Conquering Self-Doubt and Demotivation Squashers in Your Solopreneur Journey
Use your ‘why’ wisely.
You are likely to be a robot if you are avoiding feeling overwhelmed by self-doubt and demotivation on your path to building a successful business? I assume you are a human!
I want to share a fresh perspective from my ‘unsquasher’ tool kit — to help you conquer the FIBs (fears, illusions and baggage) that hold you back and reignite your enthusiasm.
Time to switch on your ‘detective mindset’ and unlock a world of possibilities. Instead of asking yourself, “Why bother?” explore the power of asking, “I wonder why?”
Embrace Curiosity.
Imagine a child exploring the world with unbridled curiosity, constantly asking, “Why?” You did it yourself!
It makes a lot of sense — even if it can be a tad annoying!
This ‘why’ approach opens up new avenues of learning and understanding.
As solopreneurs, we can adopt the same mindset.
Embrace the power of curiosity and start asking yourself, “I wonder why?” instead of closing your explorer and detective down with ‘why bother?’
Curiosity sparks creativity and leads to innovative solutions.
Action: Write down three challenges you’re currently facing in your business. For each challenge, ask yourself, “I wonder why this is happening?” and brainstorm potential reasons or insights with your alter-ego detective busy and energised while exploring each challenge.
As the utterly inspirational late Ken Robinson said:
“Curiosity is the engine of achievement.”
Seek New Perspectives.
When self-doubt and demotivation strike, it’s easy to become trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts. However, by adopting the mindset of “I wonder why,” you invite fresh perspectives into your journey. How about reaching out to fellow small business owners — or even your past clients — or even just friends — to ask for their insights.
You’ll be amazed at the new ideas and inspiration that can emerge.
Action: Connect with at least two people and actually ask them, “I wonder why I’m struggling with [xyz]?” and listen attentively to their perspectives. Take notes and extract valuable clues!
“Objectivity is the cure for blindness caused by the infection of bias.”
Suzy Kassem
Shift Focus from Problems to Solutions.
Rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of your challenges, shift your focus towards finding solutions.
By asking “I wonder why,” you open up a world of possibilities and invite your mind to explore alternative paths. Remember, every problem has a solution waiting to be discovered.
Action: Take one of the challenges you listed earlier and reframe it as a solution-focused question. For example, instead of “Why am I not attracting enough clients?” ask, “I wonder why my ideal clients are drawn to my competitors?” Brainstorm potential strategies to attract your target audience based on this new perspective.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Peter Drucker
Embrace Growth Mindset.
Self-doubt and demotivation squashing often stem from a fixed mindset — which is why I go on and on about ‘curiosity’ and ‘detective mindset’!
If you believe your abilities are fixed and cannot be improve — well — ‘why bother?’!
However, ‘I wonder why?’ is in the growth mindset club. You recognize that challenges and setbacks are opportunities for growth. Instead of succumbing to self-doubt, ask yourself, “I wonder why I haven’t mastered this skill yet?” and embrace the journey of continuous learning and improvement.
This has been thrown into the spotlight for me in recent months.
I wonder why?
My new climbing hobby!
It would be so easy to give up with ‘why bother’ ruling the roost.
So — I try to see each ‘impossible’ move as a case to be cracked — ‘I wonder why….?’
It works!
Action: Identify one skill or area in your business where you feel limited. Shift your mindset to the ‘detective’ growth mindset.
Ask yourself, “I wonder why I haven’t mastered this skill yet?” and create a plan to develop and enhance that skill through courses, mentorship, or (and this one is a no-brainer) practice!
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
To wrap up…
By adopting the mindset of “I wonder why” instead of “why bother,” you unlock the power of curiosity, seek new perspectives, and shift your focus towards solutions. Embrace the growth ‘detective’ mindset and trust in your ability to overcome challenges.
Remember, self-doubt and demotivation are temporary roadblocks on the path to success. So, let your authentic ‘unsquashed’ voice shine through, explore with wonder, and consider these wise words from Eleanor Roosevelt:
“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence.”