As an entrepreneur you're familiar with a never ending to-do list and wearing all.the.hats but there's something that doesn't get as much airtime as I think it should.
What about the feelings that happen when things are shifting and evolving in your business?
We're great at talking through taking action or steps to take but what about when you're hit with...dare I say it...fear and doubt about changes that are happening in your business?
In this article I'm sharing my personal fears and doubts as I navigated the shift in focus of my business. They showed up hardcore as I realized that change was coming and I almost didn't do anything about it. Pull up a chair and let's chat, real-talk style.
Fear & Doubt
It's important to note that fear is most likely going to come up during this journey of becoming an Unapologetic Entrepreneur. If you haven't experienced it yet, get ready because it will show up at some point.
"You will be scared so don't let that surprise you. But the key is to do it scared. If what you're chasing is really important to you, do it while being scared." - Amanda McKinney
*Note: I'm referring to being scared as an entrepreneur. If you fear for your life, please don't do whatever you're thinking of doing.
**This was also a podcast episode (episode #174. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message.
My fears and doubts showed up like this:
What will they think?
Will they think I'm flaky for changing my podcast name?
I talk about niching down all the time and now I'm going more broad, what will they say?
Will they think I'm abandoning them?
Can my business survive this change?
How long will it take to transition? Will I take a hit in revenue?
Am I going backwards in business? Am I starting over?
Previous fears have shown up like this:
I don't have time to do...
I need to find the right software before I...
I'm saving now for (piece of equipment/tech) but then I will...
When I get to (insert milestone)...I will...
"Fears show up as excuses all the time so watch out for them." - Amanda McKinney
Your's may sound similar or very different and that's irrelevant. The point is that fear and doubt will show up in your mind and likely take it over. If you stay silent in this time you will likely be swimming in these thoughts and you will feel so scattered and scared.
It wasn't until I shared my fears with my biz besties that I truly uncovered them and dealt with them. But I almost didn't share this with anyone and I tell my biz besties everything! It's important to be on the lookout for this sneaky thing called fear and doubt because you will think you need to keep it in your head.
Get The Support You Need
This might look like biz besties for you or it could be a partner or friend or therapist. Again, what your support looks like isn't the thing to focus on, it's getting whatever support you need.
What this looked like for me was sending a voxer message that said
"I need to call something out because I'm just sitting in it. This is going to sound ridiculous I know but it's really happening in my mind. I'm scared. I'm scared people will think I'm flaky if I change my focus." - Amanda McKinney
My two amazing friends on the other end of this message said in the most loving way possible "that is ridiculous, you are not flaky. The feeling you have is real but you are not flaky so it's time to shut that thought down." And they followed it up with many, many, many messages of support and ideas.
On the other side of these messages I felt relief and I calmed the chaos that was happening in my mind. The fear is still there and I'm sure it will get worse when I hear from one person who confirms any of these messages but in the end, if someone feels I'm flaky for following what's in my heart, they aren't my person.
I had to come to terms with the fact (not idea but fact) that some of my audience won't need what I'm sharing anymore. If someone is looking for "how to use instagram" tips I can share incredible resources with them and get them to the place they will be supported in that way. I love it when people know what they need. But the reality is that those people will stop listening and learning from me and that is sad. However, there will be others who need my new message.
All of this was discovered by talking to my friends to get the support I needed. If you're having fears and doubts, please find someone you trust so you can share it with them. Even if they don't know all the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, they can help you talk through it.
Uncovering other hidden desires
There's something else that's likely going to come up for you as you step into the journey of becoming an Unapologetic Entrepreneur and that's uncovering other hidden desires you've had. For me it happened in two times before I really listened...
In January of 2022 I was doing some business planning with two biz besties and I said "you know I've always thought nose piercings are so cute but I've done it". I hadn't thought about that in years and I have no idea where it came from but it flew out of my mouth. Immediately those amazing friends said "why not?" and I proceeded to tell them that truthfully I had always worried about what others would think. They quickly asked if I wanted to go do it right then but I said no.
Fast forward to December 2022 and I was sitting with my husband, Michael, and I told him how this word "unapologetic" is now a constant thought for me. I decided it would be my word for 2023 and I wanted to ask myself every morning how I could be unapologetically me in life overall. He loved it!
He then asked how I hadn't been unapologetically me and again, the nose piercing story came flying out of my mouth again. Out of nowhere! He asked why I hadn't done it yet and I told him about being worried about other people and he immediately said "let's go do it now. Who cares what other people think."
Again I need to hone in on the importance of finding support like this in your life. Had I not had this support from friends and my partner I would have stayed where I was but instead...
I got my nose pierced on December 16, 2022 and I love it!
Here's a picture taken just after it took place. I was so excited and PROUD!
>> If you want to see more click the image below to watch an Instagram Reel that shows me and all my nervousness
Who knows if I'll keep my nose piercing forever but that's not the point. The point is that I did it even though I was scared and now I'm so proud of myself. As you uncover what you want in your life and business you can then actively chase it and allow it to evolve over time too.
Take Away Message / Action
Know that the journey to being an Unapologetic Entrepreneur will likely have times of unpleasant feelings but they will help you in the end. These feelings will help you uncover your true definition of success as a business owner but also desires of your heart for your life overall. These desires are what can drive you to learn more about yourself as you evolve.
Until next time give yourself permission to be an unapologetic entrepreneur and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon.
"Fears show up as excuses all the time so watch out for them."
- Amanda McKinney
Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode!
Click the button below to find a list of where you can listen to the podcast on any podcast player. From there, hit the "subscribe" or "follow" button so you don't miss an episode because they are all packed with inspiration and actionable steps you can take to become a truly unapologetic entrepreneur.