Are you too old to start a business? Did you wait too late to get the ball rolling? Is it time to throw in the towel?
I’ve talked to many women that feel as though their window has closed and they should be happy where they are in life. They should be grateful for the things they have been able to accomplish.
I think that if you’re questioning it, maybe you are too old, maybe you don’t have what it takes…
You know what, let’s scrap that previous statement. Age only reflects your experiences, wisdom, and the length of time you’ve graced the world with your presence. I’ve been a full-time entrepreneur since 2007 and I’ve seen women in all stages of life start businesses. It’s only too late if you’ve given up on yourself. And quite frankly if you’re reading this, I’m not going to let you give up.
So how do you defeat self-doubt? I’m not a therapist or life coach, but here are 5 tips I know can get the needle moving.
Tip #1: Affirmations
Stop bullying yourself! You are amazing and you will be the next big thing in your industry! This is how you need to feel about yourself. Nothing anyone can say will silence those whispers in your head. You have to armor yourself and fight this battle on your own. Hear me loudly when I say that entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. You have to protect your mental health because the world of business will not pacify things for you.
Affirmations are a great way to put a muzzle on any bad thoughts you have about yourself and your abilities. I’ve included some of my personal favorites below. Feel free to write your own and say them out loud until it becomes part of who you are and how you feel about yourself.
- My ideas are amazing and I have the tools and resources needed to be successful.
- I am smart and capable enough to create the life that I want.
- My future is full of blessings, prosperity, and wholeness.
- I am ready to live the life I want and deserve.
You are not too old.
Tip #2: Therapy
Sometimes we’re so stuck that it may require professional help to build confidence and get out of a funk. There’s nothing wrong with needing someone to talk to. If you’re not completely sold on therapy, try some self-help books.
What I’m about to say next is most likely not a popular opinion, but I’m going to speak my truth. Do not go to your FRIENDS for help figuring this out. Your friends are just that… your friends. Sometimes it’s hard for them to give you good advice because they love you and don’t want to hurt you and other times they are just not experienced enough to point you in the right direction. Talk about the blind leading the blind.
Try confiding in someone that has nothing to lose or gain and has no biases towards you. Being too close to the problem seldom leads to resolution.
You are not too old.
Tip 3: Take Action
Start working towards this new venture. Even if it’s baby steps like brainstorming for names or researching different services and products to offer. Listen to business podcasts or podcasts hosted by some of your potential competitors. This will motivate you and get you excited about taking additional steps. If you never take action, nothing will ever come of that dream of starting your business.
You are not too old.
Tip 4: Exercise
Exercise is such a release. Staying fit will help you build endurance and trust me, you’ll need physical and mental endurance.
You are not too old.
Tip 5: Read More
Reading is a great way to build brain power. As a business owner, you will need to stay sharp and in the know about marketing and industry trends.
You are not too old.
Wrap It Up
My wish is that you have found this helpful, inspiring, or motivational. I’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you think about age being associated with starting a business? Do you think there is such a thing as being too old. Leave your comments below.