Want to start a business? What stories are you telling yourself that are stopping you?

Starting a business can be an exciting yet daunting venture. If you've been contemplating it but haven't taken the plunge, it's worth examining the stories you might be telling yourself that are holding you back. Let's delve into these common narratives and explore how to overcome them.

When considering starting a business, the fear of the unknown is a significant hurdle. Humans are wired to seek comfort and avoid pain. The prospect of stepping into something new and unfamiliar can be intimidating. However, staying in your comfort zone won't lead to growth or fulfillment. For most of us to make the transition, it's unfortunate that we need to be at the stage where the pain of staying where we are becomes greater than the fear of the unknown to motivate change. So being more self-aware of the stories we are telling ourselves can help us call ourselves out on those stories and help us move past them.

A common story many people tell themselves is, "I need qualifications or permission to start a business." This belief can be incredibly paralysing, preventing you from taking that crucial first step. Let's unpack this myth and explore why it's often just an excuse holding you back.

Many aspiring entrepreneurs believe they need specific qualifications or certifications to be credible. For example, if you want to become a coach, you might think you need a formal coaching certificate. While qualifications can enhance your confidence and skills, they are not essential to start sharing your knowledge and helping others.

You don't even need to label yourself a coach. You could be a mentor or a teacher, focusing on imparting your expertise. If people are already seeking your advice and benefiting from it, you can monetise that knowledge. The demand for your knowledge is a testament to its value, not a piece of paper.

If you're worried about not having enough expertise, remember that you don’t need to know everything to start. As you work with clients, you'll learn and grow. The experience itself will be your best teacher. Start by gaining some clients and experience, and if you still feel the need for certification later, you can always pursue it. The key is to take that first step without waiting for formal qualifications.

Another layer to this story is the concept of needing permission—both from yourself and from others. Self-permission is a significant hurdle. Often, we get in our own way, doubting our abilities and worthiness. It's essential to recognise that you don't need to wait for some external validation to start your business. Give yourself permission to pursue your dreams and take the first step.

Then there's the issue of seeking permission from partners, whether it be a spouse, significant other, or even a business partner. This can be tricky to navigate, but it’s important to distinguish between seeking support and seeking permission. Your decision to start a business should primarily come from you, and your partner should ideally support you in your decision. If you find yourself needing explicit permission, it might be worth examining that dynamic more closely.

When discussing your business plans with your partner, frame it as seeking their support rather than their permission. Explain why this venture is important to you and how it could benefit both of you in the long run. A supportive partner will understand and back your decision.

However, if you feel your partner is not supportive, you need to consider why. Is their lack of support based on genuine concerns, or is it a reflection of their own fears and insecurities? This is a delicate balance, but ultimately, you need to make decisions that align with your goals and values.

In some cases, the perceived need for permission might not even be real. You might be assuming your partner won't support you without actually having a conversation about it. Communication is key. Share your vision, address any concerns, and work together to find a solution that works for both of you.

Remember, the story of needing qualifications or permission is just that—a story. It’s an excuse that keeps you from taking action. If you find yourself caught in this narrative, it’s time to challenge it. Start by giving yourself permission to pursue your dreams and seek the support of those around you. Don’t let the lack of formal qualifications or the need for permission stop you from starting your business. Take the first step, and everything else will fall into place.

Another common story is the belief that starting a business requires a substantial financial investment. In reality, it has never been easier or more affordable to start a business, especially online. You can begin with minimal costs, using online tools and platforms that are often very affordable. The one I use, you can start with less than a $27-a-month subscription fee.

If future investments are necessary, consider various funding options, like dipping into your savings, getting a loan from family, friends or a bank (online banks are often easier to get loans from) or even finding investors. Hop onto LinkedIn, search for investors and make a casual approach to make a pitch. The worst they can say is no. At best, you'll have the extra funds you need and an experienced mentor to guide you with a vested interest in making your business a success.

Start small, prove your concept, and then scale as you generate revenue. The notion that you need a lot of money upfront is often an excuse that masks a deeper fear of taking the plunge.

Fear of rejection, criticism and looking foolish can be powerful deterrents, especially from those close to us. The truth is, when you put yourself out there, you'll likely find more support than you expect. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision.

Identify those who uplift and support you and limit your exposure to those who don't. Building a business requires a positive and supportive network. Don't let the fear of what others might think stop you from pursuing your dreams.

You only live once, so don't waste your time worrying about other people's opinions. Other people's opinions don't pay the rent, and, more importantly, the longer you delay, the longer the clients waiting to learn from you have to wait. That's also a lot of money to leave on the table just because you are afraid of what others may think.

The fear of failure often leads us to dramatise the future and imagine the worst-case scenarios. Instead, consider three potential outcomes: the worst-case, the middle ground, and the best-case. Most of the time, reality falls between the middle ground and the best-case scenarios. The worst-case scenario rarely happens, and even if it does, it's often not as catastrophic as we imagine.

Reflect on past experiences where you feared the worst but found that things worked out fine. Use these reflections to remind yourself that the fear of failure shouldn't hold you back. And understand that when you do make the move, you'll end up looking back and wondering what you were so afraid of.

