As business owners, we all face it - that unsettling, paralyzing wave of doubt. Am I good enough? Are my rates too high…or maybe too low? Can I really achieve the success I’ve been dreaming of? Will I be able to pay the mortgage next month? It’s that uncomfortable, shadowy voice that whispers “Nice try, phony baloney” when you least need it. I call this voice “Monkey Brains”. 

“Monkey Brains” can sneak in quietly and fling some S#$T in your direction and suddenly you’re stuck, second-guessing decisions, spinning your wheels, and feeling disconnected from the very work you love. But you know what? this experience is completely normal (thank you stupid Monkey!). Every entrepreneur, regardless of industry or experience, goes through it at some point. The difference between staying stuck and moving forward lies in what you do next.

So, how do you shake yourself free when the chatter of doubt digs in? Here are a few strategies that can help:

First, get grounded in facts. Doubt often thrives on feelings, not reality. Take a moment to write down your accomplishments, client wins, and positive feedback (just do it, please!) - because seeing tangible evidence of your success can help silence that annoying inner primate.

Next, shift your focus from perfection to progress. Tricky monkeys love to whisper that you’re not ready or good enough yet. But success isn’t built on flawless execution; it’s built on consistent action. Take one small step - make the call, write the email, post the content, eat the banana. Action creates momentum, and momentum beats doubt every time.

Finally, talk it out. Entrepreneurship can be lonely, and isolation makes self-doubt louder. Reach out to a fellow business owner, mentor, or friend. Share how you’re feeling. More often than not, you’ll hear a reassuring, “Oh yeah, I have Monkey Brains too.”

Remember, you don’t have to have everything figured out to move forward. Doubt may visit, but it doesn’t get to stay unless you let it. So, the next time you find yourself with Monkey Brains, acknowledge it, laugh about it, and then take that next brave step knowing you too have opposable thumbs!

Stay Curious friends!

Aileen

So, what do you do when Monkey Brains swings in, knocks over your coffee, and starts gnawing on your confidence?
You don’t just “write down your wins” (this isn’t your first rodeo). You hit it with moves that only a seasoned business owner would think to pull. Here’s your primate-proof playbook:

1. Run the “Data-First” Drill
   Monkey Brains thrives in the land of feelings and fuzzy memories. Shut it down with hard numbers. Pull your current KPIs, sales pipeline, and cash flow because facts are kryptonite to imaginary disasters.
2. Revisit Your “No-Go” List
   Nothing reminds you you’re in control like a list of things you’ve intentionally turned down - clients, projects, or partnerships that didn’t fit. It’s your proof that you operate from choice, not fear.
3. Activate Your “Go-To” Move
   Have a default action you take the moment doubt shows up like emailing a dream client, posting a bold opinion, or calling a past customer. One quick win creates momentum, and momentum muzzles the monkey.
4. Leverage Your “Strategic 2%”
   Forget the whole list. Zero in on the top 2% of actions that bring in 80% of your results, and double down for the next 48 hours. Big wins drown out the chatter fast.