak to will have gone through these same reservations. The key to making your business the triumph you long for, is to persevere even when things get uncomfortable. Fear is a good indicator that you are pushing things forward.
Get support
If business doubt hits, it’s time to get support. Doing everything on your own is a recipe for overwhelm and hours of overthinking. Supportive friends and family are a brilliant place to begin to offload, but there’s nothing quite like connecting with both those who have been-there done-that, and those who are in the same place as you right now. Financial investing in such support will ensure that you are held accountable for taking action even when you experience a turbulent period.
Saskia Gregory is a success coach for ambitious modern mothers. Helping women build beautiful & inspiring online businesses which provide a lifestyle of fulfilment, freedom, and fun. You can connect with Saskia on Twitter @saskia_gregory or click to access her free video training on how to find more confidence in your online business here.
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