Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the New Zealand economy. But being a successful business owner is no mean feat. Starting and running an organisation requires hard work, dedication, resilience, and a healthy dose of self-confidence.
Inevitably at some point, we all experience “a wobble” when self-doubt creeps in. When that happens, remember the words of acclaimed stage and film director Sir Richard Eyre CBE:
I can’t think of anyone I admire who isn’t fuelled by self-doubt. It’s an essential ingredient. It’s the grit in the oyster.
Even if it is essential, you don’t want feelings of self-doubt to overwhelm and stifle you. Here are five tips for bolstering your self-confidence.
1. Acknowledge your achievements
If you’re running a business that you founded, you’ve already achieved a lot! Think about where you began and where you are today. Look at how far you’ve come.
You could keep a daily journal to record your wins. Remember, the small ones are just as important as the big ones. Take time to celebrate each time you reach a goal before rushing straight onto the next. And involve your team. Let them know how they’ve contributed so you can all enjoy a motivational boost.
2. If things go awry, learn the lessons
Failure is a part of life. Instead of beating yourself up, consider what can be learnt when things don’t go to plan. Constructive analysis of these situations is vital for business resilience and continuous improvement. Feel good about the fact you can say, “We won’t be making that mistake again.”
3. Take care of your health and wellbeing
Work-life balance is just as important for you as it is for your employees, and this includes taking care of your mental health and physical wellbeing. Without guilt, book time for activities you enjoy. Walking, spending time with friends and whānau, meditation, gardening, volunteering – whatever it is that helps you to feel refreshed, refocused and re-energised.
4. Focus on your strengths
No-one can be proficient at everything, but you’re brilliant at some things. Apply your exceptional skills and know-how to gain competitive advantage. And as for the areas which aren’t your strong suit, build a supportive network of trusted professionals – accountant, business mentor, marketing strategist, lawyer, etc – around you. Together, you could be unstoppable!
5. Set SMART goals
Breaking down your bigger goals into smaller steps makes it easier to track progress and can help build confidence and momentum along the way. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based.
Believing in yourself and your abilities takes time, effort, and a willingness to grow and evolve. The rewards can be extremely fulfilling for you and your team, personally and professionally.
The Pathfinder Solutions team loves working alongside business owners to help them realise their potential. We’re by your side from day one, helping create an effective business plan focusing on your goals. And yes, we also love celebrating with our clients when they hit those targets and maybe even exceed their own expectations.
About Pathfinder Solutions
Pathfinder Solutions advisory team members have either owned or managed businesses, or are investors themselves, so we know first-hand the challenges you face in your world.
Sure we’re Accountants, but the best solutions in business come from focusing on more than just the numbers. Our real-world business experience delivers just that.
