Many business owners focus on strategy, systems, and hard work — but overlook the emotional blocks that quietly get in the way. Shame is one of those hidden forces. It can make you doubt yourself, avoid tough conversations, fear failure, and hold back from opportunities. Over time, these patterns affect how you lead, manage your team, and grow your business.
Shame often shows up as perfectionism, fear of judgment, avoiding feedback, or hesitating to take action. It keeps you stuck in self-doubt, which can slow progress and affect your bottom line. If you’ve ever wondered why your business isn’t moving forward, it’s worth asking: is shame getting in the way? This assessment can help you find out. Answer yes or no to each question.
Questions
- Do you feel like you’re not good enough to run a successful business?
- Do you avoid networking or promoting yourself because it feels uncomfortable or “too much”?
- Are you afraid to charge more because you think people might judge you?
- Do you take client complaints or negative feedback very personally?
- Do you often feel not good enough, even when things are going well?
- Do you avoid asking for help because you think it makes you look weak or incapable?
- Do you overwork yourself to prove your worth to others?
- Do you feel guilty when you take time off or focus on your personal life?
- Do you avoid delegating tasks because you think no one can do it as well as you?
- Do you fear being seen as “too ambitious” or “too confident”?
- Do you hide your struggles from others to avoid seeming like a failure?
- Do you doubt your decisions and overthink even small choices?
- Do you find it hard to feel proud of your achievements or believe you don’t deserve success?
- Do you worry more about what others think of your business than your own goals?
- Do you keep working on projects without launching them because they’re never “good enough”?
- Do you feel responsible for fixing every problem, even when it’s not your fault?
- Do you compare your business to others and feel like you’re falling behind?
- Do you feel stuck in your business but don’t know how to move forward?
What Your Answers Mean
If you answered yes to 6 or more questions, shame might be affecting how you run your business. It can cause fear, procrastination, burnout, and isolation — all of which make it harder to succeed. The good news is that you can work through these patterns, build confidence, and lead your business with clarity.
Get Support
You don’t have to let shame run your business. With the right support, you can overcome self-doubt and start making clear, confident decisions. Book a session with Jonathan Riley at My Practice Counselling Melbourne to work through the emotional blocks holding your business back. 👉 Book now: mypracticecounselling.com.au