11 Ideas to Build Entrepreneur Confidence

We all know that building a small business is hard.  Anyone that says otherwise is lying or has never actually done it.  There's a reason why 70% of small businesses fail.  If you're launching a new endeavor, then there's likely a TON of new skills that you must learn to be successful.  We typically start a business because we are passionate about something and figure that we can make a larger impact for those around us through entrepreneurship.  While you most certainly must learn some new skills, it's your mindset that is the sticking point for most professionals.  

• You doubt your abilities.  
• You're scared that you don't have what it takes.  
• You aren't sure if you made the right choice starting a business.

If this sounds familiar, you aren't alone.  This is actually such a common problem, psychological professionals have dubbed it Imposter Syndrome.  So, you're in good company.  The good news is that you don't necessarily need professional help!  Putting the following ideas in place could make all the difference!

1. Accept That Mistakes Will Happen - You need to accept that you don't know everything and that mistakes are simply part of the learning process.  It is said that failure is a necessary rung on the ladder to success.  I would argue that you MUST fail in order to grow.  Most us us fail far more than we succeed.  Getting back up when knocked down is what is most important.
2. Celebrate The Small Wins - Your journey to success will most likely be 2 to 3 times longer than you expect have far more challenges than you are prepared to tackle.  Therefore, you need to celebrate the small things.  Embrace the wins each day and make them part of your identity.  Internalize the wins, not your losses.
3. Be Kind to Yourself and Others - We live in a very judgmental world today.  It's easy to get caught up believing that everyone is judging us.  In truth, they don't care about you.  I know that sounds harsh, but most people have their own worries.  Instead of judging yourself and others, focus on bringing kindness into the world.  It tends to come back to you ten fold!
4. Stop Comparing Yourself - Theodore Roosevelt said, "Comparison is the thief of joy."  Comparing yourself to others can sometimes be good motivation, but if you're struggling with self confidence, then it tends to beat you down.  Everyone else is on their own journey, and many times they are simply a few steps farther down the path of success.         
5. Think Positive Thoughts - It's no secret that negative thoughts breed more negativity.  Instead replace your negative thoughts with positive affirmations.  Specifically, remind yourself of the challenges you have overcome, and all of the positive things that you have to be grateful for in your life.  This is one of the easiest ways to build confidence.
6. Level Up Your Network - One of the best ways to improve your confidence is to level up the people surrounding you.  Your environment can have a large impact on your success and your perception of yourself.  So, rather than spending time with those that doubt you and your abilities,  surround yourself with positive and supportive people who will push you to be your best.
7. Don't Make It Personal - Trying to please everyone is a futile task that is sure to lead to heartache.  Not everyone will like you or support you on your journey and that is ok.  Often time's they will react poorly to something you say.  Don't take it personally.  If their reaction should be a level 2, but they react at a level 10, it's not about you!  It's something else in their life causing them anguish and you're simply an easy target.  Approach these people with empathy instead of anger.
8. Embrace Your Imperfections - News flash....You aren't perfect!  None of us are!  While it can be a bit uncomfortable to be vulnerable, embracing your imperfections actually draws you closer to others instead of what we expect.  People crave authenticity.  Pretending to be something that you aren't doesn't work, but embracing your imperfections does.
9. Pace Yourself - Patience is one of the most common challenges faced by entrepreneurs.  We all want to achieve our goals must faster than what is reality and this can lead to frustration and a lack of confidence.  We often overestimate what we can achieve in a single year, but drastically underestimate what we can achieve in three to five years!  So, pace yourself.  Consistency is more important than intensity.
10. Sit Up Straight - Just like your parents always told you, sit up straight!  How you cary yourself can have a major impact on your level of confidence.  How do you feel when you dress nicely?  How do you feel when you stand tall with your shoulders back?  The right posture can quickly give you a boost of self confidence while the wrong posture can drag you down. 
11. Take Care Of Your Health - There's nothing quite like getting healthy to boost your confidence!  Getting healthy not only has a positive impact  on your physical body, Studies have all shown that it has a huge impact on you mentally.  You will rarely see someone at the top of their game who is not fit and healthy.  This tends to be a prerequisite to confidence and success.

While there are many things you can do to help build your confidence as an entrepreneur, these are some of the most commonly implemented techniques.  Hopefully, you have found some of these valuable to reaching your next level.  If you have other confidence building ideas, please share them!  I would love to hear your thoughts!