03: How to Build Confidence as an Entrepreneur

Episode: How to Build Confidence as an EntrepreneurHey everyone! Welcome back to the Creative on the Grind podcast. It's Your Girl Deandra, and I'm back with another episode. Today, let's dive into a topic that I believe many entrepreneurs grapple with – building confidence.Understanding the Normalcy of Confidence StrugglesIt's hard to be confident in your abilities without experience. As an entrepreneur, you have to get out there, get your hands dirty, and mess up to make it work. Lack of self-confidence is completely normal, especially in the early stages of your career.Overcoming Challenges Unique to Women EntrepreneursResearch indicates that women often face unique challenges related to confidence, like the fear of being disliked or hesitating to outshine others. It's crucial to recognize and overcome these challenges to foster self-assurance.Personal Reflections on Confidence StrugglesI've been guilty of holding back due to a lack of confidence. At times, I dimmed my light or withheld my opinions, worrying about how others would perceive me. Over time, I've learned that being bold and confident in decisions, even when they're unpopular, is essential.The Role of Childhood Programming and Past ExperiencesThe roots of confidence issues can often be traced back to childhood programming, surroundings, media, and past experiences. Unpacking and understanding these influences can be a crucial step in building self-confidence.Practical Steps to Build Confidence as an EntrepreneurConfidence can be practiced and learned. Taking the first step is vital. Over time, as you put in the work and gain experience, your confidence will naturally grow. Trusting yourself and making decisions, even in the face of uncertainty, is key.Importance of Trusting Your Vision and Taking InitiativeWhen you get a business idea or vision, trust your gut and take the initiative. No one else will understand your vision the way you do. Trusting yourself is crucial, and even if you stumble, it's part of the journey.Embracing Challenges and Learning from MistakesEntrepreneurship is about challenging yourself and learning from mistakes. Don't be too hard on yourself; practice makes progress. Remember, this is the smallest your audience will ever be, so take this time to make mistakes and learn.The Transformative Power of Experience and Overcoming UncertaintyWhen trying something new, there's always uncertainty. Drawing a parallel to my experience skydiving, the fear leading up to it was immense, but once I let go, it felt freeing. Similarly, in business, overcoming uncertainty is part of the journey.Stay Connected:Connect with me, DeAndra Jalisa, on @deandrajalisa and @creativeonthegrindpodcast and share your insights or challenges in growing your creative business.<br/>Show Some Love:If you enjoyed this episode, hit that follow button and take a moment to leave a review. Your feedback means the world!<br/>Closing Thoughts on Confidence BuildingBuilding confidence as an entrepreneur is a journey. It won't happen overnight, but as you grow, so does your confidence. Don't miss out on the opportunity to share your unique gift with the world. Have faith, trust the process, and know that everything will be okay.That's all for today's episode. I hope you found encouragement to step out of your comfort zone, practice, and gain the self-assurance needed to succeed. Hit that follow button, stay creative, stay on the grind, and until next time, I'll see you later. Peace.