Embracing Success - Fighting the Inner Critic

Running a business is often glorified as a thrilling journey towards success, financial independence, and personal fulfilment—dreams of more time to do what you love, money, and control. Things like "The Grind" and other somewhat motivational slogans like "Nobody Cares Work Harder" are thrown around. We don't talk about the less glamorous and more personal side of owning a business anywhere near enough – the moments of shame, guilt, and the lurking imposter syndrome that haunt many entrepreneurs. I know I'm not alone here.

Countless business owners, including myself, have wrestled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. It's easy to fall into the trap of questioning your worthiness and entering uncertainty, especially when uncertainty goes hand in hand with business. I often used to ask myself, "Is my business successful because of or in spite of me?" "Am I the accelerator pedal or the brake?" The constant pressure to succeed (often put on ourselves) can create an internal battle between the desire for whatever success means to you and the burden of guilt associated with any small act of self-care you perform.

Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is the most useless and bloody annoying of these feelings. It doesn't matter what your accomplishments and achievements are. The inner critic whispers in your ear, "You're not good enough, " "You shouldn't be here, " or "You don't deserve this." Choose your own brand of insecurity here; it's all bulls!t. Challenge the destructive mindset and embrace the fact that you've earned your position through your capability, aptitude, motivation, and unique skill set.

Putting your oxygen mask on first is not selfish; it's a survival strategy. Neglecting your physical and mental health only hampers your ability to lead effectively and make sound decisions for your business. By prioritising self-care, you're investing in the long-term success of your venture.

My 3 Steps to Fight the Inner Critic

How do I combat my insecurities? I do three things consistently that help me: Reflect, Discover & Debrief:

1. Reflect - Journalling is everywhere. It's a fantastic tool for mental well-being. I write five pages every morning. It doesn't matter what it's about. I never re-read it or reference it. I'm decluttering my mind and verbalising essential things at that moment. It gives me clarity and, often, an opportunity to solve a problem. At 6 am every day, straight after a workout, I write.

2. Discover - I like to know things. I want to learn. I Google everything. My level of understanding of a topic gives me confidence. I read, or more specifically, listen. Audiobooks are my chosen weapon to "outlearn my competition"- or, at the very least, to give me the confidence to say, "I know what I'm talking about." My other struggle is always thinking everyone already knows what I know, so I don't share. That's going to be a whole different article.

3. Debrief - The power of a great conversation or debrief with a close group is something I've only recognised in the last few years. I've had the support of my family, some fantastic colleagues and friends for my whole career, but I'd never seen how critically important it is to my well-being and confidence. People you can be open and honest with about your insecurities. People who call you on your bullsh!t. We all have them, but recognising and thanking them is new to me. Find your Entourage or Personal Board of Directors.

Be Humble AND Confident

EOS Worldwide's core value of "Humbly Confident" is one I reflect on often as a Certified Implementer. It sits right in the middle of The Confidence Line, which I've spoken to many people about. My former teams will know it well. Humility is being open to the opinions of others and that there may be a better way to achieve something. Confidence is believing in what I know, and when I don't know, that my experience will help me work through it.

Like all self-improvement practices, we must be self-aware and honest with ourselves. Reflection raises our self-awareness; Discovery or learning increases our preparedness, and we earn our confidence; Debriefing with your inner circle can both lift and ground you when required. When we spend too much time in the Self-Deprecating zone or when we swing into the Ego zone.

Remember, you didn't stumble into your position – you earned it. Practice "Humbly Confident" as often as possible. Silence the inner critic and celebrate the achievements that make your entrepreneurial journey genuinely remarkable.