If you dream of starting a business or side hustle, keep an eye out for a few doubts people have before setting out on their entrepreneurial journey. These false beliefs can slow you down, make you doubt your abilities, and prevent you from getting started in the first place. (And the worst part is, you may not even realize you have them!) Keep reading to unwind these common misperceptions and replace them with more empowering reframes that help you get everything you want out of life and business.

P.S. Prefer to listen? Check out Episode 65 of the Bright Life Podcast: 3 Beliefs to Upgrade Before Starting a Business.

3 Mindset Reframes for Starting a Business

First of all, if you’re reading this, I applaud your courage and determination to embark on starting your own business. So few people never dream of doing so, and here you are!

However, before you dive headfirst into this adventure, let’s address some common beliefs that could hold you back. Let’s break down these limiting beliefs and introduce empowering ones that will set you on the path to success.

“Someone Else Must Be Smarter Than Me”

Have you ever thought that successful entrepreneurs are just inherently smarter than you? While, of course, some individuals may have a natural affinity for certain skills or a high IQ, intelligence alone does not guarantee entrepreneurial success. In truth, building a thriving business is all about taking action, being persistent, and continuously learning and adapting.

The truth is, ever entrepreneur faces challenges and has doubts about their abilities, especially in the early stages of their journey. Don’t be disheartened by perceived gaps in your knowledge or skills. Instead, believe in yourself and adopt the mindset that you have everything you need to succeed.

Ask yourself: “What’s one lesson I’ve learned so far that I can apply going forward?” This question will guide you toward leveraging your experiences and learning from your mistakes. It’s not about what you know when you begin—it’s how you use your lessons to grow and improve over time.

“Someone Else Must Have More Resources”

It’s a common belief among aspiring entrepreneurs that they need more resources—be it time, money, or approval—to get started. But this limiting mindset can hinder progress and prevent you from taking the first step with what you have. The truth is, resourcefulness and creativity are far more important than having an abundance of resources.

Instead of focusing on what you lack, shift your perspective to “How can I make this possible?” Better questions lead to better answers, and this empowering question opens the door to creative possibilities. Consider ways to leverage your existing resources, reach out for help, or explore alternative approaches to achieve your goals.

Remember, success often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking risks. Embrace resourcefulness, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with the tools at your disposal.

“Someone Else Must Be More Likable”

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that you need to be someone else or follow a specific formula to succeed as an entrepreneur. The reality is that what makes you YOU is your biggest strength. Building a business that aligns with your true self is not only more enjoyable but also incredibly magnetic to your target audience.

In the world of social media where everyone copies everyone else, lean into what makes you unique as your superpower. People are drawn to authenticity and passion. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, a creative or a strategist, embrace your authentic nature and let it shine in your business.

Ask yourself: “What are a few words that describe me when I’m my most natural?” Identifying these words will help you align your business with your natural strengths, personality, and interests, helping attract the right people who would enjoy working with the real you.

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Starting a business is an incredible journey that requires the right mindset and belief system. Let go of limiting beliefs that hold you back, and embrace empowering beliefs that propel you forward. You have everything you need to begin, and the rest you will figure out.

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P.S. Want more? My Biggest Fears Starting a Business and Work From Home Series: How Becoming a Copywriter Changed My Life.