Overcoming Setbacks & Self Doubt

10 Oct

Today’s episode is a quick one, but it's packed with a series of tactics to help you when you come up against any form of setbacks or doubt—especially when you're looking to grow your creative business.

“Scaling is exciting, but it’s also one of those processes that can trigger all kinds of self-doubt. You start questioning whether you can handle the growth, whether you’re ready for it, and whether you’re even heading in the right direction. My goodness, I’ve been there myself. I know those feelings well.”

At every stage in your business, setbacks are unavoidable. But what’s important is how we handle them and what we learn from them. In today’s episode, we’re exploring why setbacks are actually a positive and necessary part of the growth process. I know that sounds a little strange, but stick with me and I’ll explain. We’ll also be looking at how you can manage those doubts that creep in when things get tough, and most importantly, how to keep moving, even when it feels pretty overwhelming.

Why Setbacks Are a Natural Part of the Growth Process

Let’s start by talking about setbacks because I think there’s a common misconception that setbacks only happen if something’s gone wrong. That’s just not true. Particularly if you’re growing your business, setbacks are going to happen. They are part of the process, and they are definitely not a sign that you’re failing.

If we look at some of the most successful businesses, you’ll see a common theme—every single one of them has faced challenges. Of course they have! That’s the reality. Running a business is hard, and it’s definitely not the easy option. But as you’re listening, you also know the benefits, whether they are current or something you're striving for in the future: being your own boss, focusing on something you're deeply passionate about, and creating a business that means so much to you. Something you’re in control of and being in a position where you can provide offerings and solutions that make a positive difference to others - whether they are life changing offerings or they are simply really lovely to have. It’s a pretty great feeling.

The truth is though, with growth in your business, this also brings challenges, because you’re pushing your business beyond its comfort zone. It’s a necessary part of evolving, adapting, and getting stronger as a business owner. When you’re in a growth phase, you’re essentially testing your limits and those of your business, and that comes with inevitable bumps along the way.

“Looking back at my own setbacks, each one has forced me to improve my business in some way, to focus on what truly mattered. And every time, it’s led to growth in ways I couldn’t have planned or even imagined.”

The Role of Mindset

When we’re in the middle of a setback—especially if it feels like a big one—it’s hard. Let’s be real about that. Your mindset is so important during these times. We know that if you view setbacks as a sign of failure or something to be avoided, you’ll find it difficult to move past them. However, it is possible to shift your mindset and see setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. When that happens, they become stepping stones instead of obstacles.

As entrepreneurs, we're often moving fast, and setbacks can feel like they slow us down, but that’s not always a bad thing. In fact, slowing down allows us to make more thoughtful, methodical decisions. By pausing to reflect, you can avoid what can be described as decisions that take you in circles—those choices that can cancel out all your hard work. For example, rushing to choose a business partner or quickly expanding into a new market without full consideration could lead to challenges that offset your growth.

Think of setbacks as markers telling you that you’re in new territory. You’re growing. But if we’re completely honest —it’s definitely not always easy to see them that way. Sometimes it takes work and a bit of time to reframe the situation. But it’s absolutely possible.

“What if we could reframe setbacks as just part of the process? Acknowledge that they can be painful and frustrating, but also recognise that they might be the start of growth and change that can make a real positive difference in your business. I always find that those painful moments often precede the biggest breakthroughs.”

Learning from Setbacks

Now, let’s make this practical because theory alone doesn’t always help when you’re in the thick of it. Whenever you hit a setback, here are a couple of questions you can ask yourself:

What can I learn from this experience?
Once I’ve figured out the solution, how will this setback help me grow?

It’s a chance to reframe the story. Instead of seeing the setback as a failure, start viewing it as something that will lead to growth, expansion, and improvement. You might not be able to see exactly what that growth will look like right away, but if you believe that it’s possible, you’re already starting to take the right steps forward.

I’d love to share a story with you of one of my students who launched a new offering that wasn’t received quite as she had expected and hoped. She had put so much time and energy into its launch, and it was so easy for her to feel despondent. But, she used that experience to refine her understanding of her target market. By being completely open to learning, she realised the service didn’t fail because it was bad, but because it wasn’t aligned with what her audience needed at that time. This led her to create something unique and perfectly in line with her audience’s wants. Several months later, this refined offering became the core focus of her business and it was this revised new focus that enabled her to grow as she had planned and wanted.

It’s a great example of how focusing too much on the short-term can obscure what’s really important. Setbacks allow us to refocus, making sure our decisions are not just about quick wins but also align with the bigger picture and our long-term vision.

