Turning entrepreneurial pain into progress

We tend to think of pain as that 'ouch' feeling when we tread on a toy in the middle of the night or an ache, a reaction to something physical we've done, but as entrepreneurs trying to start or grow our businesses, pain can be so much deeper than that.

It's the not knowing, the wondering if we're good enough, the comparing and finding ourselves less than, the overwhelming emotions – it's all these things and more.

When I first started my business, I had imposter syndrome on speed dial. Even though I had over fifteen years of corporate experience, coached in a corporate setting for years, had incredible training with one of the UK's leading life coaches and was fully certified, I still second-guessed everything I said or did.

I worried that I wasn't giving enough value or time (even though in reality I was over-delivering), and I felt like any second I was going to fail.

When we have these negative thoughts and feelings, they can be painful. And whenever we experience emotional discomfort, our instinct is often to move away from it.

This might show up for you as scrolling endlessly on social media, having the fridge on standby, procrastinating over an important decision or doing busywork that feels useful but doesn't actually help you move your business forward.

Five ways to turn pain into progress

1. Make an active choice

Choose to let that discomfort move you into action rather than hiding from it or trying to numb it (hello Netflix!).

When you remember that you do have a choice, it empowers you to move to the next step, which is...

2. Decide what the pain is really about

Why are you feeling this way?

Is it a clarity issue? Do you know exactly who your ideal customer is, how to reach them and how your product or service solves their challenges?

Is it a confidence issue? Are you worried about becoming more visible in your marketing, letting go as you delegate more or not knowing how to reach your biggest goals?

Are you being consistent in your efforts or flitting from one strategy to another?

Identifying where the discomfort is coming from will help you make a plan to deal with it.

3. Listen to your inner dialogue

Decide whether it's helping or hindering you.

Often, when we challenge ourselves, our minds create stories that feel completely true in the moment.

Ask yourself:

• Is what I'm thinking really true?
• Could something else be true instead?

When I work with clients, we use a model called the STEAR (Situation, Thought, Emotion, Approach and Result) model to understand how thoughts influence results so we can gradually replace unhelpful thinking with more empowering alternatives.

4. Make a plan (or get help to make one)

When you have a clear plan of action that aligns with your goals, the fog starts to clear, and you can begin taking small, intentional steps forward to build your confidence.

When you complete a step, make a point of celebrating it.

It's easy for each small success to get lost in the busyness of running a business, but reinforcing the behaviours that serve you helps build habits that support long-term success.

5. Remember that growth can feel uncomfortable

We often experience discomfort when we step outside our comfort zone.

But this is also where we grow.

Recognising that discomfort as part of the growth process can help transform it from something to avoid into a sign that you're moving in the right direction.

If you would like some help putting a plan together, business coaching can help you develop your skills, build your confidence and support you as you take your business to the next level.