Fear of failure. Self-doubt. They’re like twin shadows that walk beside nearly every woman entrepreneur I’ve coached, taught, or counseled through the years. And if you’re reading this right now with a lump in your throat or a pit in your stomach, please know—you are not alone. These feelings are deeply human. They don’t mean you’re weak. In fact, they often show up just before a massive leap forward. But how do you quiet the inner critic, the one that says, “Who do you think you are to do this?” and transform that voice into one that says, “You’ve got this”?
Let’s talk about that today—from a holistic perspective. Because you are not just your mind. You are a whole, integrated being: body, mind, spirit, and emotion. When one of those parts of you is out of alignment, fear and doubt slip in through the cracks. But when you heal and empower yourself holistically, you become unstoppable.
The Root of the Fear
Fear of failure often comes from a deeply embedded belief system—usually planted in childhood or early life experience. Maybe you were told not to take risks. Maybe you failed once, and someone made you feel like you were a failure rather than someone simply learning. These old stories are powerful. But here’s the thing: they’re not your truth. They are patterns, and patterns can be changed.
One of the first steps to overcoming fear is to acknowledge it without judgment. Just say, “Okay, I see you. I feel you. Now, what are you here to teach me?” When we see fear not as an enemy but as a messenger, we begin to reclaim our power.
Self-Doubt: The Inner Saboteur
Self-doubt is sneaky. It often shows up when you’re about to do something brave. It whispers, “You’re not smart enough. You’re not ready. Other women are doing it better.” And social media doesn’t help. It’s a highlight reel, not the real story.
But I want you to understand something very clearly: Self-doubt is not your intuition. Intuition is calm, loving, and wise. Doubt is loud, anxious, and confusing. Learn to discern the difference. When you connect deeply with your body and your inner wisdom, you begin to trust yourself more. That trust silences doubt like nothing else.
Holistic Healing Tools for Fear and Doubt
Let’s move into what I know works—not just from my own entrepreneurial journey, but from decades of working with women who’ve healed from trauma, reinvented themselves, and built beautiful businesses.
- Mind-Body PracticesYou cannot heal what you don’t feel. Practices like yoga, breathwork, EFT tapping, Whole Person Integration Technique, and somatic therapy help you release stored fear from the body. The body remembers everything. When you start to move it through, especially in safe and supportive environments, you’ll be amazed at how clarity and confidence emerge.Meditation, even just five minutes a day, can help you hear your own inner voice again—the one that’s been drowned out by self-doubt. Guided visualizations are especially helpful. Picture yourself successful. What does that look like to you? More importantly, what does that feel like? Happy. In flow. Light & free? Your subconscious doesn’t know the difference between real and imagined success, it will begin to build that reality for you as you envision and feel the future that you desire to create.
- Rewriting Your StoryI often ask my clients: What would your business look like if you believed you couldn’t fail? Journal that out. Notice what comes up. Then begin to tell a new story—one in which you are capable, divinely guided, and ready. Writing and speaking this new story aloud literally rewires your brain. Neuroplasticity is real, and you can use it to your advantage.
- Daily Self-Compassion RitualsYou will have days when things don’t go as planned. That’s not failure, it’s feedback. The difference between women who succeed and women who stop is this: the ones who keep going are kind to themselves in the face of struggle. They say, “That didn’t work. I learned something. Let’s try again.” The importance of supportive self-talk cannot be stressed enough when you are building and growing your business. Cheer yourself on the way you would a dear friend. Create a ritual that grounds you each morning—tea and intention-setting, writing affirmations, or placing your hand over your heart and saying, “I love you. I’ve got you. You’re safe.” You are the one you’ve been waiting for. I know these things may sound cliché but as you speak to yourself with love and acceptance, your life and business will improve in ways that you could not have imagined.
The Power of Support: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
I cannot stress this enough: You are not meant to do this alone. Every successful woman I know has a network of support behind her—mentors, coaches, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs. Isolation breeds fear. Connection breeds courage.
If you don’t feel like you have everything you need yet, that’s okay. Because what you do have is the power to go get it. Enroll in that course. Hire that mentor. Join that mastermind. Ask that woman who inspires you for a coffee date. Most successful women are more than happy to share what they’ve learned.
And while you’re at it, be that woman for someone else. One of the most healing things you can do is turn around and help the woman who’s a few steps behind you. That kind of generosity always comes back around.
Women Supporting Women: The New Paradigm
We are in a beautiful era where women are lifting each other up instead of competing with one another. Join or create a circle of women who are in business like you are. Host a brunch, a Zoom call, a hike or whatever lights you up. Talk about your fears. Celebrate your wins. Cry if you need to. There is so much medicine in being seen and heard.
These networks of support are not just good for business, they’re essential to well-being. When you share your dreams with people who truly want to see you win, something magical happens. You start to believe in yourself more deeply. You start to trust the path. And most importantly, you realize you’re not alone.
You Already Have Everything You Need
Let me leave you with this: You already have everything you need inside of you. That idea, that spark, that vision you have, it’s yours for a reason. You wouldn’t have been given the dream if you weren’t also given the tools to bring it to life.
If you feel stuck, that’s okay. Take a breath. Put your hand on your heart. Remind yourself: “I am capable. I am courageous. I am not alone.” And then take one small step forward. That’s all it takes to begin.
Every woman you admire has felt afraid. Every one of them has doubted herself. But the difference is—she didn’t let it stop her. And neither will you.
You are more than enough. You are ready. And you are deeply, powerfully supported.
Transpersonal Psychologist & Holistic Chef, Dr. Meg Haworth helps wounded ACON’s (Adult Children of Narcissists & toxic parents) to become healed ICON’s (Independent, Confident, Original & Naturally YOU) in her ICONIC ME coaching program, The Toxic Parent Recovery Summit, online courses, her YouTube Channel, and on faculty with The Shift Network. You can reach out to her at www.meghaworth.com
