What’s your excuse for not starting your business?

Stop the Excuses: What Is Really Holding You Back from Starting Your VA Business?

Deciding to start your own business is the easy part. Whether you are driven by a desire for more control, less stress, or more time with your family, those reasons are powerful motivators. The difficulty lies in the implementation. This is where the excuses start to crawl out of the woodwork.

When you look at your current reality, the gap between where you are and where you want to be can feel like a canyon. It feels like too big a leap, so you walk away. But you do not need to see the entire landing strip to take the first step. You just need the discipline to identify the excuses that are stalling your progress.

If you have the desire to start but are not moving, here are the most common mental blocks you need to dismantle.

The Downward Spiral of Doubt

The moment you commit to a new path, your mind will flood with possibilities. Unfortunately, it will also flood with “what ifs.” What if I fail? What if I get no clients? What if I am just not good enough?

Notice these thoughts, but do not let them take the wheel. If you do not try, you have already failed by default. When a negative thought crops up, acknowledge it and then replace it with a productive one. What if you succeed? What if you are brilliant at it? What if you sign your dream client in month one?

The Reality of Fear

Fear is an inevitable part of growth. Once the initial excitement wears off, the fear of the unknown hits. Ask yourself: what am I actually scared of? Often, we are just recycling old memories of past failures.

It is worth remembering that fear and excitement are the same physical sensation; the only difference is your perception of it. Change your viewpoint. Instead of seeing a threat, see a challenge that is going to make you a better professional.

The “Rules” You Have Invented

We all have internalised rules that dictate why we “cannot” do something. These are usually just beliefs we have picked up from others over the years. Common ones include: I am not qualified enough. I don’t have enough experience. I am too old. I am too young. There is no security in being self-employed.

These rules are not facts. They are viewpoints. The best way to break them is to find evidence to the contrary. Look at other successful VAs who started with no experience or at a later stage in life. If they can do it, your “rule” is officially invalid.

The Confidence Trap

Many people think they need confidence before they start. It is the other way around. Confidence is a byproduct of action. Your thoughts, fears, and rules are what currently keep your confidence levels low.

The key to overcoming all of these hurdles is awareness. Once you stop treating your excuses as facts, you can start questioning them. You can see how they are trying to “keep you safe” by keeping you small.

This is not always easy to do alone. If you know your excuses are holding you back, work with a coach or mentor to clear the fog. Stop letting “what ifs” dictate your future and start taking the steps to make your business a reality.

If you are ready to stop talking and start doing, the VA Momentum Course provides the structure and support you need to make the leap. Check out our training pages and let’s get to work.