7 ways your personal insecurities are showing up in your business without you realizing it

It’s a tricky thing, running a business. We pour our blood, sweat, and tears into it, trying to build something that’s a reflection of our passion and hard work.

But sometimes, without us even realizing it, our personal insecurities can sneak in and start impacting our business.

That’s right. Those little self-doubts that we all have? They can show up in our business in ways we might not even notice. And let’s be honest, no one is immune to insecurities. So, if we’re not careful, they can subtly start to shape our decisions and actions.

In this article, I’m going to share with you seven ways your personal insecurities may be showing up in your business without you even realizing it. It’s not about pointing fingers or making you feel bad.

Instead, it’s about helping you gain a bit of self-awareness so you can run your business in a way that truly reflects your potential and authenticity.

Because at the end of the day, your business should be an extension of who you are—not a reflection of your insecurities. Let’s dive in.

1) Overcompensating

One of the classic signs of personal insecurities showing up in your business is overcompensation. It’s a common response. We feel insecure about something, so we go overboard in the other direction to try and hide it.

For instance, you might feel like you’re not experienced enough in your field. Instead of acknowledging this as a growth opportunity, you might find yourself working round the clock, trying to prove that you’re just as capable as anyone else.

But here’s the thing. Overcompensation doesn’t just lead to burnout; it can also make it seem like you’re trying too hard. And that can turn people off.

It’s a delicate balance to strike. You want to show your dedication and commitment, but not at the expense of appearing desperate or overwhelmed.

Remember, it’s okay not to know everything. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s definitely okay to take a break. Your business is a reflection of you, and you deserve to be authentic and genuine in how you run it.

2) Avoiding risks

I know this one first-hand. When I first started my business, I was terrified of making mistakes. Every decision felt like it had the potential to be a catastrophic error that could ruin everything I’d worked so hard to build.

This fear made me shy away from taking risks. I’d stick to the safe, tried-and-true methods, even when I knew deep down that a bolder move could potentially bring about more significant results.

But here’s what I learned: Growth doesn’t come from staying in your comfort zone. And while it’s essential to consider risks carefully, avoiding them altogether can be just as damaging as making reckless decisions.

Insecurity might make us want to stay safe and avoid potential failure. But in business, as in life, it’s often the risks we take that lead to the most significant rewards.

Don’t let your insecurities hold you back from taking calculated risks and pushing your business forward.

3) Micromanaging

Micromanagement can be a telltale sign of personal insecurities showing up in your business. When we feel insecure, we often feel the need to control everything to ensure nothing goes wrong.

But here’s something to consider: A study found that employees who feel micromanaged are more likely to experience job dissatisfaction, burnout, and turnover intentions.

And let’s face it, a high employee turnover rate can be costly for any business.

Instead of micromanaging, empower your team members to take ownership of their roles. Trust them to do their jobs well and provide support when they need it. This not only boosts morale but also fosters a positive work environment where everyone feels valued.

Don’t let your insecurities lead you down the micromanagement path; it’s a road that often leads to more harm than good for your business.

4) Hesitation to delegate

If you find yourself hesitating to delegate tasks, even when your plate is overflowing, it might be your insecurities showing up in your business.

The fear that others might not do the job as you would, or that they might do it better, can often hold us back from assigning tasks.

Delegation is crucial for business growth. It not only frees up your time to focus on higher-level tasks but also helps build a strong, capable team that can operate even in your absence.

Don’t let your insecurities stop you from entrusting tasks to your team. A successful leader knows when to step back and let others shine. Your business is a collective effort, and everyone’s unique skills and abilities contribute to its success.

5) Difficulty accepting praise

There was a time when I found it extremely difficult to accept praise. Every time someone complimented my work or the progress of my business, I’d quickly downplay it or change the subject.

Looking back, I realize this was my insecurity talking. I was so worried about appearing arrogant or undeserving that I couldn’t graciously accept the praise that was due to me.

But here’s what I’ve learned: Accepting compliments is not about being boastful. It’s about acknowledging your hard work and the value you bring to your business. It’s also about appreciating the people who notice and recognize your efforts.

If you find it hard to accept praise, it might be your insecurities showing up.

You’ve worked hard for your achievements, and it’s okay to acknowledge them. Your business is a testament to your dedication and commitment, and you deserve to take pride in that.

6) Constant comparison

In the age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your business with others.

Seeing someone else’s success can sometimes make us doubt our own progress. This constant comparison is often a sign of personal insecurities creeping into our business.

It’s important to remember that every business has its own unique journey. Successes showcased online are often the culmination of years of hard work, countless failures, and lessons learned.

Instead of comparing your business with others, focus on your own growth and progress. Celebrate your unique journey and the milestones you’ve achieved.

Your business is your own unique story – don’t let comparisons with others overshadow your own accomplishments.

7) Fear of success

It might sound counterintuitive, but fear of success is a real thing and can be a clear indication of personal insecurities at play. The idea of growing too big, too fast, can be daunting.

We start worrying about the increased responsibilities, expectations, and visibility that come with success.

Remember, success is not something to fear. It’s a testament to your hard work, perseverance, and passion. Don’t let your insecurities rob you of the excitement and satisfaction that come with achieving your goals.

Embrace success as a sign that you’re heading in the right direction, and use it as motivation to keep going.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-awareness

The complexities of running a business are often intertwined with our personal growth and self-awareness.

Understanding how personal insecurities can show up in our business operations is an essential step in self-awareness and professional growth.

It’s not about blaming ourselves or feeling inadequate. Instead, it’s about recognizing these patterns and learning from them.

As Carl Jung, the renowned Swiss psychiatrist, once noted, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

The journey towards understanding our insecurities is not easy. It requires introspection, courage, and honesty.

But it’s a journey worth taking. When we understand our insecurities and address them, we can ensure they no longer hold us back in our personal or professional lives.

In the end, it’s about building a business that not only achieves success but also reflects our authentic selves. And that begins with understanding how our insecurities might be shaping our business practices without us even realizing it.