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As women, it’s easy to lose ourselves in the roles we play—whether as mothers, partners, professionals, or caregivers. We often get so caught up in what we do for others that we forget who we are. When your identity is shaped by these external factors, you may eventually feel lost or unfulfilled. If you’ve ever felt this way, you may be struggling with an identity crisis. The good news is that you can find your way back to your true self.

How to Know If You’re Having an Identity Crisis

Do any of these resonate with you?

• You feel disconnected from yourself: You can’t recall the last time you did something just for yourself or felt joy that wasn’t tied to your roles.
• You seek external validation constantly: Your sense of self-worth fluctuates depending on praise or approval from others. When it’s absent, you feel empty.
• You’ve lost sight of your passions: Once you had hobbies, dreams, and ambitions. Now, they feel distant or forgotten.
• You feel stuck and overwhelmed: You’re so busy with expectations—being a mom, partner, or employee—that you’ve lost touch with what lights you up.

If you identify with any of these signs, it’s possible you’re experiencing a disconnect between who you really are and the roles you’ve come to identify with.

The Trap of False Identities

As women, we often base our identities on things outside of ourselves. These include our children, spouse, career, or societal expectations. While these roles are meaningful, they don’t define who we are. When we tie our identity solely to external labels, we end up placing our self-worth in the hands of others.

This is what I call a “false identity.” It can stunt your growth and keep you from reaching your highest potential. When your identity is tied to things outside of yourself, fulfillment is hard to come by. Deep down, you’re living out someone else’s expectations rather than being true to who you are. This disconnect leads to frustration, burnout, and the constant feeling that “I’m not enough.”

But you are enough—just as you are. Finding your true self is about peeling back those layers to reconnect with the woman you’ve always been.

3 Action Steps to Reclaim Your True Self

Ready to break free from the false identities that have kept you stuck? Here are three steps to help you reconnect with your authentic self and rediscover what truly fulfills you:

1. Get Curious About Who You Are Without the Labels

Who are you when you’re not “Mom,” “Wife,” “Boss,” or “Friend”? It’s time to peel away those labels and get curious about you. Ask yourself questions like:

• What do I love doing just for the sake of doing it?
• What excites me and makes me feel alive?
• If no one else was watching, what would I spend my time doing?

Take time to reflect on these questions. The key is to separate your identity from the roles you play and rediscover what makes you unique.

2. Set Boundaries and Prioritize Yourself

To find your true self, you need to create space to reconnect. This means setting boundaries and making time just for you. It could mean saying “no” to certain demands or delegating tasks that don’t serve you. Prioritizing your growth, passions, and needs is essential to your well-being. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary.

3. Reconnect with Your Passions and Desires

Many of us abandon our dreams and passions along the way. We convince ourselves there’s no time or that they no longer matter. But your passions are part of your true self, and they deserve your attention. Start small by reigniting an old hobby, trying something new, or setting a goal that aligns with your desires. When you lean into these activities, you’ll feel more aligned with your true self and experience deeper fulfillment.

Take the Next Step

If finding your true self feels overwhelming, or you’re unsure where to start, know that you don’t have to go through this alone. If you’ve tried these steps but need more support, I’m here to help.

In my 6-month Unpause Your Dreams Coaching Accelerator, we’ll work together to peel back false identities and help you step fully into your authentic self. Because when you unpause your dreams, you unpause you.

Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with me here, and let’s start your journey to finding your true self.

Community Support for Entrepreneurs

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship can be both exciting and overwhelming. You might have a fantastic business idea, but without the right support and community, turning that idea into a successful venture can feel daunting. As women, we often face unique challenges in the business world, making a strong support network even more crucial. In this blog, we’ll explore the immense power of community and how surrounding yourself with the right people can fuel your entrepreneurial success.

The Role of a Supportive Community

In a recent conversation with a SCORE leader, I learned that out of the 250 applications for mentorship the Charlotte chapter gets a month, 65% are women business owners. Their greatest need that is unable to be met by the current SCORE offering, is the desire for entrepreneurial community. Based on my experience as a business coach & creative studio owner, this makes perfect sense. Supportive community provides more than just moral encouragement. It offers practical advice, resources, opportunities for collaboration and is vital to the success of new businesses. Here are a few ways a strong support network can make a significant difference in your entrepreneurial journey:

1. Encouragement and Motivation

• Real-life stories: Learn from women entrepreneurs who overcame challenges with the help of their support networks.
• Peer encouragement: Highlight the importance of having peers who understand your struggles and can offer motivation during tough times.

