It doesn’t matter whether you’re a new business owner or well-established. There are still times when you’re bound to feel stuck, uncertain, or like your business isn’t where you thought it would be. You’re not alone. Self-doubt creeps in during slow months, creativity blocks, or when
comparison takes over.
But here’s the truth: self-doubt in business doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong – it means you’re human. It also
means you’re doing something now that ‘little you’ could only ever dream of! In those moments, it’s your childhood voice echoing your inner worries, trying to keep you safe. You’re a grown-up now – it’s time to step up and shush those thoughts.
In this blog, I’ll share three simple but powerful ways to banish self-doubt and boost your confidence, especially if you’re a small business owner navigating tricky times.
Tip 1: Remind yourself how far you’ve come
Self-doubt in business thrives when we forget our progress. That’s why it’s so important to track where you started and compare it to where you are now.
Try this:
● Think back to your very first week in business.
● What did you know about social media? Sales? Confidence on camera?
● Now, look at what you’ve learned and accomplished since.
Use a simple chart to record:
● Where you were
● Where you are now
● Where you’d like to be in 12 months
This gives your brain evidence that things are moving forward, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. I use the Clever Fox Planner to record my progress each month, so I can look back at it each year to see the progress and reflect. This helps me plan what to start doing, stop doing and
keep doing for the new year.
Tip 2: Collect every bit of positive feedback
That lovely message from a client? The time someone shared your post or said ‘thank you’? It matters.
Create a ‘Feel-Good File’.
Add:
● Testimonials and client messages
● Kind words from social media
● Screenshots of positive replies
Look at it often – daily if you can. Save it to your phone screen, or stick it on the wall near your desk. When self-doubt in business shows up, positive reinforcement helps shift your mindset from lack to trust. If you don’t have any reviews yet, ask for some feedback from people you’ve worked with in the past – what do they think you were good at? Or take it one step further and put out a post on Facebook, asking people to describe you in one word! It sounds scary, but I promise you’ll get some lovely compliments (and if you don’t, re-assess who you’re mixing with!)
Tip 3: Don’t take it personally – rest, reset, and trust the process
One of the hardest parts of running a business is not taking the slow periods personally. But remember: every business has seasons. Some months are for growth. Others are for rest.
Instead of pushing through burnout:
● Take breaks without guilt
● Journal your progress and fears
● Use tools that help you calm down and reset
I often turn to hypnosis for self-doubt. It gives my brain space to rest, recharge, and come back stronger. If you’d like to try this, here’s a free hypnosis audio you can use to release self-doubt.
Journal prompts to build self-belief
Want to go deeper to banish self-doubt in business? Use these questions to reflect on your growth and shift your mindset:
● What were your biggest wins last year?
● What was your most successful month—and why?
● What challenges have you overcome?
● What habits or beliefs helped you through tough times?
● How can you plan for slow periods in a way that feels empowering?
You’re not behind – you’re becoming
When self-doubt shows up, it’s tempting to give up. But you’ve already done brave things – you started! You showed up. You’re still here.
You are not your engagement rate or your inbox. You are someone making a difference, even when it feels invisible. So the next time self-doubt in business rears it’s ugly head, please – remind yourself how far you’ve come, gather your proof, and rest when you need to. The world needs what you bring, in your own way.
About the author
Sarah Fish is an Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist who helps people break free from chronic stress and anxiety.
Using a blend of Hypnotherapy, Wellbeing Coaching, NLP, and Mindfulness, Sarah supports overwhelmed parents to step out of fight-or-flight mode, boost their resilience, and enjoy more quality time with their children.
You can work with Sarah online or in person in Staffordshire (UK), either through 1:1 sessions or supportive group programmes.
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