Every time I have started something new recently I have felt like a fraud and that I don’t belong.
Starting a financial advice business
Starting a blog
Writing a book
Many times I felt like not even trying. After all, if you don’t try you can’t fail. Or so that’s what we trick ourselves into thinking. By not trying at all, you have failed.
Upon reflection, regrets tend to centre around things we never did, not things we did.
When starting my business, I wondered if anyone would pay me to give independent advice. Two years in, and I have far exceeded my expectations with many wonderful clients, several who have come back for more.
When starting my blog, I wondered if anyone would even read it. Again, I have far exceeded my expectations here. I have received some lovely emails from people who have benefited greatly from my writing.
Writing a book isn’t cheap. I am now wondering if I will even get my money back to break even. Who will buy my book? I am hoping that I will far exceed my expectations yet again. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. But I won’t regret trying.
Getting over the fear of failure is critical to a well lived life. The blog and business are two of the more important things in my life and I can’t believe I almost didn’t start either. They have added so much depth to my life, that I can’t imagine being without either now. They are things that will form a significant part of my retirement, without which, I wouldn’t have had as many passions to run towards.
Imposter syndrome or self doubt is very normal. Unfortunately, not acting because of this self doubt is also normal.
Having the financial leeway or freedom can provide so much more confidence than otherwise.
If I can offer one piece of advice here it is to just start. Whatever it is you are hesitant about, start progressing towards it. In my business, blog and book I always tackled it one step at a time. Looking at the big picture can be overwhelming. Try to break it down into small actionable steps, and hopefully you too can look back at what you have achieved. No regrets.
The information contained on this site is the opinion of the individual author(s) based on their personal opinions, observation, research, and years of experience. The information offered by this website is general education only and is not meant to be taken as individualised financial advice, legal advice, tax advice, or any other kind of advice. You can read more of my disclaimer here