Confidence Myth Holds Women Back From Starting Businesses

A pervasive belief that women often hold is the "confidence myth," which suggests they will act only when they feel sufficiently confident, according to observations made over 25 years of working with women founders, leaders, and high achievers. This sentiment often manifests as delaying action until adequate preparation is complete or when external circumstances become less demanding, a pattern the author has personally experienced. The core issue is not a deficit in self-belief but an adherence to inherited expectations regarding the level of preparedness and prior knowledge required before embarking on new ventures. These expectations, often unquestioned, dictate a perceived need for complete readiness before initiating any endeavor.

This tendency differs from how men often approach similar situations, where there appears to be a greater willingness to attempt tasks and learn through the process. Women, in contrast, frequently express a need to feel "completely ready" before putting themselves forward for opportunities. This is characterized by phrases like "I'm thinking about putting myself forward" or "I might apply," which underplay their intentions before external scrutiny. Consequently, they may hold onto ideas and wait for an elusive feeling of readiness, thereby missing the opportunity to test their concepts, gain practical experience, and learn from the outcomes. This lack of experiential learning reinforces the initial belief that they were not ready in the first place.

A recurring theme among women coached by the author involves postponing business ventures due to the perception that the market is oversaturated or that their business ideas and plans are insufficiently robust. These women, despite their initial hesitations, eventually launch their ventures and go on to achieve success. This highlights a critical gap: the absence of permission, often self-imposed, to engage in trial and error. The author posits that confidence is not a prerequisite for action but rather a consequence of it. By delaying action until a feeling of confidence arises, women risk losing valuable ideas and opportunities that could otherwise lead to growth and success. The narrative suggests a need to challenge these internalized expectations and embrace a more iterative approach to pursuing professional goals, recognizing that readiness is often built through the act of doing rather than preceding it.