Letting Go of Business Shame: A Turning Point for Real Growth ~ Christine McIver
I’ve been in business a long time, and I’ll be honest – there have been moments when shame crept in and nearly took me out. Not just stress, not just doubt. I’m talking about the deep, quiet shame that whispers, “You should have figured this out by now.”
If you’ve ever felt that way, I want you to know – you’re not alone, and you’re not broken.
Shame in business is a real thing. We don’t talk about it enough, because we’re all trying to hold it together, look polished, and prove we belong at the table. But under the surface, many entrepreneurs are struggling – comparing themselves to others, questioning every decision, and silently wondering if they’re good enough.
I’ve been there. I’ve mimicked the gurus, pushed through exhaustion, ignored my gut, and tried to do business “the right way.” And when it didn’t work? The shame hit hard. I thought I was the problem. But the truth is, I was just out of alignment with me.
Your business will stretch you. It will bring up every self-doubt you’ve buried, every old story about your worth. And it will ask you to grow beyond it.
Here’s what I’ve learned: shame thrives in silence. The moment you reach out for support, the moment you speak the truth – even just to yourself – that shame begins to lose its grip.
You don’t have to keep pushing through alone. You don’t have to be perfect. And you certainly don’t have to be ashamed of your learning curve. Every single business owner – no matter how successful – has had moments of fear, doubt, and yes, shame.
You can always make another choice.
Let this be your invitation to choose something new. Start with one conversation. One act of vulnerability. One bold step toward building a business that’s aligned with who you truly are – not the version you think you’re supposed to be.
If shame has been weighing you down, let this be your turning point. Your clarity, confidence, and momentum are waiting on the other side.
You’ve got this. And if you’d like to talk, I’m here. Send me a message at christine@christinemciver.com. Let’s make the next chapter of your business a powerful one.
Christine McIver, Business Optimization Expert