One of the most common and paralysing stories people tell themselves is, "I don’t know where to start." This feeling of being overwhelmed can stop you in your tracks before you even begin. But not knowing shouldn’t be a reason to hold back. Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Starting a business doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that involves multiple steps. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. There are plenty of resources available to help you get started. Seek out mentors who have successfully started their own businesses. They can provide invaluable advice, support, and guidance. Look for online courses, workshops, and seminars that can equip you with the knowledge and skills you need. Learning from others’ experiences can give you a roadmap to follow and boost your confidence.

Remember, no one is fully prepared when they start something new. Think about becoming a parent for the first time. No one is ever truly ready for it. You can read all the books, prepare the nursery, and buy all the baby essentials, but nothing can fully prepare you for the actual experience. It’s a learning journey that unfolds day by day. Similarly, starting a business is like nurturing a new baby. You’ll learn as you go, make adjustments, and grow with your business.

Just as parents adapt and learn on the job, you will too. The important thing is to make a start. Embrace the learning curve and be open to making mistakes. Each step you take, no matter how small, is progress. The key is to keep moving forward and not let the fear of not knowing everything hold you back.

If you wait for the perfect moment or for when you feel fully prepared, you’ll never start. There is no perfect time or place to begin. The most important thing is to take that first step and figure things out along the way. You'll look back and realise that starting, despite the uncertainty, was the best decision you made. So, don’t let the story of not knowing where to start stop you from pursuing your dream. Just begin, and the rest will follow.

One of the most common and frustrating excuses I hear is, "I don’t have time." This one really gets under my skin because it's so often used as a crutch to avoid taking action. Let's break down why this excuse is not only unhelpful but also untrue. I'm really calling you out here.

First, let's establish a fundamental truth: everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. It's not about having time; it's about how you prioritise and manage the time you have. When someone says they don't have time, what they're really saying is, "I can't find a way to fit this into my current circumstances." Well, of course you can't. You need to shift some things around in your current circumstances to make room! With some adjustments, you can make time for what matters.

And that's the crux - does it really matter to you? How badly do you want it?

So, about making room. To start, analyse your daily schedule. Look closely at how you spend each hour of your day. You'll likely find pockets of time that can be better used. Common time-wasters include excessive TV watching, social media scrolling and other non-essential activities. By cutting down on these, you can easily find at least 10 hours a week to dedicate to building your business. I promise, if I sit down with you, I will find you at least 10 hours a week.

Consider this: when I started my business 20 years ago, I was juggling a full-time job, extra overtime work, two young children, and all the responsibilities that come with both, plus a new business I had no clue how to run. I didn't magically have more hours in the day; I had to prioritise and make sacrifices. I worked on my business early in the morning before the kids woke up and late at night after they went to bed. It was tough, but I made it work because it was a priority for me.

Here's a story to illustrate the point. A famous author, who was a lawyer by profession, wanted to write a novel but didn’t have time during his busy day. So, he decided to wake up an hour earlier every morning and dedicate that hour to writing. Eventually, he finished his novel, and it became a bestseller. He found the time because writing was a priority for him.

Starting a business requires the same level of commitment and prioritisation. You might need to wake up earlier, cut down on leisure activities, or reorganise your day to carve out time for your business. It's about making short-term sacrifices for long-term gains.

Another useful tip in organising your day is breaking your tasks into shorter 15-minute tasks. You'll never find 8 hours in the day to build a website and, even if you did, the enormity of the task is guaranteed to cause additional procrastination. But you will find 15 minutes here to register the domain address and 15 minutes there to identify which images you want to use, etc.

Another important aspect to consider is whether starting a business is truly a priority for you. When people tell me they don’t have time, I often challenge them to dig deeper. Is building a business something you really want, or is it just a nice idea that you're not fully committed to? If it's a true priority, you'll find a way to make it happen, despite your busy schedule.

Life is always going to be busy, and there will always be something that seems to get in the way. Whether it’s moving house, going on vacation, or dealing with family responsibilities, there will never be a perfect time to start. But if you keep waiting for the perfect moment, you'll never begin.

Now it's time to question why you're allowing these stories to hold you back. Are you genuinely too busy, or are you letting fear and procrastination create an excuse? By honestly assessing your situation and making a conscious effort to prioritise your business, you can overcome this common hurdle.

The excuse of "I don't have time" is just that—an excuse. It's my bugbear because it's entirely within your control to change. By reassessing your priorities, managing your time better, and making a firm commitment, you can find the time to start and grow your business. Don't let this excuse be the reason you don't pursue your dreams. Make the time, take the steps and watch your business—and your life—transform.

Starting a business is a significant commitment and requires overcoming various internal stories and fears. Recognise these narratives for what they are – excuses that hold you back. Embrace the uncertainty, prioritise your goals and surround yourself with people who will support you and raise you up.

By addressing and overcoming all of these stories, you'll be better positioned to take that first crucial step towards starting your business. Remember, the most important thing is to start. The journey might be challenging, but the rewards of building something of your own are immeasurable.

So, what stories are you telling yourself? Identify them, challenge them, and make a start today. Your future self will thank you for it.