When you’re struggling in your business, sometimes it helps to look at quotes about self doubt to find the inspiration to keep going.
Whether you gravitate to memorable words from famous leaders, a favorite mentor, or even a family member, quotes offer guidance and insight that can make you feel a little better.
One thing I’m finding out about being a solo entrepreneur…it can be lonely and self-doubt can creep in at any time.
On days when you need supportive words, turn to these quotes to keep going and persevere.
I hope that these sayings resonate with you as much as they have with me. I’ve included my personal interpretation of each of these with an accompanying graphic.
If you have a “go-to” mantra that sticks in your head during those times you need it most, please share it with me in the comment area below!
1) “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
Robert Frost wrote this in one of my favorite poems “The Road Not Taken.” It calls to mind a person who has chosen an unconventional path in life, which has led to different experiences and outcomes than the average person.
The choices you make in life determine your journey. It’s up to you to take risks and follow the road that makes sense for you. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong decision…just different paths for different people.
As a solopreneur, I’ve discovered that business requires a lot of decision making and that it’s best to skip second guessing yourself. Have faith in yourself. An alternate route can lead you to remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime adventures. And that’s what you didn’t follow the norm.
THE TAKEAWAY
Don’t limit yourself to the choices others want or expect you to make. Embrace what’s different about yourself and celebrate it!
2) “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
Often the only difference between you and the person you aspire to be is ACTION.
As they say, imperfect action is better than perfect inaction. Why? Because in order to succeed, you must take risks, set goals, and move forward on achieving those goals.
Starting is often messy. The key isn’t to strive for perfection but for taking that first step. Then the next step. And so on. In spite of opposition, fear, and obstacles.
If you want to attain greatness, you have to try.
Whenever I’m focusing too much on the details or getting mired in my perfectionism, I think about this quote. If I’m feeling overwhelmed in my business or in life, I remember to take small steps. Even brief progress outweighs no progress at all.
One way to incorporate this concept into your daily life is to set goals. Then schedule three tasks a day to accomplish this goal. You’d be surprised how goal setting and time management keeps you focused and productive–even on rushed days.
Most of all, Zig Ziglar‘s words encourage you to stop comparing yourself to people who are farther along in their journey. What’s important is letting yourself get out of your own way so you can start your own success.
THE TAKEAWAY
Get out of your own way.
3) “When you walk up to opportunity’s door, don’t knock it… Kick that b**ch in, smile and introduce yourself.” – Dwayne Johnson
Feeling like you doubt yourself? This quote will make you feel empowered and ready to face the day. There’s nothing like a little fire and sauciness to stay upbeat when you need it.
Dwayne Johnson‘s words create a powerful visual image of kicking down doors (or mental barriers) and being strong–no matter what your mood may be on any given day. And this is helpful since as a solopreneur, you’re familiar with the mindset struggles that accompany business.
Sometimes you’ve got to knock down obstacles to clear a path to success.
Because of the visual imagery, this quote has more impact than the phrase “Don’t give up.” And it puts the power and control back in your hands to make change, forge forward, and stop holding yourself back.
“Kicking in the door” doesn’t have to be taken literally. I believe it represents the act of busting roadblocks. So, get creative about how to deal with the challenges in your way. The only way through a door isn’t always the handle. Maybe there’s a window. 😉
THE TAKEAWAY
Be prepared to tackle obstacles with courage, confidence, and creativity.
4) “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
The world has become a place where we feel the need to label people. And then we go one step further and assign a value to a label.
For example, I recently read about an actor who became overweight during a rough time in his life. When his new look went public via a photo in the media, his weight gain became a big joke.
As many of us would, he assigned negative feelings to the photo. When he saw the photo, it reminded him of his depression and tough times, which added only misery and sadness to an already bad situation.
Your mindset influences your success.
After time passed and he recovered, he began to see the photo differently. Instead of allowing others to make him feel poorly about himself, he assigned positive feelings to the photo by associating it with his recovery and his progress.
Nothing about the photo changed except his mindset. And that was the only part of the photo he controlled: his reaction to it.
Eleanor Roosevelt reminds us that you should never give others the power to determine your self-worth. You decide how to see yourself.
THE TAKEAWAY
Never give anyone the power to determine your worth or value.
5) “Either you run the day, or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn
Before I became an entrepreneur, I had not heard this quote. But it is now one of my favorites, especially since it’s 100% accurate! Productivity and time management have never been more important than when you don’t have an employer funding your salary.
If you’re going through the day feeling distracted and unproductive, think about Jim Rohn‘s quote. It’s easy to forget that you’re in charge of your life and your schedule.
At any time, you can change your mind and take control of a situation.
Don’t think that because you haven’t been organized up until now that you can’t salvage the day. Take advantage of whatever time is left. It’s only too late if you convince yourself of that.