Often, setbacks happen because we're chasing short-term wins without fully considering the long-term impact on our business. This is where setbacks help shift our focus. It's a chance to slow down, reassess, and align our actions with long-term success. It's about making sure each decision supports both your short-term goals and your overall vision for the future.

“So, the real lesson here? Setbacks force us to slow down and reassess. Sometimes we don’t slow down enough to evaluate where we’re heading, and a setback forces that shift.”

Managing Self-Doubt During Business Growth

Now, let’s look at doubt and its impact on our businesses. If we’re honest, self-doubt can be one of the biggest obstacles when we’re looking to grow our business. The more your business grows, the more responsibility you take on, and that’s where the doubt creeps in. You might start wondering: Am I really capable of handling this growth? Am I making the right decisions? Will this all work out?

I know this feeling all too well. There have been many times when I’ve questioned if I’m biting off more than I can chew or if I’m heading in the right direction. It’s such a universal experience for entrepreneurs—especially those of us running smaller, creative businesses where we wear so many different hats, where we are often juggling multiple roles.

Understanding Where Doubt Comes From

Let’s take a moment to understand where doubt often comes from. It usually stems from uncertainty. When you’re scaling, there’s a lot you don’t know yet, and that can feel intimidating. There’s also the issue of comparison, which can be a huge trigger for doubt, particularly in today’s world where social media shows everyone’s highlight reel. It’s easy to look at other businesses and think: Why are they growing faster? Why haven’t I reached that level of success yet?

But here’s the thing—what you’re seeing is just the polished version of someone else’s journey. Everyone deals with doubt, no matter how successful they appear. I’ve definitely had moments where I’ve doubted myself, where I’ve thought: Why haven’t I achieved that yet? What am I doing wrong?

“The truth is, doubt doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. In fact, doubt often signals that you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone, and that’s exactly where growth happens.”

Actionable Strategies to Manage Doubt

So, how do we manage doubt? Because it’s not going anywhere. The key is learning how to work through it, rather than letting it stop you in your tracks. There are though a few strategies that I have used and have really helped me:

Focus on Small Wins: Scaling can feel overwhelming if you’re only looking at the big picture. Break your goals down into smaller, actionable steps. Celebrate each small win, no matter how insignificant it might feel. Those small wins build momentum and remind you that you are moving forward.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who understand what it’s like to manage a small business. Whether it’s a mentor, coach, or peer group, having people who get it makes a huge difference. In fact recently, I was questioning something big in my business, and just talking it through with two friends who run similar-sized businesses gave me the clarity and confidence I needed. They reminded me that setbacks and doubt are normal, and their advice and perspective were invaluable. It’s so important that you have that type of support around you, people who get it and are very much there to support, because you are equally there for them, when they need it. If you feel you don’t have this, take some time to figure out how to meet these types of people - there are trade shows, industry events, online forums. The opportunities are absolutely out there, it just needs a bit of time and being proactive about it.
Reflect on Your Progress: We’re always looking ahead, but take time to reflect on how far you’ve come. Doubt often creeps in when you feel like you’re not doing enough, but when you stop to acknowledge your progress, it’s a reminder that you’re capable and that you’re moving in the right direction.

Practicing Patience & Self-Compassion

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of self-compassion. It’s so easy to be hard on yourself, especially when things don’t go perfectly. But treating yourself with kindness during times of doubt is important. It’s okay to not have everything figured out, and it’s okay to stumble. Doubt is normal, but it doesn’t have to dictate your decisions or define your abilities and where you are going. Be patient with and kind to yourself.

Closing

To wrap up today’s episode, I want to leave you with a few key takeaways. First, setbacks are a natural part of the growth process. They’re not failures—they’re opportunities to learn, refine, and grow. Second, doubt is something every entrepreneur faces, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. By focusing on small wins, seeking support, and reflecting on your progress, you can manage that doubt and keep moving forward.

I’d love for you to reflect on a recent setback or moment of doubt you’ve experienced. How did you handle it? What did you learn from it? And most importantly, how can you use that experience to continue growing your business?

Thanks so much for joining me today. Remember, setbacks and doubt give you a valuable chance to slow down and reassess. By pausing and being methodical in your decisions, you avoid those 'decisions that take you in circles' that can undo your progress. Growth doesn’t need to happen at breakneck speed—it’s about making the right decisions for long-term success.

With huge love,
Philippa x

Philippa Craddock