311: Navigating Self-Doubt as a Business Owner (And How I Keep Showing Up Anyway)

In this heartfelt episode, Tina Tower explores the very real experience of self-doubt as a business owner. Drawing from over two decades in business and personal moments of vulnerability, she shares tangible strategies for recognizing, managing, and overcoming self-doubt at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.

Key Topics Covered

• Self-Doubt Is Part of the Entrepreneurial Ride

  • Tina Tower normalizes self-doubt, sharing personal stories from her own journey, including reaching 100 members in Her Empire Builder and facing challenges after her son's accident.

• How Self-Doubt Shows Up

  • Procrastination, endlessly tweaking but never launching, underpricing offers, avoiding visibility, and seeking constant validation—all signs of self-doubt.

• Real-Life Solutions and Mindset Tools

  • Naming your self-doubt

  • Using journaling prompts:

    • What would I do if I fully believed in myself?

    • What is the actual fear behind my hesitation?

    • Where have I succeeded before, and what did it take?

  • Reframing failure as part of the messy middle and essential to growth

• The Power of Community and Support

  • Letting yourself be supported by others, especially in tough times

  • Building cheerleader circles and masterminds for external perspective

• Managing Comparison and Keeping Focus

  • Advice on running your own race and putting blinders on to avoid comparison-itis

• Confidence Is Built by Action

  • Confidence doesn't come before success—it grows from repeatedly showing up and taking micro steps

• Protecting Your Energy

  • The importance of morning routines, listening to inspiring content, reducing social media usage, and staying connected to your purpose

• Celebrating Small Wins

  • The value of keeping a "proof file" of positive feedback to revisit during low-confidence moments

• Knowing When to Rest

  • Recognizing the difference between true self-doubt and just needing to recharge

As you step back into your day, remember that self-doubt is simply part of building something meaningful—not a stop sign. Keep taking those small, brave steps, lean on your people when you need to, and celebrate every win along the way. You're doing better than you think, and your confidence will keep growing each time you show up.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books: "No Bad Parts" by Richard Schwartz; "Self Help" by Gabby Bernstein; "Epic Retirement" and "Prime Time" by Beck Wilson

• App: Opal (social media blocker) https://www.opal.so/

Where to find Tina:

Her Empire Builder: https://www.herempirebuilder.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina_tower/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@herempirebuilder