How to Eliminate Self-Doubt When You’re Starting a Side Hustle

Oh, the side hustle. That one passion project that simultaneously inspires you and stresses you out at the same time. When you’re working on a side hustle amidst the other 37 things on your never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to spin into a flurry of self-doubt. Before you know it, you’re wondering, “Why am I even doing this?” “Should I be spending time on my other to-do’s instead?” “Is my work even any good?”

If you find yourself questioning it all, here are three tips for eliminating self-doubt:

1. Text Your #1 Fan:

Who’s that one person who always believes in you and can pump you up? Whether it’s your bestie, your boyfriend, or your mom, shoot that person a text. In moments of self-doubt, we feel very alone and start to beat ourselves up with negative self-talk. Texting your #1 fan will make you feel less alone and remind you that you’re a lot more awesome than you’re giving yourself credit for.

Don’t feel shy to express your insecurities — it’s nothing to be embarrassed about! Everyone feels insecure at one point or another. Sharing your vulnerabilities only strengthens your relationships and your #1 fan will be happy that you feel close enough to open up to him or her.

2. Read something inspiring:

The next time you read an inspiring article online, save it to your phone or desktop. Then, when you’re experiencing moments of self-doubt, give the article a read.  Is there anything more motivating than reading about someone else who is killing it out there? Sometimes the best way to get out of a funk is to stop focusing on ourselves and a great way to do that is reading someone else’s success story.

3. Remember your “why”:

What’s the reason you started your side hustle in the first place? Likely, it was to pursue a passion that you have a longing for. Even if no one reads your blog post, or you have no customers, or you have no followers, pursuing your passion is always worth it. At the end of the day, you don’t want to look back in five years and think, “I really wish I followed through with that. I wonder what could’ve happened.”

How do you overcome self-doubt when pursuing your side hustle? Leave your tips in the comments below.

By Samantha Cooper: Samantha Cooper is director of operations at Curly Girls Showroom!