Dealing with Self-Doubt as a New Business Owner

Trying not to get stuck in the weeds….

Since I started this venture, I’ve experienced self doubt pretty much every day. Should I spend money on this, or that? Where should I spend advertising dollars? What investments should I make in the business? How should I spend my time each day building the business? Who should I reach out to? Should I chuck it all and open a floating tiki bar somewhere exotic instead?

When I go into these self-doubt spirals, one of the thoughts that keep me pushing is the why. Why did I launch Mad Genius Studios? What’s its purpose (and mine)? Then, I stop and remind myself that I am doing this work in order to create a space where transformations can take place. Perhaps it’s just something small, like a new artist having a place to sell their creations and get exposed to new fans and this helps elevate their confidence. Or, maybe its creating a truly life-changing weekend for a group of women that come to stay and do a yoga or wellness or self-care weekend. Or, perhaps a curated stay at the caboose helps a new startup launch, a group of writers finish their latest masterpiece, or provides an existing company the time and space to solve a problem, bond as a team, or just reach new heights. Of course, important life milestones will happen at Mad Genius Studios too, like weddings, family reunions, and birthday celebrations, and these, too, will make a positive impact on those folks.

When I think about the experiences that can take place at the caboose, I am heartened to keep going. Even when I’m so full of self-doubt that I don’t know what I should do next, I can return to the purpose of Mad Genius Studios and my purpose as a connector, a curator, and yes, a healer. I’ve just recently accepted that I am a healer because I never thought of myself that way before—I mean, aren’t healers the massage therapists, Reiki masters, doctors? But I am a healer, because I want to help people shine their lights and co-create experiences that can help others heal. I also want to help heal the planet and our society, and again, Mad Genius Studios can do that by encouraging others to go after their dreams, be the best version of themselves, and create amazing work or businesses that make a positive impact on society.

So, when I get in my own head too much and let self-doubt creep in, I return to the purpose of Mad Genius Studios and my purpose. I recognize that all the trials I’m going through now (today’s big issue: can’t find the title to the bus I am having renovated as additional sleeping accommodations on-site with the caboose so more people can stay overnight during a retreat weekend) will all be worth it when people get to walk away from an event and feel transformed or opened up or just different in some way.

So, throw your best at me, self-doubt. Because my purpose here is bigger than any stress or worry that bubbles up. And if I can’t find that bus title, then I will go through the proper channels and get that situation remedied. There’s always a way, and I just have to stay the course and keep chipping away at this big, beautiful vision and keep smacking down self-doubt when it rears its ugly head.