Many entrepreneurs struggle with self-doubt and self-criticism - starting and growing a business comes with challenges and nay-sayers! Often, however, the harshest critic is the voice within. Learning to shift and transform your mindset from negative to positive is essential for success. You can be your own most powerful champion with practical steps and mindset shifts. Let’s dig in.

Understanding Your Inner Critic

First things first, we have to understand your inner critic. Your mind may not consider it a critic - it might just be considering it the voice that’s letting you know all the parameters you have known and should follow. When we let it run wild with its fears, however, it then becomes the voice that questions our decisions, abilities, and worth. Technically, there may be some processes and actions you’ve never taken before. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t do them. Far from it! It's time to recognize its presence and start taking control. In fact, taking control - creating positive self-talk - enhances your mindset and allows for better decision making.

The Power of Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk is more than just feel-good phrases. It's a tool for building resilience, boosting self-confidence, and enhancing your overall well-being. It literally transforms your entrepreneurial journey. This practice involves consciously replacing self-doubt and negative thoughts with encouraging and constructive statements. By shifting your inner dialogue to one that is supportive and uplifting, you're creating a foundation of self-confidence and resilience. For me, I’ve learned that when I start thinking negatively, what works for me is imagining a huge red STOP sign. This visualization stops me immediately and allows me to reframe my thinking.

This reframing is essentially rewiring your brain to focus on solutions rather than problems. Instead of fixating on what could go wrong, you'll find yourself seeking opportunities and viewing obstacles as manageable hurdles. This optimistic perspective doesn't deny the existence of challenges; rather, it equips you with the mental tools to navigate them effectively. With time and consistent practice, positive self-talk becomes second nature, helping you maintain a sense of optimism even during trying times.

Steps to Shift from Critic to Champion

1. Identify Negative Patterns: Recognize recurring negative thoughts and triggers. Awareness is the first step toward change. For the next few days, just notice how these negative voices come up, and how often.

2. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. Replace self-criticism with understanding. You are worthy of the same grace you give others.

3. Cultivate Self-Belief: Challenge self-doubt by recalling past achievements. Build a bank of evidence that proves your capabilities. If you have to create a spreadsheet for this as a visual reminder, go for it!

4. Embrace Failure as Growth: Instead of seeing failure as a setback, view it as a stepping stone to success. Learn and adapt from each experience. I could write a book from this! I have had failures, but they have taught me so much. I use all that I learn to keep improving my small business.

Surround Yourself with Supportive Voices

I once heard a speaker say to never tell anyone your goals and plans. During the Q&A session, I asked her why she recommended this. (Because I always share my goals and plans!) She said it was to avoid the people who would tell you your goals and plans are not achievable. I was flabbergasted! I didn’t have people like that in my life, and realized that I actively shared my goals and plans with those who would lift me up. I do have mentors and peers that suggest better processes or point out challenges (and how to combat them), but they do so as support, cheering me on. Connecting with mentors, peers, or support groups who believe in your potential is key. Their positivity can help counteract self-doubt.

Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small

Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how minor, as positive reinforcement reinforces the shift from critic to champion. Spoiler alert: I’ve struggled with this. I thought I should acknowledge achievements, but celebrate them? No, that wasn’t for me. It wasn’t until I started doing so - literally, I was looking back at all the steps I took to get to that achievement - that I realized how much my efforts should be celebrated. I don’t throw a party, but I do ‘gift’ myself some me-time for reading, taking half a day to see a museum or a movie, a walk at a nearby botanical garden, or enjoy a leisurely lunch rather than a harried one.

Conclusion

By transforming your inner critic into a champion, you'll unlock your full potential as an entrepreneur. It improves your overall mental and emotional well-being, reducing stress and anxiety levels. As an entrepreneur, you'll be better equipped to make clear decisions, communicate effectively, and build stronger relationships with clients, partners, and employees. Remember, your thoughts shape your reality, and by embracing positive self-talk, you're setting the stage for a more confident, resilient, and successful entrepreneurial journey.