The Doubts Never Leave (And That’s Okay)
Last Thursday, I broke down.
At 9 AM, I was crying to my husband over some work issues.
By 9:05, my mother-in-law called—his dad was unwell.
By 9:10, he packed his bags and left.
And just like that? I snapped out of it.
I had two sick kids at home, a freezer that had just died, and a business to run. I didn’t have time to stay stuck in my head.
Yes, I cry.
Yes, I have doubts all the damn time.
The key is—how to snap out of it.
Why Doubt Never Goes Away
A few months ago, I sat across from a woman who, at 45, had spent 20 years climbing the corporate ladder.
She had the golden handcuffs—comfortable but unfulfilled.
She wanted to leave, but self-doubt kept her frozen.
She thought quitting corporate would fix it.
It won’t.
Because here’s the real truth:
Entrepreneurship won’t make your fears go away. It will amplify them.
Yesterday, I spent the day in meetings with an 8-figure founder (yes, a man).
He has self-doubt too.
You know what he does?
He calls me.
I walk him through his problems, lay them out clearly, and help him see what he’s missing.
This is what I do for my clients every day.
And if you’re thinking about starting your own business, here’s what your doubts will sound like:
- “Am I making the right decision?”
- “What if no one buys from me?”
- “Who do I think I am, trying to run a business?”
These aren’t signs you’re on the wrong path.
This IS the path.
Let’s talk about the 4 biggest fears that keep women stuck.
1. “I Don’t Have What It Takes”
You’ve spent decades building someone else’s dream.
Now you think you’re too old, too inexperienced, or not “business-savvy” enough to build your own?
Here’s what no one tells you:
You’ve been running a business your whole damn life.
Managing teams, handling clients, dealing with office politics?
That’s business.
Negotiating salaries, running a household, solving impossible problems?
That’s business.
Yet even when you start, imposter syndrome will creep in.
You’ll second-guess every decision.
That’s normal.
It’s how you react that matters.
What to do:
- Take inventory of your skills. List everything you’re good at.
- Ask colleagues or close friends what they see as your biggest strengths.
- Print it. Keep it in front of you for when doubt kicks in.
2. “I’m Scared of the Unknown”
The idea of leaving your steady paycheck is terrifying.
- What if my business fails?
- What if I don’t make enough money?
- What if I hate it?
Guess what?
I had the same fears.
And even now? I STILL have days where I wonder if I should go back to a 9-5.
(Spoiler: I won’t. But the doubt is still there.)
The difference?
I’m scared while moving forward.
What to do:
- Stop waiting for certainty. It doesn’t exist.
- Keep track of progress—what scared you 6 months ago is now easy.
- Remember your worst day in corporate—isn’t that scarier than trying?
(I worked on a trading floor. If you know, you know.)
3. “I’m Waiting to Feel Ready”
🚨 No one is coming to anoint you as an entrepreneur.
You won’t wake up one day suddenly feeling “ready.”
You have to DECIDE you’re ready.
And even after you start?
You’ll still have moments where you question everything.
The “READY” feeling never comes.
What to do:
- Find 2-3 people who believe in you—ask them if you’re ready. (They’ll say yes.)
- Write this on a sticky note: “I’ve got this. I’m ready.” (Yes, it’s cheesy. But it works.)
- Take ONE small action today. (Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today.)
4. “I’m Afraid to Fail”
🚨 Failure isn’t a one-time event.
It’s a daily part of entrepreneurship.
You will:
❌ Launch offers no one buys.
❌ Pitch clients who ghost you.
❌ Post content that gets zero engagement.
And then?
You’ll get back up and try again.
Because failure isn’t the opposite of success.
It’s the prerequisite.
What to do:
- Stop seeing failure as an ending—see it as feedback.
- Take a break when needed—walk away, breathe, move your body.
- Have a “reset button”—for me, that’s a 30-min art exhibition. (Or dancing in my kitchen.)
Find yours.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the hard truth:
The doubts never leave.
Not when you start your business.
Not when you land your first client.
Not when you make your first 6-figures.
They just evolve.
The only difference?
Successful entrepreneurs take action anyway.
You will NEVER feel 100% sure.
You will ALWAYS second-guess yourself.
But you have two choices:
- Stay stuck in your 9-5, waiting for the “right” moment.
- Take the leap—even if you’re scared.
You already know which one will get you where you want to go.
So do this:
Pick ONE step from this list and commit to it TODAY.
- Write your ideal life vision.
- Take inventory of your skills.
- Start small, even if it’s messy.
Because your future isn’t going to wait for you.
What’s Next?
If this hit home, let me know:
🔥 What’s your biggest fear about starting a business?
💬 Reply and tell me—I read every response.
See you next week,
Claudia