2. Knowledge and Skill Sharing

• Workshops and Masterclasses: Discuss the benefits of attending workshops and classes with like-minded individuals.
• Mentorship: Explain how finding mentors within your community can provide invaluable insights and guidance.

3. Networking Opportunities

• Collaborations and Partnerships: Networking can lead to potential business collaborations and partnerships.
• Expanding your reach: Being part of a community can help you reach a broader audience and attract new clients.

4. Accountability and Feedback

• Accountability partners: You need accountability partners to help you stay on track with your goals.
• Constructive feedback: Receive honest feedback to improve your business strategies.

5. Emotional Support

• Empathy and understanding: Get emotional support from those who truly understand the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
• Mental health benefits: Access community support for entrepreneurs to eliminate feelings of isolation, contribute to better mental health and reduce stress.

How Unpause Your Dreams Creative Studio Can Help

At Unpause Your Dreams Creative Studio, we understand the vital role of community in achieving entrepreneurial success. Our studio is more than just a space for creating content; it’s a hub for women entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and support each other. Here’s how we foster strong community support for entrepreneurs:

• Networking Events: Regular events where you can meet and connect with other women entrepreneurs.
• Workshops and Masterclasses: Learning opportunities led by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.
• Collaborative Projects: Encouraging collaborations among our members to enhance creativity and business growth.
• Support Groups: Dedicated groups where you can share your challenges and triumphs, and receive support from like-minded women.

Building a business is a journey that doesn’t have to be taken alone. With the right support and community, you can overcome obstacles, gain new perspectives, and achieve your entrepreneurial dreams. At Unpause Your Dreams Creative Studio, we’re here to provide the space, resources, and community you need to thrive. Join us and experience the power of a supportive network in transforming your business dreams into reality.

Hey there, dreamers! Today, we’re diving into one of the most exciting—and sometimes challenging—parts of your entrepreneurial journey: finding your direction. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to pivot, discovering your entrepreneurial path is all about clarity, confidence, and deliberate action. Let’s break down how to start your business and find direction into five actionable steps:

1. Reflect on Your Passions and Strengths

Finding your direction begins with introspection. What lights you up? What are you naturally good at? Reflect on your passions—those things that make you lose track of time—and identify your strengths. Your entrepreneurial journey should align closely with what you love and where you excel.

2. Clarify Your Vision

Once you have a sense of what drives you, it’s time to clarify your vision. Where do you see yourself in the next year? Three years? Visualize your ideal future as an entrepreneur. What does success look like to you? This clarity will guide your decisions and actions moving forward.

3. Set HEART Goals

Now, let’s talk goals. In my coaching practice, I use HEART goals—goals that are Heartfelt, Engaging, Aligned, Responsive, and Transformative. These goals resonate deeply with your purpose and inspire you to take meaningful steps forward. Whether it’s launching a product, expanding your services, or reaching a specific revenue milestone, setting HEART goals ensures you’re moving in the right direction with passion and purpose.

4. Seek Mentorship and Support

No entrepreneur succeeds alone. Seek out mentors who have walked a similar path or are experts in your field. Their guidance can provide invaluable insights and shortcuts to success. Surround yourself with a supportive community—whether online or offline—of fellow entrepreneurs who understand the challenges and joys of building something from the ground up.

5. Take Action Consistently

Finally, take deliberate action every day towards your goals. Break down your vision into actionable steps and commit to consistent progress. Entrepreneurship is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. Embrace the process, celebrate your wins, and learn from setbacks. Stay focused on your long-term vision while remaining flexible to adjust your course as needed.

Ready to Unpause Your Dreams?

Finding your entrepreneurial direction is a journey of self-discovery and intentional growth. By reflecting on your passions, clarifying your vision, setting HEART goals, seeking mentorship, and taking consistent action, you’re laying a strong foundation for success. Embrace the adventure ahead, and remember, all journeys begin with a single step.

Are you ready to unpause your dreams? Let’s make it happen together. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your entrepreneurial journey and how you’re finding your direction. Here’s to achieving dreams and building a life you love!

Until next time,

Charlene