The Struggles Not A Lot Of Us Talk About

Let’s get real for a second—being an entrepreneur isn’t always as glamorous as it may seem on the outside. If you’re like me, you might often find yourself questioning whether you’re doing enough, whether you’re worthy of the success you’re working toward, or whether you’re actually on the right path. Imposter syndrome can creep in, and before you know it, you’re stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, wondering if you’re even cut out for this whole business thing.

I get it. I’ve been there, and many times, I’m still there… It’s a constant struggle—thinking I’m not doing enough for my business, wondering if I’m worthy to work with clients, and, honestly, feeling like I’m falling short despite all the hard work I put in.

But here’s the thing: if we don’t face these struggles head-on, they’ll continue to hold us back. That’s why I want to share some of the personal insights and advice that have helped me navigate those tough days, so you can gain confidence and take control of your entrepreneurial journey.

1. Acknowledge Your Wins, Big or Small

One of the best ways to build confidence is to acknowledge your wins—no matter how small they may seem. When you’re in the thick of running a business, it’s easy to overlook the progress you’ve made. We’re always moving forward, thinking about what’s next, what’s missing, or what still needs to be done. But take a moment to pause and recognize how far you’ve come.

For me, this was a game-changer. Whether it was booking a new design client or simply getting through a challenging week, acknowledging these milestones made me realize that I am making progress. Those small wins add up and can provide you with the confidence to keep going.

Actionable Tip:  

Start a “Wins Journal.” Write down your victories, no matter how small, at the end of each week. It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come, but looking back at this list will remind you that you’re on the right track.  (BRB, getting on this now!!)

2. Trust the Process—Even When It Feels Like You’re Stuck

The path to success isn’t linear. There will be moments when it feels like you’re not moving forward at all, or that things are just not working out as planned. I’ve certainly had those moments where I felt like my business wasn’t growing fast enough, or I wasn’t doing enough. But I’ve learned that trusting the process is key to building confidence.

When you’re focused on growth, it can be hard to see that progress is happening—especially when you’re constantly looking ahead. But just like designing a new brand or creating a website for a client, there’s a process. You can’t rush it, and there are always steps that need to be followed. 

I’ve found that when I stop comparing myself to others and just focus on doing the best I can, that’s when I start seeing real progress. The truth is, it’s okay to be a work in progress. Take things one step at a time and celebrate the wins along the way.

(I may need to set this whole section as my lock screen to read everyday, hehe)

Actionable Tip:  

When you’re feeling stuck, take a step back and revisit your original “why.” Why did you start this business? What were your goals when you began? Revisiting your vision can remind you of the bigger picture.

3. Embrace the Imperfections

I’ll be the first to admit it—I’m a perfectionist. But I’ve learned that perfection is an illusion. No matter how much you plan, how much effort you put in, there will always be things that don’t go as expected. And you know what? That’s okay.

In fact, embracing imperfections can actually be liberating. It allows you to focus on progress, not perfection. Trust me, you’ll feel so much better letting go of the idea that everything has to be perfect all the time. Perfection doesn’t help you grow—it keeps you stuck in a cycle of overthinking and fear of failure. OUCH!

By accepting that mistakes will happen, you can actually make space for creativity, innovation, and growth. Remember, your clients don’t expect perfection from you—they want authenticity, and that’s exactly what you bring to the table.

Actionable Tip:  

Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Set an intention to learn from them rather than dwell on them. The faster you can pivot and learn, the stronger you’ll become in your business.

4. Surround Yourself with the Right People

Building confidence isn’t something you should do alone. It’s incredibly helpful to have a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs or mentors, or even just friends and family, who get it. When you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who uplift and encourage you, it becomes easier to believe in yourself.

For me, this has been a key component in building my confidence. My family has always supported me and are quick to give me advice whenever I come to them. Also, having a designer, a business mentor, or a group of other entrepreneurs, who understand the journey has made me feel less isolated. They help you see things from a different perspective and remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles.

Actionable Tip: 

Find a mentor or join a community of entrepreneurs who share similar goals. Whether it’s through a Facebook group, a mastermind, or an accountability partner, surrounding yourself with supportive people will make a world of difference.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Last but certainly not least, be kind to yourself. Entrepreneurship is tough, and the emotional ups and downs are real. You’ll have days where you feel on top of the world, and others where you wonder if you’re cut out for this at all. And that’s okay.

Self-compassion is something I’ve had to learn the hard way. On the tough days, I remind myself that I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough. I give myself permission to take breaks, to recharge, and to not have everything figured out. Because in the end, we’re all figuring it out as we go.

Actionable Tip:  

On your toughest days, practice self-compassion by talking to yourself like you would a good friend. Would you tell your friend they’re not doing enough? Probably not. So why tell yourself that?

Confidence Is Built Over Time

Building confidence as an entrepreneur is a journey, not a destination. You won’t wake up one day and magically feel confident all the time (I wish)—but by embracing the ups and downs, celebrating your wins, trusting the process, and being kind to yourself, you’ll find your confidence growing steadily.

I know from experience that it’s normal to struggle with self-doubt, but it’s also possible to overcome it and build a solid foundation of confidence. If I can do it, you can too!

If you’re ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey and build a brand and website that reflects your confidence and authenticity, let’s chat! I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Contact me and let’s get started!