5 Things That Are Holding You Back From Success

// Business Tips

Starting an online business can be rewarding and life changing.

Working from home has blessed me in many ways and has given me the opportunity to spend more time with my children.

It's not always come easy; there have been many struggles along the way.

Many entrepreneurs I work with experience the normal ups and downs of starting and growing an online business.

What I have found is that all too often they are simply getting in their own way.

And if you are like most entrepreneurs I know there are 5 things that are holding you back from success.

Just maybe…

• You don’t know where to start.
• You feel like you are spinning your wheels.
• You keep doing the same thing expecting a different result.

Does this sound familiar?

Sometimes it can be as simple as recognizing the things that are keeping you from moving forward that will get you back on the path to success

5 things that are holding you back from success

Below is my list of 5 things that are holding you back from success.

Truth be told, I have suffered from every single one of these things at one time or another.

1. You compare yourself to others

This one is huge!

In the beginning stages of planning my new website, Jennifer-Franklin.com, I thought a lot about my passions and how I can use my skills and experience running an online baby boutique to help fellow female entrepreneurs start and grow their online businesses.

I did what many others do when they are in the beginning stages: I looked at other websites that offer similar services for inspiration.

Guess what happened? 

I started to second guess myself, my skills and my abilities.

Ugh!

Nothing can halt your progress faster than falling into the comparison trap.

No matter where you are at in your online business, there will always be someone better, faster, smarter, cheaper, etc.

What to do instead?

Focus instead on your accomplishments, your skills and your unique voice.

Each one of us has something unique to offer.

That's what you can bring to your online business and that's what will set you apart.

Think: "I've done this before. I can do it again."

2. You focus on the hard tasks

There are always going to be tasks that don't come easy for use when it comes to running an online business.

>> Maybe it's getting your website set up.

>> Or maybe it's conquering your email marketing.

>> Or maybe it's setting up an online shop.

There are a number of things that can stop us in our tracks and keep us from success.

What to do instead?

Break it down.

Take your hard task and break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

For example, let's take a look at the hard task of setting up your website and break it down into smaller tasks.

Hard Task: Set up my website

Task 1: Purchase Domain Name and Hosting

Task 2: Install WordPress

Task 3: Install and Activate Plugins

Task 4: Add Pages

Task 5: Add Content

Do you see how breaking down your hard task into smaller tasks can alleviate some of the overwhelm?

RELATED | CLICK HERE to learn how to get your WordPress website set up fast.

Pro Tip: To take it a step further, I recommend using a project management tool like Asana or Trello to organize your tasks.

Both are free tools that allows you to track projects and tasks.

In the example above, you would first create a Project for New Website.

Next, you would set up an individual task for each of the tasks listed and assign it to the New Website project.

The best part? Clicking on the check mark as you complete your tasks!

Think: "Slow and steady wins the race."

3. You ignore your gut

There's something to be said about a woman's intuition.

You know that feeling you get when you know something is or isn't "right"?

Your gut reaction can be a powerful thing.

Some people refer to it as your "6th sense".

Maybe you have a feeling that a business deal just isn't a good fit for you.

Don't ignore it!

What to do instead?

Take a step back and explore your feeling a bit further.

Pay attention to your physical responses.

Tell yourself it's ok to take a little extra time to really examine your feelings before diving into something you may regret.

Think: "How will this decision impact my business."

4. You make excuses

Oh, the excuses we can think up.

>> I don't have enough time.

>> That online course costs too much money.

>> I'm not an expert in X, Y or Z.

Stop.

Right.

There.

Making excuses is not going to move you forward toward success.

If you repeat an excuse often enough, you begin to believe it is true.

What to do instead?

When you catch yourself ready to make an excuse, accept responsibility and change your thinking.

Instead of saying "I don't have enough time," you could say "Instead of watching a movie, I will write my next epic blog post."

Think: "I accept responsibility for my success."

5. You expect instant success

Instant gratification.

It's all around you.

Instant messages.

Likes.

Shares.

Pins.

If something doesn't happen instantaneously, you can easily get discouraged.

When you are starting and growing an online business, it may seem like other entrepreneurs are experiencing overnight success.

Relax, this just isn't the norm.

Building a successful online business takes time and effort.

What to do instead?

You should absolutely celebrate every little win!

>> Did you gain 5 followers on IG? Congrats!

>> Add 15 new subscribers to your email list? Awesome!

>> Hit publish on that blog post? Celebrate!

By acknowledging every win, no matter how big or small, you create a success mind set.

Think: "Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will my business."

What's Holding You Back?

I hope you found my list of 5 things that are holding you back from success helpful.

Leave a comment below and let me know one thing that you are struggling with right now.

I can't wait to hear from you!