I know, start-up is hard, really hard sometimes and you’re bound at some point to question yourself: your capability, your stamina, your sanity… All you need is to restore faith in yourself and get a little confidence boost, so here it is. You got this!
Small wins are still wins
I know you’ve put in the work to identify your long-term goals and looked at five-year plans, and even 90-day action plans can seem like the top of a very long staircase at times when overwhelm hits. If you have concerns that you can’t focus on something that seems so far away, break those 90 days down into smaller goals; look at the month, the week or even the day and focus on those achievements – recognise what you did well, and when.
Reframe failures as learning opportunities
If it’s been said once, it’s been said a million times. Failures offer opportunities for learning, so embrace your mistakes. If you can’t see the learn at first it might be because you’re still in panic mode, so allow yourself time to do the firefighting, have that sleepless night, and then you’ll be in a better frame of mind to analyse the whole experience.
Don’t worry, you’ll find the learn, and you’ll figure out how to avoid the same mistake in future.
Lean on your support network
And if you still feel low on confidence – look to your support network, your cheerleaders. The people that radiate positivity and resilience in your business circles or personal life will help you get back on your feet and find the motivation to go back to work.
Some quick affirmations
I’ve written about the benefits of affirmations before, so here are a few for startups that should give you a little extra boost…
‘I’m a hard/good/smart worker, who deserves success and happiness’
‘I am confident in my ability to succeed’
‘I am resilient, adaptable and can learn from every setback’
‘I am building a successful and valuable business’
‘My skills and delivery are needed and appreciated’
‘If I need more skills, I have the ability to get them’
‘I am determined to find success’
Good luck with your start-up journey, I wish you all the success you deserve, and if you ever need a little confidence boost from someone in your network, you can always lean on me. Call me on 01235 614809 and we can have a chat, or grab a copy of my brand new book – The Financial Times Guide to Starting a Business…