Mindset Tips for Showit Designers: Overcome Self-Doubt

“I’m terrible at math.”

“I’m not good with words.”

“I could never design at that level.”

“I’m so behind.”

“I should know how to do this already.”

Sound familiar? It’s easy to brush off these kinds of thoughts as passing comments or even self-deprecating jokes, but the truth is, they can quietly shape how you see yourself—and how you show up in your work (and life).

For creatives and entrepreneurs, mindset is everything. Your confidence shapes your creativity. Your willingness to learn influences your ability to adapt and grow. And your self-talk—whether supportive or limiting—affects the decisions you make every single day.

When limiting beliefs creep in, they don’t just hold you back in your business. They impact your relationships, your sense of purpose, and how you navigate the ups and downs of life. But here’s the thing: those beliefs aren’t set in stone. They’re stories—and stories can be rewritten.

Let’s talk about how reframing your mindset as a Showit designer can change the way you approach your work, your business, and your life.

Why Saying “I’m Bad at It” Holds You Back

When you repeatedly tell yourself you’re bad at something, a few things happen:

1. You stop trying.
   If you believe you’re inherently bad at something, why would you put in the effort to improve? The phrase “I’m not good at it” becomes a permission slip to avoid the discomfort of growth. (Which IS the process of LEARNING!)
2. You reinforce a fixed mindset.
   Statements like “I’m not good at this” suggest your abilities are set in stone. The truth? Most skills can be learned and improved with consistent effort. Whether it’s learning Showit workflows, mastering copywriting, or figuring out client processes, your abilities grow as you do.
3. You miss opportunities.
   Labeling yourself as “bad” at something might keep you from saying “yes” to opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Those are often the exact moments where creativity and innovation thrive.
4. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.
   The more you say you’re bad at something, the more you believe it. This belief impacts how you approach tasks and often leads to outcomes that confirm your original thought. *universal eye-roll and sign*

Examples of Limiting Self-Talk (and How to Flip Them)

These subtle shifts might not seem like much, but they’re exactly what create space for growth, learning, and new possibilities in both life and business:

• “I’m bad at math.”
  Reframe: “I’m learning how to work with numbers so I can make better business decisions.”
• “I’m not creative.”
  Reframe: “I’m exploring what creativity looks like for me—and finding ways to bring it into my designs.”
• “I could never write an email newsletter.”
  Reframe: “I’m figuring out how to connect with my audience through email, one step at a time.”
• “I’m terrible at social media.”
  Reframe: “I’m experimenting with different ways to share my work and show up online.”

The Subtle Power of “Yet”

One small word can change everything: yet.

When you add “yet” to a limiting belief, it transforms the way you see yourself and your potential. It shifts your mindset from feeling stuck to embracing growth, turning fixed beliefs into opportunities for learning and progress.

• Instead of: “I can’t design at that level.”
  Try: “I can’t design at that level yet.”
• Instead of: “I’ll never figure out how to write copy.”
  Try: “I haven’t figured out how to write copy yet.”
• Instead of: “I’m terrible with tech.”
  Try: “I haven’t mastered tech yet.”

“Yet” changes everything. It’s a reminder that growth takes time and effort. By adding this one word, you’re acknowledging that skills can be learned, confidence can grow, and progress is possible.

For designers and business owners, this shift is especially powerful. It gives you permission to be in the process of learning—whether you’re tackling Showit templates, building client relationships, or mastering a new skill.

The next time you hear that little voice telling you, “I can’t,” try adding yet to the end of the sentence. See how it feels to open the door to possibility.

Why Self-Talk Matters for Showit Web Designers and Business Owners

As a Showit designer, business owner, and human, the way you talk to yourself shapes not only your success but also how you experience the day-to-day of running your business—because this isn’t just work, it’s your life.

1. Creativity thrives on confidence.
   Doubting yourself makes it hard to take risks or try new ideas—both of which are essential for creativity. Whether you’re designing a custom Showit template or experimenting with your portfolio, confidence fuels your ability to explore and innovate.
   
2. Your business grows when you do.
   Every aspect of running a business—managing finances, improving design skills, or writing better copy—starts with the belief that you’re capable of learning and growing. When you embrace this, you create the foundation for long-term success and sustainability.
   
3. You set the tone for how others see you.
   Negative self-talk doesn’t stay hidden; it impacts how you present yourself to clients, collaborators, and your audience. When you speak to yourself with kindness and confidence, that energy shows up in your work, relationships, and overall presence.

How to Reframe Your Self-Talk

Shifting your mindset doesn’t happen overnight, but small, intentional steps can create big changes. Here are actionable ways to start reframing your self-talk:

1. Notice the language you use.
   Pay close attention to the phrases you repeat to yourself, even as a joke. Write them down in a journal or notes app and revisit them later to spot patterns. These insights can help you identify what’s holding you back.Example: “I always mess up when presenting to clients.”
   
2. Flip the script.
   Challenge each negative thought with a more empowering reframe. Shift your focus to what’s possible, even if you’re still learning.Example:
   • Instead of: “I’m bad at client presentations.”
   • Try: “I’m improving my confidence every time I present.”
     
3. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
   Learning takes time and great effort, so focus on the steps forward rather than the end goal. Recognize the progress you’ve made, no matter how small, and give yourself credit for trying. Example: “I didn’t get it perfect, but I showed up and gave it my best effort.”
   
4. Surround yourself with growth-minded people.
   A supportive community can help you reinforce positive beliefs and remind you that you’re not alone in your challenges. Whether it’s a designer network, mastermind group, or creative community, connecting with like-minded people can make all the difference.
5. Tip: Consider joining spaces like the Web Designer Library, where designers come together to support and grow with each other.

Final Thoughts

Let me be absolutely clear: I haven’t mastered this—and probably never will. New challenges show up in different seasons, and my beliefs about myself can still slip into limiting territory. That’s okay—it’s part of being human.

Here’s a personal example:
Recently, I’ve been struggling with my mindset of financals in our business—bookkeeping, taxes, CPA jargon. For months, I told myself, “I’m dumb. I should know this already.”

But then I thought:
“Am I capable because I already know things? Or am I capable because I’m willing to wrestle with the process of learning?”

It’s the second one.

Acknowledging mindset blocks is the first step. Giving yourself permission to move through them—messy, uncomfortable, and imperfect as the process might be—is the next. Growth requires willingness.

Stop telling yourself you’re bad at it—whatever “it” is. You’re capable of more than you think.

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What’s one thing you’ve been telling yourself you’re not good at? Write it down. Then, reframe it with compassion and curiosity. Remember: it’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about believing you can.