6 Tips for Becoming Someone New (a business owner!)

Simple Steps Managing Identity Change as a Business Owner

Welcome to this week’s episode of Uncomplicated Business. Today, we’re diving into a vital topic: how to evolve into a new version of yourself as you build a business. Transitioning into a new role, especially as a business owner, involves more than just learning new skills; it requires an entire identity shift (which is the part most of us don’t really see coming…). 

Imagine it like getting a new wardrobe. You can’t simply toss out the old clothes and just hope new ones show up all at once. It takes time to find pieces that fit you and in this case, your new self. As you navigate this evolving as a business owner, it’s essential to understand that it’s normal for the process to be challenging. Many people face guilt and self-doubt when leaving behind their previous identities – so if this is you too, you’re in good company.

In this post, I’ll share six straightforward tips to help you embrace the identity change that is becoming a business owner more easily, allowing you to grow your business faster and more authentically.

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Tip 1: Practice Out Loud

One of the most effective ways to strengthen your new identity is to practice saying it out loud. Whether you’re driving, gardening, or simply walking around, take the time to introduce yourself as your new business persona. For example, “Hi, I’m Sara and I’m a business coach.” This repetitive affirmation helps solidify your new image of yourself AND ease the awkwardness of introducing yourself in a new way in all social settings.

 Tip 2: Create a Skills Map

Take stock of your current skills and how they translate into your new role.

Create a list that maps your existing skills to your new business responsibilities precisely BECAUSE your existing skills DO map well onto what you’re going to need to be a successful business owner.

For instance, if you’re a former teacher, consider how your teaching skills—communication, organization, and empathy—benefit a coaching practice, a tutoring business, teaching classes, or whatever else you might be building. Having this list provides a tangible reminder of your qualifications and reinforces your belief in your new identity.

Tip 3: Journal Your Journey

Even if you’re a reluctant journaler (like me!), writing IS a powerful tool for self-discovery.

Use your journal to ask yourself (uncomfortable) questions like:

• Who am I becoming? What skills do I bring to this new role?
• What do I love about this process of growth?

Reflecting on these prompts allows you to clarify your intentions, goals, and plans and also allows you to acknowledge your growth.

Tip 4: Visualize the Spiral Staircase of Drama

Visualize your journey as a spiral staircase.

Each step you take may bring you back to familiar feelings of self-doubt, but recognize that you are experiencing these emotions at a higher level – just like you would see the same view, just from a higher level, as you walked up a spiral staircase.

The doubts and worries and fears you faced years ago are not the same as today; they have evolved alongside you (I know, this doesn’t *feel* like good news, but it really is!). This perspective allows you to embrace these feelings as part of your growth rather than a setback.

Tip 5: Recognize You’re Not Starting from Scratch

When you’re starting a new anything, it’s crucial to remember that you are NOT EVER starting from nothing.

You bring a crap-ton (yes, that’s a measurement) of experiences, skills, and insights to your new role. Acknowledge that your past has prepared you for the journey ahead. This mindset can foster confidence and reassure you that you’re always ready to take on new challenges.

Tip 6: Allow Yourself Time to Grow

Understand that evolving into your new identity takes time. There’s no fixed timeline for this transformation.

Just as a flower blooms at its own pace, you, your business, and your success also unfold in your own time (and yes, I'm aware this is not one's favorite reminder!). It’s okay to be patient with yourself in this process. Provide yourself with the necessary support, whether that’s through rest, learning, or self-compassion.

Bonus Tip: Practice Self-Kindness

Above all, the most crucial aspect of this identity shift is self-kindness.

Being gentle with yourself during challenging times is vital for long-term growth – when we are mean to ourselves frustrations build and burnout just happens faster.

The more grace you extend to yourself, the easier it will be to navigate the ups and downs of growth. The truth is that if self-criticism worked, we would all be thriving. Instead, embrace kindness as a tool for progress.

Conclusion

Navigating an identity shift can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone in this process. Embrace these tips as you embark on your journey to becoming a business owner or exploring any new path.

If you find these tips useful, consider joining my free Facebook group, Uncomplicated Business for Teachers, Helpers, and Givers, for ongoing support and additional resources. For those looking to dive deeper, the Selling for Weirdos course is designed to help you create a simple and effective sales approach that feels LIKE YOU and is actually aligned with your unique style.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey—together, we can make sales simpler and more successful for your service-based business.