311: Navigating Self-Doubt as a Business Owner

Self-doubt. If you’re a business owner, those two words have likely echoed in your mind at some point—maybe even this week. In EP 311 of the Her Empire Builder Show, Tina Tower welcomes listeners into the often-hidden side of entrepreneurship: grappling with self-doubt, riding out anxiety, and emerging stronger.

The Universal Nature of Self-Doubt

No matter the stage of your business journey, self-doubt creeps in. Tina Tower reminds us that it’s perfectly normal: “Every time you get to your edge and want to push past into the next stage of growth, that is something that you’re going to go through.” If you’ve ever questioned your choices or considered giving it all up, you’re in the company of every ambitious entrepreneur.

Real-Life Stories of Doubt—and Breaking Through

Throughout the episode, Tina Tower shares honest accounts of times when self-doubt stopped her in her tracks. One was when Her Empire Builder reached its first 100 members—a milestone she once dreamed about, but when achieved, brought a wave of uncertainty about her next steps. Should she stop growing or change her offer? Ultimately, she restructured the business to make it more sustainable and scalable, proving that sometimes evolution—not stopping—is the answer.

Another powerful story unfolded after her son’s accident—a life-altering event that left her experiencing panic attacks and questioning whether she could continue. The support and compassion of her community carried her through, highlighting the value of allowing yourself to be held up by others.

Why Does Self-Doubt Hit So Hard?

Our brains are wired for safety, not for success, Tina Tower says. The more you push outside your comfort zone, the louder those internal warning bells get. Ironically, it’s not just fear of failure we’re avoiding, but fear of success—the expectations, responsibilities, and visibility it brings.

Impostor syndrome and comparisonitis are common side effects of growth. Tina Tower offers a solution: put on your blinders and run your own race. Compare yourself only to your past self, not to others’ highlight reels, and celebrate how far you’ve come rather than what you haven’t yet achieved.

Practical Tools for Moving Forward

• Acknowledge and Name It: Label your self-doubt as soon as you feel it. Sometimes naming the fear out loud lessens its power.

• Brain Dump Your Fears: Write out everything you’re scared of—no matter how irrational—and look at those thoughts in black and white. Most won’t hold true.

• Journaling Prompts:

  • What would I do if I fully believed in myself today?

  • What is the actual fear behind my hesitation? Drill down with “why?” until you reach the root.

  • Where have I succeeded before, and what did it take? Let past wins fuel your present.

• Lean on Your Circle: Don’t walk the journey alone. Business friends, coaches, and masterminds can help you reframe your narrative and hold you accountable.

• Limit Comparison: Use tools like app blockers to limit your social media if comparison starts to feed your self-doubt.

Progress is Built on Micro-Steps

Success isn’t about grand leaps. It’s built on consistent, small, courageous steps. “Action gives you evidence,” Tina Tower shares. Keep a “Proof File” of your wins—big and small—so you can remind yourself on hard days that you’re creating real impact.

When to Rest, and When to Persist

Self-doubt can signal burnout as much as fear. Sometimes, the best strategy is a pause, not quitting. Check in with yourself: are you tired, or truly needing a change?

Final Takeaway

You don’t need to be confident to be courageous. Courage grows as you act, not before. So think of that thing you’ve been putting off because self-doubt crept in—and go do it. Your future self will thank you.