When doubt knocks us flat, it can seem like a giant that can’t be conquered. It can seem so big that the situation feels hopeless and totally beyond your control. But that’s the thing about doubt. It lies. It lies to us about our worthiness, our future, and our abilities. It also lies about how powerful it is.

YOUR POTENTIAL

Here’s the thing that I’ve learned over the years. Doubt may seem big, but I can always grow larger. So can you. If you’ve been struggling with your business, or maybe just struggling with the idea of starting a business, there are some great ways to grow that will take you bigger than your doubt.

You have potential beyond what you are living right now. If doubt is looming large in your life, take some active steps to be the person you’ve always dreamed of being.

4 WAYS TO GROW

• Formal education: this is an obvious option and it’s not for everyone, but if doubt has been making you feel incompetent and you’d feel better with a diploma on the wall, stop hesitating. There are some great options for you that range from traditional classes to non-traditional modular programs to hybrids (courses that are half online and half face-to-face) to complete online. Oh, and if this is something you want to pursue, don’t let doubt tell you that you’re too old, too out of touch or too anything.

 

• A la carte learning: there are many wonderful websites that offer courses that address a variety of business issues. They don’t lead to a degree, but they do offer practical strategies and helpful insights from experts including leading entrepreneurs and business people. Most are reasonably priced and many are even free.

 

• Internet research and the local library: as long as you make sure that you’re using credible sources, by which I mean written by authoritative authors within the last five years and published on reputable sites, you can learn a lot sitting in your own home in your spare time. Also, many libraries have business sections and even meetings led by local business people.

 

• Mentorship: having a mentor can be a great way to grow bigger than your doubts. They can guide you, share information, and be a good source of support. Also, don’t hesitate to be a mentor. When you’re a mentor, you find yourself in a position where you need to be stronger and more knowledgeable and this can be just the push you need.

The possibilities for growth are endless, so make a plan and get started. You are bigger than your doubts.