Who are You? Who do you want to become?
Much of running a business has, well, very little to do with business. It is not just about managing finances and navigating market dynamics; it's deeply personal. Success often hinges not just on what you do, but on who you become in the process. Committing to personal growth and dealing with the barriers of fear, self-identity, and doubt can be painful and necessary, both for owners and their business.
Fear is a common partner that we keep with us in both our business life and in our personal life. It can take the form of fear of failure, fear of the unknown, or even fear of success itself. Each type of fear has the potential to keep a business owner from reaching their full potential. When small business owners allow fear to dictate their actions, they might miss out on opportunities for growth and expansion.
“Fear has a way of making you doubt your abilities and shrink back when you should be leaping forward,” says Dr. Lianne Park, a psychologist specializing in entrepreneurship. Overcoming fear often requires confronting it head-on—identifying specific fears, acknowledging their potential impacts on the business, and developing strategies to manage them.
This might not be comforting but an interesting to watch for this indicator. While interacting with fear and doubt listen internally and externally for the phrase “I am not ready for this…”. Guess what?? You just found out where to focus your energy and courage.? Approach the analysis of the item that brought up this phrase from two points of view.? How you feel about it and what process, service, or partnership would make moving forward possible.? In the majority it is the emotions causing the barrier, not the process.? Time to activate Business Pioneer Mode, embrace the fear, get out of your own head and talk to another business owner.? They may have thoughts to share that are not as constrained or as burdened by fear.
How entrepreneurs see themselves—their self-identity—can significantly affect how they approach business challenges. A limited view of one's abilities and potential can stifle growth. For instance, a business owner who sees themselves as "just a local shop owner" may neglect opportunities for online expansion or broader market engagement.
Changing self-perception is crucial. It involves embracing a more dynamic and expansive view of one’s capabilities and potential. “Updating your self-image to include your potential as a successful entrepreneur is a powerful step towards actualizing that reality,” notes Park.
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Doubt, while a natural part of the business process, can become a barrier when it spirals into persistent uncertainty. This can paralyze decision-making and stifle innovation. “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will,” states Susan Choi, a small business coach. To combat this, Choi recommends setting clear, achievable goals and celebrating small successes along the way. This helps build confidence and reduce feelings of doubt about one's abilities.
Steps Toward the "Next" You
Becoming the "next" version of oneself involves several key steps:
For small business owners, growth often starts from within. By committing to become the "next" version of themselves, entrepreneurs can overcome the internal barriers that stand between them and their business goals. It's a transformative journey that not only enhances business success but also contributes to personal fulfillment and resilience. As these business owners evolve, so do their businesses, paving the way for innovation, expansion, and long-term success.