Running a business can feel like a constant balancing act, especially when you’re trying to control every single detail and outcome. But what if you could let go of that tight grip and trust that everything will unfold as it should?
That’s where the concept of surrender and self-trust comes in. Surrendering doesn’t mean giving up or being passive; it means embracing flexibility and being open to new possibilities. Leaning into self-trust involves believing in your intuition, skills, and knowledge to navigate challenges and make confident decisions.
For women entrepreneurs, mastering these concepts is crucial for creating a successful, balanced, and fulfilling business and life.
What Does It Mean to Surrender and Lean Into Self-Trust?
Surrendering in the context of running a business means letting go of the need to control every single detail and outcome. It’s about releasing the tight grip we often have on our business operations and trusting that things will unfold as they should. This doesn’t mean being passive or giving up. Instead, it’s about embracing flexibility, being open to new possibilities, and trusting in your abilities and decisions.
Leaning into self-trust involves believing in your intuition, skills, and knowledge. It’s about having confidence in your ability to navigate challenges and make decisions that are in the best interest of your business. Self-trust means listening to your inner voice and allowing it to guide you, rather than constantly seeking external validation or approval.
Why Is Self-Trust Crucial for Women Entrepreneurs?
Decision-Making: Self-trust sharpens your decision-making skills. When you trust yourself, you make quicker, more confident decisions without second-guessing or overanalyzing every option. This is crucial in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship where timely decisions can make or break opportunities.
Resilience: Building self-trust makes you more resilient. Entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs, and trusting yourself helps you bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, and keep moving forward with confidence.
Empowerment: Self-trust empowers you to take risks and pursue your goals without fear of failure. It encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, innovate, and grow your business in ways you might not have thought possible if you were constantly doubting yourself.
Authenticity: When you trust yourself, you are more likely to stay true to your values and vision. This authenticity resonates with clients, customers, and partners, building stronger relationships and a more loyal following.
Stress Reduction: Constantly doubting yourself and trying to control every outcome is exhausting and stressful. Self-trust allows you to let go of some of that stress, knowing that you can handle whatever comes your way. This leads to a healthier, more balanced approach to running your business.
Real-life Examples of Real Women Entrepreneurs
Before you think that this is all B.S. and there is absolutely no way you can loosen the reigns and delegate or surrender, check out these real-life examples of highly successful women entrepreneurs.
Sara Blakely, Spanx: Blakely has spoken about her belief in God and how her faith helped her persevere through challenges in launching Spanx.
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook: Sandberg has spoken about the importance of resilience and finding meaning in her work, which can be seen as a form of trusting in a higher purpose.
Arianna Huffington, Thrive Global: Huffington has spoken about the importance of listening to your intuition and inner voice, which can be seen as a form of trusting in a higher guidance.
Katharine Hepburn, Actress and Entrepreneur: Hepburn, known for her strong will and independent spirit, also spoke about the importance of faith and believing in oneself.
Jessica Alba, The Honest Company: Alba has spoken about the importance of following your intuition and trusting your gut feeling, which can be seen as a form of trusting in higher guidance.
“Surrender is the ultimate sign of strength. It means you're secure enough to adapt and resilient enough to let go of what no longer serves you.” — Arianna Huffington, Founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global
11 Ways to Surrender and Lean Into Self-Trust
Alight let’s dive into the “how” because your logical mind might be trying to gain back control.
1. Set Intentions
Setting daily intentions is a powerful way to align your actions with your values. Start each day by writing down what you intend to achieve. This simple practice keeps you focused and driven. Imagine waking up with a clear sense of purpose, knowing exactly what steps to take to move your business forward.
2. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude can shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. Keep a gratitude journal and jot down three things you're thankful for each day. This habit not only boosts your positivity but also reinforces the belief that good things are happening in your life and business.
3. Take Inspired Action
Stop overthinking and start acting on those inspired ideas. Every week, commit to taking action on one idea without letting doubt creep in. This proactive approach propels you towards your goals and keeps your momentum going.
4. Embrace Challenges
Reframe your mindset to see challenges as growth opportunities. Every setback is a chance to learn and improve. By embracing difficulties, you build resilience and become better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.
5. Release Control
Delegate tasks and trust others to handle them. Letting go of control frees up your time and energy, allowing you to focus on strategic aspects of your business. This practice also helps you avoid burnout and maintain a balanced life.
6. Daily Meditation/Prayer
Incorporate meditation or prayer into your daily routine. Spend just 10 minutes each day in quiet reflection to enhance your intuition and inner peace. Tools like Headspace or Calm can guide you through these sessions.
7. Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful tool for achieving your goals. Spend a few minutes each day picturing your success. Create a vision board or simply close your eyes and imagine reaching your milestones. This practice keeps you motivated and focused on your path.
8. Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge and reward your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating milestones boosts your morale and keeps you motivated. Treat yourself after signing a new client or reaching a sales target—recognize your hard work and progress.
9. Connect with a Community
Join a community of like-minded individuals who share your values and goals. Whether it's a faith-based group or a mastermind of female entrepreneurs, being part of a supportive network provides inspiration and accountability.
10. Give Back
Find ways to give back, whether through volunteering your time or donating a portion of your profits. Helping others not only fulfills a larger purpose but also enriches your sense of community and connection.
11. Maintain a Positive Mindset
Practice affirmations and positive self-talk. Replace negative thoughts with empowering beliefs. For instance, remind yourself, "I am capable and successful," whenever doubt arises. This shift in mindset builds your confidence and resilience.
There you have it—11 ways to surrender and lean into self-trust. These practices are not just about business success; they're about personal transformation. Start implementing them today and watch how they change your life and business. Remember, the journey to self-trust and empowerment begins with a single step.
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