Self-sabotaging blueprint for women entrepreneurs. The journey of entrepreneurship, especially for women, often comes with unique challenges. You might be balancing the demands of a growing business, the desire to be a present partner, and the need to nurture your children—all while trying to stay true to yourself. But what if I told you that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other?
I’m Liina Vettik, a business coach, mother of three, and real estate developer. I’ve been where you are—torn between my dreams and my responsibilities. In this article, I want to share a pivotal lesson that changed everything for me and how it can transform your life too.
The Fear Holding You Back
One of the most common fears I see among my clients, and one I’ve struggled with myself, isn’t just about the uncertainty of income or the possibility of failure. It’s the fear of success and what we believe it might cost us. We fear that if we succeed, we’ll be overwhelmed by the demands of our business, leaving little time for our families. This fear often manifests as guilt—guilt for wanting more, guilt for not being fully present for our loved ones, and guilt for even considering putting ourselves first.
This guilt is paralyzing. It keeps us small, stops us from reaching our full potential, and ultimately affects our health, relationships, and self-worth. I spent seven years stuck in this mindset, unable to break through the revenue ceiling in my business because I was too afraid to embrace my true desires.
Saying Yes to Yourself
The turning point came when I realized that by constantly saying “yes” to everyone else, I was saying “no” to myself. I was diminishing my own importance, which only led to a downward spiral of self-worth. It wasn’t until 2020, when stress began to take a toll on my health, that I knew something had to change. I sought the help of a coach who helped me dig deep into my subconscious and uncover the root of my fears.
It was a hard pill to swallow, but I finally understood that in order to live a life true to myself, I needed to prioritize my own dreams. I decided to take bold actions that aligned with my vision, starting with selling our apartment and moving my family into a home that better suited our needs. This was the beginning of a journey that led to a seven-figure increase in our family’s net worth and the launch of several successful real estate projects.
The Power of Decision
The key to my transformation was a firm decision to live for myself. I chose to take my business seriously, and the results followed. My coaching business began to flourish, and I was finally able to build the life I had always dreamed of—one where I could be both a successful entrepreneur and a devoted mother.
But the journey doesn’t end there. It’s a continuous process of growth and learning to say “no” to others when it means saying “yes” to yourself. The most important step is making that first decision to put yourself and your dreams at the forefront.
How to Take the First Step
If you find yourself resonating with this story, it’s time to take action. Here are some steps you can take to start shifting your mindset and prioritizing your dreams:
- Acknowledge Your Fears: Recognize that your fears, while valid, are holding you back from achieving the success you deserve.
- Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s hiring a coach, talking to a mentor, or simply seeking advice from someone you trust, support is crucial.
- Make a Bold Decision: Identify one area of your life where you need to say “yes” to yourself. It could be as simple as setting boundaries with your time or as significant as making a major business move.
- Take Action: Once you’ve made your decision, take immediate action. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to fall back into old patterns.
- Embrace the Process: Remember, this is a journey. There will be setbacks, but each step forward is a victory. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Ready to Transform Your Life?
If you’re ready to break through the barriers holding you back, I’m here to help. Reach out to me via email, call, or DM, and let’s start a conversation. Whether you need guidance, ideas, or just someone to listen, I’m here for you. You don’t have to do this alone.
Also, don’t forget to download my free resource, “12 Common Barriers Keeping Women Entrepreneurs Stuck,” for more insights that can help you move forward with your business.
Take control of your destiny. You can build a thriving business without sacrificing the people and things you love. The first step is believing that it’s possible—and then making it happen.