Reflections on self-love and business success
Let’s talk about self-love.
For the longest time, I thought self-love meant being kind to myself—saying nice things, taking breaks, indulging in treats when I ‘deserved’ them. It was something I had to earn, something conditional. But over time, I’ve come to see it differently.
Self-love, at its core, is about radical acceptance. It’s about recognising that:
I am a human being, with all the beautiful complexities that come with that.
There is nothing inherently wrong with me.
I do not need to be ‘fixed’
I don’t have to prove myself to earn love, respect, or rest.
I will make mistakes—and that’s not just okay; it’s part of growth.
I will experience a full spectrum of thoughts and emotions—some painful, some glorious—but none of them define who I am.
I am expansive enough to hold space for all of it.
What Does This Have to Do with Business?
Everything.
Business mindset is life mindset. The way we relate to ourselves determines how we show up in our businesses. If we operate from a place of self-criticism, doubt, and fear, it seeps into every decision we make. We hesitate, overthink, and stay stuck in perfectionism or procrastination.
But when we embrace true self-love—when we accept ourselves fully, without conditions—we lead our businesses with grounded inner strength. We take bolder action. We handle setbacks with resilience. We trust ourselves more, making decisions with confidence rather than seeking external validation.
The Lifelong Practice of Acceptance
Now, am I at 100% acceptance of all these things? No. It’s a work in progress, and I believe it will be my life’s work. But one thing has helped me more than anything else on this journey: Acceptance and Commitment Theory (ACT).
ACT has taught me that struggling against my thoughts and emotions only fuels the fire of self-doubt. Instead, I’ve learned to hold them lightly, to acknowledge them without letting them dictate my actions. This shift has been game-changing, not just for my mindset but for how I run my business. And I have seen incredible transformations with my clients in integrating this approach into their own mindset and businesses.
This is exactly what I’ll be sharing in my upcoming online masterclass:
How to Stop Your Self-Doubt from Limiting Your Business’ on 4th March 2025.
What Does Self-Love Look Like for You?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What does self-love mean in your life and business? Let me know.