How to Overcome Self-sabotage to Grow Your Business

Listen to the full episodes:

Now, as adults trying to build a successful business, we need to put ourselves out there. However, the fear of visibility still haunts us. Here are three steps to help you overcome this fear:

Overcoming fears requires awareness

Awareness is key when it comes to overcoming our fears and growing as individuals. The first step is recognizing the problem at hand. The next step is understanding that we are no longer young children but adults, and it’s now safe for us to put ourselves out there. Our brains developed certain mechanisms during our childhood to protect us from dangerous situations, but our circumstances have changed. We now have the insight and understanding to see why it’s so difficult for us to put ourselves out there. 

Many women come to me, afraid to take risks because they worry about what their mothers, sisters, friends, and other close ones will say. This concern is often a reflection of our childhood experiences and the expectations placed upon us. Understand that you are an adult now, and it is safe for you to put yourself out there. Recognize that the fear stems from your past experiences, but it doesn’t have to define your present or future.

Find a suitable activity to manage stress and soothe your nervous system

Find an activity that helps you calm down and relax. Some people find meditation or tapping (EFT) helpful, while others may prefer going for a walk, hugging a tree, or creating a gratitude list. Whatever works best for you, do it regularly to help manage your anxiety and stress. These activities can help soothe an overactive nervous system, like the one I have due to complex PTSD from a traumatic childhood.

Face the fear and pursue dreams to grow your business

Just like skydiving, sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and surrender to the experience. Push yourself to do the things that scare you and trust that the outcome will be positive. Remember, many great accomplishments in your life happened because you took a chance on yourself.

When starting a business, you didn’t aim for mediocrity; you had big, audacious dreams. It’s time to drop the act and chase what you truly want—an amazing business that makes a difference in people’s lives. Overcoming fear is essential for achieving this goal, and understanding the reasons behind it can help you move forward. By addressing the physical sensations that hold you back, you can breathe easier and embrace the pursuit of your dreams.

Related Article: How to Embrace Change in Business and in Life

By following these three steps, you’ll find the courage to go after your big audacious dreams and build the amazing business you’ve always wanted. It’s essential to take action, even if it feels terrifying at first. Beautiful things will happen once you start putting yourself out there and trusting in your abilities.

As a final note, consider my personal story. I grew up in Brazil, moved to the United States as a teenager, and faced numerous challenges throughout my life. Despite the odds, I managed to create successful businesses and make a positive impact on others’ lives. If I can do it, so can you.

Embrace the possibilities and go after the life you dream of and deserve. Overcoming self-sabotage and the fear of visibility is possible, and the first step is believing in yourself.