3 Recommendations for Getting the First Step Out of the Way
Pushing past self-doubt and starting the entrepreneurial journey to attain a future you love.
Another day has passed. Another idea has come and gone, a dream not chased.
As these days go on, I find despair as I let my ideas and dreams slowly dissipate and never become an entrepreneurial reality. I try to hold myself accountable and motivate myself by having think sessions with my best friends and biggest supporters, but it has never been enough because I never believe that I can do it.
The challenge that I must overcome is to understand that the process of making digital entrepreneurship a reality is not perfect. It will be trial and error and continual hard work, so long as I simply begin.
As I am writing this, I can feel that there are so many people that are so close to taking that first step. I know that once they do, the path forward will become clear.
But that first step is always the hardest.
The resounding advice I receive regarding overcoming creative self-doubt is to just do it. Easier said than done, right?
It is extremely challenging to willingly step out of your comfort zone, even if in pursuit of transforming one of your truest passions into a life, career, or business.
I know it is hard, trust me, I get it.
But, I want you to know that if you are reading this, you are currently witnessing me actively take one of my first steps.
Here I go.
Fists clenched and eyes squeezed shut, the main character takes a deep breath, in and out, and they slowly lift their foot. One eye flutters open to witness what is about to transpire, but, quickly closes once more. Forcefully, the main character moves their foot forward. Slowly, ever so slowly. On its descent, visions of mockery, laughter, judgement, and fire consume the main character’s thoughts. Visions so vivid that they almost cause the main character to retreat, to stay put, where life is comfortable and content.
Words of encouragement float in and out of the main character’s brain, reinforcing the main character’s resolve. Their foot finally lands, they bring the other to meet it. Slowly, one eye opens, then the other. Soon, the main character realizes that the mockery and embarrassment and world of flames was only their mind playing tricks on them. The main character grins. The light of their eyes when they grin soon spreads to the entirety of themself, drowning out the despair and self-doubt.
If it was not obvious, the main character is me, but in truth, it can be anyone.
These are the feelings that I felt and still feel when putting myself out there. But, I did it, and the world is not on fire. I know you can do it too.
If you are facing similar challenges, here are the 3 things I did to help me push past the self-doubt before, during, and after taking my first step in order to start transforming my hobby-turned-passion into aspirations of entrepreneurhsip.
These worked for me and I sincerely hope they can work for you too.
Physically Write Down Your Why.
Why do you want to do whatever it is that you are doubting you can do?
Do not just think about it. Do not just say it. I want you to write down your why (and write it in pen).
If you want to take this step even further, write this in a journal devoted to your dreams and aspirations. Continually update and plan in this journal.
In doing this, you will set an intention behind this first step.
If your why evolves during your journey, change it. Cross it out in your journal and write a revised version with a date stamp.
I found that it was so impactful for me to see my reasoning and ideas evolve.
In continually writing down your why in a permanent space, you can use this as motivation when you begin doubting yourself. You can always look back at your why to reset and remind yourself why it is you want this dream so badly.
Disconnect.
As much of today’s entrepreneurship is online using social media, I found that I often fell victim to comparison during the days leading up to finally taking my first step towards entrepreneurship in the digital sphere.
That being said, I wholeheartedly recommend disconnecting, in whatever form that means to you, to not allow the taint of comparison enter your mind.
Disconnect and create. Disconnect and do what you love.
Disconnect and prepare whatever it is you need for you to take your first step. Once you have disconnected from social media, I want the first thing you do upon your return is make your inaugural post that will put yourself and your business or idea out there in front of the world to see.
Do it before you convince yourself otherwise.
This need not be completed immediately. Take the time you need to prepare yourself, but it is imperative that you follow through.
When you do make that first step, disconnect again. I had so much anxiety the first time I put myself out there that I had to abandon my phone for an entire day.
I could not think about what I just did because my thoughts led me to wanting to delete my work. By forcing this disconnect, my anxiety eventually subsided and I was able to return to my normal doings and realize that the world was not over.
Reconnect.
I do not mean reconnect to the internet or your social media. I mean reconnect with yourself.
You just took your first step. I want you to inflect and understand how you are feeling and what your emotions mean. You might still be feeling anxious, which is normal, but you might also be feeling proud.
Why should you feel proud, you may ask?
Well, you just pushed past your biggest enemy, yourself. As it is commonly said, we are all our own worst critic, and it is easy to recognize this, but not easy to overcome.
Go back and read your why. Reset your intention and make a plan of next steps moving forward. The worst part is truly over and each step to follow will become easier and easier.
Slowly but surely, I am becoming more confident in myself and by taking that first step, it will open a door for you to become confident in yourself too.
I am realizing that not everything is going to be perfect from the get-go. That idea is a ridiculous notion to hold ourselves accountable to.
Unfortunately, due to the internet and the success of so many everyday people like you and I, it is easy to become a victim of self-doubt.
Pushing past that self-doubt, even if it is uncomfortable and imperfect, is key.
I have done it, you are witnessing me do it by writing about my experience. And it is such a beautiful feeling. I highly encourage you to take that first step. If you’re worried, try and follow the three recommendations I outlined above.
Everything will be okay.
I am excited for what’s to come. I’m excited to take the next step toward achieving my goals, whatever that may be. I am excited to know that I am laying the foundation for what I want for my future self.
Because like Billie Eilish, I love my future self, and I hope you do too.
Need a friend who is going through exactly what you are? Want to keep up with my progress on my journey? Introduce yourself to me and let’s connect.
I’m still figuring it out too and would love to have a little community where us aspiring entrepreneurs can support one another.