One of the ways I increase my productivity is to schedule my task list on my Google calendar the night before so that the following day is productive. You’ll be amazed at how effective this is!
The trick is in the act of planning, which makes our brains get used to the next day’s tasks in advance. In other words, it’s another mindset shift that leads to success.
THE TAKEAWAY
Action leads to results, but planning leads to success.
6) “It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.” – E.E. Cummings
This quote about self doubt reminds us that it’s easier to bend to the will of others and blend into the crowd.
You can make life easier on others by doing what they want and being who they want you to be. But, that’s at a great sacrifice to you. Not being yourself will lead to misery and dissatisfaction at some point.
If you find yourself beaten down by the world and in need of some uplifting, listen to E. E. Cummings.
It takes courage to know and accept who you are and conviction to share the real version of yourself with the world.
And as a solopreneur, often you are front and center of your brand. It’s your face and personality out there in the public domain, and that can be scary.
People can be mean, spiteful, hateful, selfish, and inconsiderate. Look at social media, yikes! And that’s why it’s easier not being yourself sometimes and easier to shy away from entrepreneurism. But you have a gift to share, so don’t let other peoples’ issues pollute your mind or how you think of yourself.
It also helps to stop comparing yourself to others. There will always be people who are more successful, just as there will always be people who are less successful. In times of doubt, we tend to focus on the former. It’s better to remove all comparisons and just be yourself.
THE TAKEAWAY
Don’t compare yourself to others. Be proud of who you are!
7) “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand
For the moments when you need a boost of confidence, think about Ayn Rand‘s potent assertion. When you shift your mindset to one of leadership, authority, and influence, self-doubt dwindles.
Being a leader means that you take risks and don’t worry about asking for permission since you’re in the forefront. You don’t concern yourself with wondering IF you can do it; it’s about removing barriers to your success.
You make things happen.
Most of all, don’t let the biggest barrier to your success be yourself. If anyone is likely to stop you, it’s yourself.
On this entrepreneurial journey, I’ve discovered that my biggest opponent was myself. Mindset can be your harshest enemy. Self-sabotage and doubt can masquerade as legitimate “reasons” to stop progress.
Don’t be fooled! Get out of your own way by taking control and not letting anyone–including yourself–stand in your way.
THE TAKEAWAY
Don’t be the barrier to your success.
8) “Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.” – Winston Churchill
When you doubt yourself, it becomes difficult to trust your judgment. That’s when our inner monsters try to win.
But Winston Churchill suggests that being successful is not about how physically strong or mentally intelligent you are. The key to success in your business lies in your resilience and your ability to show up every day in spite of what life throws at you.
Side note: I’ve seen plenty of not-so-smart people who are both financially successful as well as happy. Education doesn’t equate to intelligence or ability. Experience is a better teacher.
You don’t know what you don’t know, so take action and let experience teach you the lessons you need.
Your persistence and action outperform intelligence and perfection. The will to succeed separates you from the crowd. Ultimately, these qualities will propel you to the top.
THE TAKEAWAY
Persistence and action consistently outperform intelligence and perfection.
9) “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott
There will be bumps in the road, and times will be tough. That’s how life works. But learn as you go, accepting that storms will be part of the journey. I think that is what Louisa May Alcott is telling us in this quote about self doubt.
If you’re doubting yourself on this entrepreneurial journey, that’s normal. You’re not alone. Failure is a natural part of business. Not only is it natural, it’s inevitable.
Don’t fear failure. Embrace it as your chance to learn and grow.
Failure and self-doubt can chip away at your mindset, which chinks away at your belief in yourself. Dig deep to find the courage and determination to weather the storms.
Know that there is no shame in asking others for help. Most importantly, when the going gets tough, the tough learn! This is your opportunity to grow, navigate your way through challenges, and become wiser for the experience.
THE TAKEAWAY
Failure teaches you that knowledge makes you grow.
10) “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” – My Dad
Although the Internet has mixed feelings about the origin of this saying, (General George Patton or famed coach Vince Lombardi?), I’m always going to hear it in the voice of my father. These words have left his lips so many times that they are a permanent fixture in my brain.
If you find yourself struggling and wanting to run away, stand back and assess your life. Are you overtired? Have you been taking good care of yourself?
If you haven’t slept or taken a break from the daily grind, you can wear yourself out. When you’re tired, regular tasks can become overwhelming. Instead of feeling confident, you find yourself feeling puny, wanting to hide from your everyday life.
It’s no wonder that my research into this quote revealed that this saying is commonly used by Marine drill sergeants. My father, a Marine to the core and a Vietnam veteran, says this to me as a subtle suggestion to stop my whining and get my act together.
His advice is straightforward: don’t let your current state of exhaustion or fear deter you from tackling your goals.
