I bet you get Facebook and Instagram posts all the time from someone living their dream life already doing what you’re hoping to do. And each time one of these posts interrupts your scroll, an all-too-familiar voice shouts:
“I knew it -- that spot's taken. Don’t embarrass yourself, there’s no room for you.”
Sound familiar?
(Be sure to read my blog The Reason Why More People Aren’t Entrepreneurs here).
At A Glance
∎ Many successful people still have imposter syndrome
∎ Overcoming doubts with consistency
∎ Self Doubt won't hold you back from achieving dreams
Trying Something New
If not now, at some point we've seen other people doing things we daydreamed about doing ourselves. Or we had a great idea we never took action on, only to see it happen for someone else later.
Newsflash: everybody who has ever tried something new faces this feeling.
So if this voice - of self doubt - taps you on the shoulder and asks, “Who do you think you are?”
I want you to think of this story.
Keep Showing Up
When I left my corporate job, I had spent most of my time cold calling schools trying to see if any would put me up to speak on mindset to their students.
I worked on my content in my blog, podcast, and attended networking events in the startup space...but what I really wanted to do was create a community of entrepreneurs that wanted to change the world for the better.
Managing a group wasn’t a topic that I had a reputation for being the best at. I didn’t have an audience begging for my expertise facilitating startup organizations.
In fact, I had no formal track record teaching how to connect multiple industries together.
Imposter syndrome and self doubt was a regular feeling for me, but I knew I could help people. I knew I had perspectives that were different from the (huge) voices that existed in the industry
The many clubhouse rooms that were all about becoming rich without any focus on the impact their industry has on the world were far too many to count. But I felt like there was a gap missing for those who both loved startup culture as well as doing something good for the world.
So I kept showing up.
And I know you can too.
Many amazing people, some are reading this blog right now, were attracted to the message: purpose over profit.
Organically, almost on accident, I created Entrepreneurs That Make A Difference. Amazing things keep happening.
So no matter where you're at right now, push through that self doubt to make big decisions, take big risks, and go to bat for the dreams that you know are possible.
Remember you are not alone, because there’s not a single entrepreneur in history who doesn’t battle with these thoughts on the reg.
Oh yeah...a few years later? It’s still a struggle. But it does get better.
Purpose Over Profit Highlight
A Minnesota high schooler with a passion for disabled animals has made giving them mobility her mission. Two years ago, after studying some YouTube tutorials followed by a process of trial and error, 16-year-old Shaine Kilyun embarked on the enterprise of making hand-crafted pet wheelchairs for animals in need.
More than mere creature comfort, the mobility devices Kilyun manufactures in her spare time are changing furry lives for the better, and even saving animals that might otherwise be put down.
“I just love animals, and I wanted to make a difference somehow,” Kilyun told FOX-9. She went on to say: “I’ve saved a few lives, and I really hope to save more.”
Since launching Wheelies Dog and Cat Wheelchairs that offers “custom, handmade, and low-cost wheelchairs for specially-abled dogs, cats & pets,” Kilyun has only charged for the cost of her materials.
The savings are often substantial—$300 for one of her creations, versus $1,000 for similar devices for large-breed dogs from more traditional sources.
If you want to check our her Instagram, it's here:
https://www.instagram.com/
And here’s more good news.
Self doubt doesn’t have to hold you back from living the big dreams that you have for yourself.
In fact, sometimes the voice in your head saying, “You can’t do this” allows you to say, maybe for the first time, “Actually, I think I can.”
There’s unspeakable power in that small but mighty statement.
Cheering you on.
Have you ever felt like an imposter?
Comment below!
Check out my hip hop podcast, From Da Jump
Interested in learning more about Entrepreneurs That Make A Difference? Go here.
Every other Tuesday on Clubhouse 10am-12pm CST I host a Startup Club Room called Entrepreneurs That Make A Difference - follow me @fbpolicypro to get find out more.
The next room is Nov 30th.
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Want to check out my science-fiction novel, Zero Point Horizon? Visit my website:
www.trevorwgoodchild.com
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