From Doubt to Triumph: A Creative Entrepreneur's Journey Towards Confidence

As a creative entrepreneur, I frequently grapple with doubt. It's a constant companion in the world of creativity, where the pressure to ideate and innovate is relentless. But I've come to realize that success often lies just beyond the veil of doubt and fear.

Fear has a powerful way of binding us—causing us to wait for the time we feel brave enough to take the plunge. But in my experience, that moment may never come. Success comes to those who are willing to act despite their fears, to acknowledge the doubt and push forward anyway.

Inextricably tied to doubt is confidence. 

Confidence, I believe, is the antithesis of doubt. So by building confidence, we can delete our doubt. But how do you cultivate this? The answer lies in the simple act of making a commitment to oneself and following through. This not only silences the inner critic but also bolsters our self-worth.

A recent experience with my daughter, Ollie, provided me with a powerful lesson in deleting doubt. She had been begging me to get her ears pierced for years. I had my reservations about her age, but her seventh birthday was nearing, and it seemed like an appropriate time.

We had planned a little mother-daughter trip to Asheville, North Carolina. I thought it would be a lovely surprise to get her ears pierced during our trip. We made our way to Claire's in the mall—a veritable treasure trove of sparkly jewelry that had Ollie's eyes wide with delight.

Unfortunately, the day was not without its obstacles. The store had only one technician working that day, which meant she could pierce only one ear at a time. The first piercing went smoothly, but then fear crept in. Ollie was petrified of getting the second one done. The whole process took about two and a half hours, with me coaching and comforting her throughout.

Despite the long wait and multiple interruptions, three strangers were kind enough to encourage Ollie. We tried various techniques to ease her fear – holding her, distracting her, even pretending to pierce her ear multiple times – but without luck. I felt the strain as the store's sole technician had to attend to other customers and sanitize repeatedly.

Finally, after a break, some food, and a pep talk about her options, Ollie decided she was ready. The technician patiently built trust with Ollie, assuring her that she wouldn't pierce her ear until Ollie gave her the go-ahead. And then, with a quiet nod, Ollie signaled her readiness. The second piercing was done. The entire store erupted in applause, and I couldn't help but tear up in relief and joy.

The most heartwarming part of the experience came when we went to the restroom. From her stall, I heard her whisper to herself, "I did it." That simple utterance filled me with indescribable pride. It was a testament to her courage and confidence, proof that she had overcome her fear.

Several months later, we were at a ropes course. Ollie, despite being frightened, was determined to complete it. She looked at me and said, "I know that I can do this because I got my ears pierced." Her words resonated deeply with me, reinforcing the belief that overcoming one challenge increases our capacity to tackle more.

As creative entrepreneurs, our confidence is closely linked to our success. This confidence, in turn, is tied to how positively we perceive ourselves. So, how can we nurture this confidence? By engaging in positive self-talk and constantly affirming our abilities.

To foster this confidence, I encourage you to choose five affirmations that resonate with you and repeat them daily. Write them down in a place where you will see them regularly. These could be anything that reinforces your self-worth and your capabilities. 

Here are a few of mine:

1. "I am capable and resilient."
2. "I have unique talents and skills."
3. "I am worthy of success."
4. "I am fearless in the face of challenges."
5. "I am confident in my abilities and decisions."

The process of reciting these affirmations daily can be incredibly powerful. As I've learned from Ollie's experience, confidence isn't just about believing in yourself when times are good—It's about mustering the courage to face your fears and rise above them, no matter how daunting they may seem.

For all the creative entrepreneurs out there wrestling with doubt, I encourage you to confront it head-on. Acknowledge your fears, but don't let them stifle your creativity or halt your progress. Embrace the reality that the path to success isn't always smooth, but the journey will equip you with the confidence to overcome any obstacle.

Remember, doubt can only hold power over you if you allow it to. By fostering a strong sense of self-belief, you can silence your inner critic and unleash your full creative potential. As you venture on this journey, let your doubt give way to determination and watch as you transform from a hesitant creator into a confident entrepreneur.

HEAR MORE ON THIS TOPIC ON EPISODE 5 OF THE PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE

For those of you seeking additional support on this journey, I've prepared a free download designed to help you conquer your doubts and boost your confidence. You can find it along with the companion podcast to this article HERE.

The download includes a selection of my personal favorite affirmations, along with a worksheet to guide you in identifying and overcoming your fears. It also provides practical tips on how to maintain a positive self-dialogue, and it encourages daily practices that can help cultivate a resilient, self-assured mindset. This resource is not just a tool—it's a catalyst to help you embrace your capabilities, overcome your doubts, and confidently navigate your path as a creative entrepreneur. Don't miss this opportunity to delete your doubts and change everything.