Fatigue is temporary. It shouldn’t impact important decisions, but it can take over. Everything looks worse when you are physically or emotionally drained.
Self-care is often not prioritized when you’re running a business. Make taking breaks a part of your routine and schedule. Allow yourself to rest. You’ll return to your tasks refreshed and with a much better outlook (and attitude!)
THE TAKEAWAY
Prioritize your physical and mental health to be able to cope with what life throws at you.
What Quotes About Self Doubt Keep You Going When You Need a Lift?
I’ve shared some of the words that I turn to when I’m having a tough time. Now it’s your turn!
Please share your favorite quotes with me in the comments below. And, let me know how you stay motivated on your entrepreneurial journey.
Want more inspiration? Check out these other motivational quote for entrepreneurs.
And if you’re looking for motivational, inspirational quotes and images to share with your community, be sure to sign up for the Go Social Content Club. The graphics are awesome, easy to brand (with a logo app included!), and ready to use on social media, your website, or your emails.
UPDATED MAY 25, 2021 | PUBLISHED JUNE 1, 2016
Fantastic! Thank you for re-inspiring me again with all these quotes!
Meghan, I enjoyed seeing your take on these famous quotes. The first one was my favorite. Excellent way for you to stand out by sharing your insight in addition to the well-known ones. Also loved that you included your Dad. Thanks for the double dose of inspiration!
Hello Mindy, I love Robert Frost’s quote too (I have it on my personal Facebook cover photo in fact). Unsure of how a personal-type blog post would perform, I tried it out anyway! Thanks for your feedback and for your heartfelt response.
I’m a sucker for a great inspirational quote and these are great! Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful, Meghan! Numbers 6 and 10 really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing this!
Great inspirational quotes. I love many of these too. Thanks for sharing.
Love these quotes Megan! I’m going to “pin” some of them now on Pinterest!
Thanks for sharing with your followers, Catherine! I appreciate it. Happy to hear you liked the quotes.
This is such a great pick me up! Thank you for collecting these quotes and writing a post with such impact!
Hi Jennifer, it’s nice to hear that my post provided an impactful pick me up, that was my intention. 🙂 Appreciate your comments.
Great post Meghan! Love these inspiratonal quotes! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
I have read Zig Ziglar off and on for over 30 years. Great stuff ! Always room to learn.
Great quotes, Meghan. I think the quote that resonates the most right now is the one your dad shared about fatigue making us cowards. It’s so true. . .and a great perspective on what is real and what is just fatigue. Thanks for that! I need a good nights sleep tonight for sure. 🙂
Hello Brenda, the quote from my dad (via either Patton or Lombardi, ha!) has resonated the most with people. Apparently, most small biz owners are exhausted and overworked, who knew? hee, hee Hopefully, you’ve since gotten some sleep. Appreciate your feedback.
Well, all of these are certainly perking up my morning. Best loved one is #3 the opportunity door. and the photo suggesting the alternative handle. I now have a reminder when I get stuck – look for the alternative handle. Thanks, Meghan a great selection of quotes.
Hi Joyce, I’m thrilled you found a quote to which you could relate. We all experience roadblocks at times and need to find alternatives–without getting discouraged. Thanks for sharing your personal favorite with me.
Excellent content and all of them made me smile. I must remember to give the reader an emotion as the blog post stays with someone that much longer! You had this in spades! Quality images too, happily sharing everywhere!
I have been going through a funk myself at the moment – mostly down to the fact I have so much on and the weather has finally picked up over here in Ireland and I am hot and tired all the time. I am going to keep a couple of these for myself in the mornings to get me started!
Hello Melanie! Wonderful that I could make you smile and possibly encourage you. Yes, emotion does help with marketing and impact, no question about it. I appreciate your sincere feedback, compliments, and shares. It sounds to me as if a lot of small biz owners are worn out and overwhelmed with work. I hope your funk dissapates and the weather cools a bit so that you can get some rest!
I love inspirational quotes as well. Robert Frost’s poem speaks to me as well. One of my favorites? When you feel like quitting;remember why you started
WOW!!! I love this blog post and will certainly use these with my coaching clients. They are great and really gives people the kick in the pant we need. Great Job. Really good article.
Hello Jill, how are you? Thanks for the positive feedback and compliments. Appreciate it!
“You can have whatever you want in life…if you just help enough people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar
Thanks for sharing one of your favorites, Mark. In business and in life, it’s all about helping others, right? 😉
Meghan – I’m a quote hoarder. I actually sit around and read them from books – the last words of famous people, best love quotes ever, etc. Of the ten above, I think I like your Dad’s the best, probably because it applies to me in a big way right now. Thanks for the post!
