Visionary's Pursuit

71. How Entrepreneurs Build Self-Belief

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Episode 71: How to Believe in What Doesn't Exist Yet

Entrepreneurship begins with a vision that doesn't exist yet. You take on financial and emotional risk with the hope that the dream becomes real. But while you're building, your brain is scanning for threats and highlighting everything that might not work.

In this episode, I explore the question I hear from founders constantly: how do I believe in something that isn't real yet? I break down why belief matters more than strategy, how low belief sabotages execution at every stage, and the practice I use to strengthen my own belief when it gets shaky.

Key Takeaways:

Belief Is Already a Practice:

  • We believe unprovable things every day: that we'll wake up tomorrow, that our partner will stay, that we'll come home safely
  • We accept these because constant anxiety is unsustainable
  • Belief is a chosen orientation toward reality, not a guarantee

    • The Brain Prefers the Safer Story:

    • When doubt appears, the brain offers narratives like "this won't happen" or "choose the smaller goal"
    • Plan B feels safer because it seems more familiar
    • But Plan A and Plan B both have no guarantees. Believing in Plan B is still a belief choice, just aimed lower.

      • How Low Belief Sabotages Execution:

      • Early-stage founders hesitate, procrastinate and reduce effort because they don't believe the work will pay off
      • Mid-stage founders with traction hold back on marketing and avoid bigger risks because they fear it was a fluke
      • Advanced founders delay critical hires because they doubt they can sustain revenue

        • The Deeper Driver of Results:

        • Actions alone don't create results
        • The chain is belief → emotions → actions → results
        • Belief determines consistency, boldness and persistence through uncertainty

          • Strengthening Belief Is a Practice:

          • Locate your belief level and document why you're there
          • Write down every reason you're not at a 10
          • Challenge each one and find alternative interpretations
          • Some doubts point to real strategy issues worth addressing. Separate solvable problems from fear-based stories.

            • Memorable Quotes:

            "Plan A and Plan B both have no guarantees. Plan B only feels safer because it seems more familiar. So it's equally delusional to believe you won't get there. The future isn't written."

            "Belief work beats strategy alone."

            Your Action Steps:

            • Rate your belief in this year's revenue goal from 1 to 10
            • Write down every reason you're not at a 10
            • Challenge each limiting belief and look for a stronger, truer narrative
            • Notice where low belief might be driving hesitation or reduced effort

              • Founder Consult Week:

              • Dates: February 16-20
              • Free one-hour consultations, limited spots remaining
              • Booking link here: https://calendly.com/carolinazuleta/founder-consultation-week

                • Connect with Carolina:

                • Website: carozuleta.com
                • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carolinazuletacoaching
                • Email: [email protected]

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                  Visionary's PursuitBy Carolina Zuleta