Second-guessing your business decisions can be detrimental. During my journey scaling and exiting my first business, I learned that doubt can be deadly.
Uncertainty doesn’t just affect you; it ripples through your entire business. It can undermine your team’s confidence and even make your clients uneasy.
Here are three ways doubt sabotages success and how to overcome them:
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Loss Aversion: That voice in your head saying, “You’re making a mistake. It’s too risky” often appears when you’re about to try something new. It’s your brain trying to keep you in your comfort zone, fearing the loss of what you already have rather than embracing potential growth.
Don’t listen to it.
Studies show that loss aversion is ingrained in us, but it’s not a helpful strategy for business growth. Instead of fearing the risk, remind yourself that every choice carries potential. Ask yourself: which option best supports your growth goals?
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Decision Fatigue: Constantly agonizing over decisions—whether it’s raising prices, choosing new software, or revising policies—drains your mental energy. This leads to decision fatigue, making it even harder to make choices.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect decision. Make your choice, take action, and then assess the results. You can always adjust later.
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The Myth of the “Right” Decision: Here’s the truth: there’s never just one “right” decision. There’s the choice you make, and then you make it right through how you think, feel, and act afterward.
Two business owners can make the same decision, but one may second-guess it, feel uncertain, and not fully commit. The other moves forward with the mindset, “I’ll either get what I want or learn more. Either way, I win.”
Guess who is more likely to succeed?
Fortune favors the bold. Take decisive action in business.