I am loving many and favorite goes to Eleanor Roosevelt. Sometimes having ourselves as our own critic can be hard enough – let alone allow anyone else in there to determine our worth. Our self worth is the catalyst for pretty much every result we get in life. It’s a big one to pay attention to.
You’ve shared some great quotes. Everyone feels self-doubt at least every once in a while. However, high achievers overcome their self-doubt, while low achievers wallow in it and allow their self-doubt to prevent them from achieving their goals.
I love all of those quotes. Probably the first one I knew of was the “road less traveled” from an English class. What really pleases me is that you included several by women. They aren’t as easy to find and as a woman, I always am so happy to discover a new one. I’m going to choose Eleanor Roosevelt’s because I think so many women let people tell them what they should do and how they should feel. She definitely didn’t.
Hi Beth! I appreciate your perspective on my post because I hadn’t considered the gender of the quotes I chose–I simply chose some of my favorites. Looking back, now I’m happy that I did include females in my article. Women often have a different experience in life and in business than men do, so I can deeply relate to Eleanor Roosevelt’s words. Thanks for your heartfelt, personal response.
What a lovely inspiration this post is. I love all the quotes but the one I often use is Eleanor’s “no one can make you feel inferior without your consent”. I agree with your interpretation – we should never give others the power to determine our self-worth. Your Dad’s quote makes a lot of sense too – all the negative stuff creeps in when we’re tired.
Hello Tamuria, I love your interpretation and personal take on the quotes. I’m happy to hear that you found the post inspirational, which was one of my goals. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Oh my! These are wonderful, particularly The Rock’s door-kicking imagery. Sure made me smile. Loved it. Second runner-up is your dad’s quote; so true. Never really thought about it till I saw but it’s right on target. I have so many inspirational and motivational quotes that speak to me…here are two: “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” ~ Mark Twain; and “We would worry less about what others think of us if we realized how seldom they do.” ~ Ethel Barrett
Hi Jackie, knowing you smiled has, in turn, made me smile. (I know you were also happy that I wrote about a topic other than Twitter, haha!) I LOVE your two quotes. They may be contenders if I do this type of blog post again in the future. Worry is high on the ‘things to avoid’ list for me, so I can appreciate both quotes. How nice to get your personal perspective, thanks for that!
Fabulous inspirational post, Meghan! I can relate to each quote for different times in my life. Being as I feel sleep deprived (and not on purpose), I also related to the quote you attributed to your dad. I find without enough quality sleep, I am almost a different person.
Of all of these though, the first one “the road less travelled” really resonates for me. That in some ways sums up my life journey. Always seeing what was on the road that no-one else was taking. When everyone went right, I went left. Apparently being born on the 1st, defines me as a trailblazer. It’s in my astrology chart too, so I guess my life is about questioning, not accepting things at face value and just continuing to trust that along the road less traveled, I’ll find my tribe!
Thank you, Beverley! That quote from my dad (but really Patton or Lombardi) is apparently very relatable, in particular with business owners. We sure do have a lot to juggle, and being tired seems to be a common theme. Robert Frost’s poem is one of my favorites because I too have had a life that was not traditional in many ways. It’s great to hear some personal insight and experience from you too–thanks so much for including it in your comment!
This is a spot on post. I love every quote you chose and the personal meaning it has for you. I love every graphic. But you asked us to choose one & I knew it as soon as I read it, only didn’t want to take the first one in case it looked like a cop out, but it truly resonates with me. “I took the road less traveled”. Almost every friend & family member thinks I’m out of my mind to be working on social media to market our on-line business. They know I love it. They know the amount of time I devote to it and the disappointments, investment, etc & they say- you should be retired. That just isn’t me & I have my on-line support to recognize who I am.
Hello Roz, I’m not surprised that #1 was a winner for you. So many entrepreneurs have chosen a different road than others–one that many people do not understand or agree with. Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean that “work” can’t be your hobby or your passion. Thankfully you’ve followed your heart and your desire. Furthermore, you’ve found others to support you, which I personally discovered helps me quite a bit. I appreciate you sharing your personal take on things!
Meghan, I needed these this very morning! It’s been one of those weeks. Highs, lows, frustrations. And just when I’m ready to sit down in the dirt road and refuse to go on, you bring me right out of it.
Especially your dad’s quote. Which made me realize, that’s the problem today! being totally sleep deprived puts me in a sad state. Which I know. But hadn’t taken into consideration.
Thank you!
Yippee, Susan! I’m thrilled that I could perhaps help improve your mood or your day. Being sleep-deprived can make everything else in life miserable and difficult to deal with. I hope you’ve since gotten some rest. Thanks for sharing your personal insights with me, I appreciate it. 🙂
I love Zig Ziglars quote. For me, it means to keep working and learning to succeed in my business. Never assume that you know it all. Thanks for sharing.