Five Hacks to Overcome Doubt & Fear in the New Year

The start of a brand-new year is always so exciting, isn’t it? It’s a fresh start and a blank slate, just brimming with possibilities. And as a stationery business owner, those possibilities can be endless! Sure, you’ve got your personal goals (make a budget and stick to it, learn how to make bread, and get in the habit of journaling . . . anyone?) but your business goals might be an entirely different story. As exciting as the new year is for many, it can also bring a little overwhelming doubt and fear for creative business owners. That’s right, as soon as January hits, that imposter syndrome is knocking at your door, ready to slow you down and keep you from reaching your goals. Not this year!

Today, we’re going to share three ways to defeat the imposter syndrome, fear, and doubt that many creatives experience this time of year so you can grow your stationery business in 2026.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

If you’ve never heard of imposter syndrome before, chances are, you have felt its effects. This syndrome also goes by self-doubt, fear, anxiety, and intimidation. So, whatever you call it, chances are, you’ve probably felt it’s turmoil. Creatives everywhere know this feeling well.

Imposter syndrome can strike at any time and often causes creatives to question just about everything:

• Am I actually good at what I do?
• Why would someone spend their hard-earned money on my designs?
• Should I have just gone into insurance instead?
• Do I have what it takes to run a business?
• Does this little hobby of mine have the legs to stand on its own?
• Will anyone actually buy this new (insert product name here)?
• Are my designs worth it?

Sound familiar? No matter what record plays on repeat in your mind, you can defeat that fear and doubt this year. No more questioning your skills, designs, or even business acumen. And just in case you’ve never heard it: No one knows exactly what they’re doing—they just figure it out as they go and learn along the way. Let 2026 be the year you do the same!

5 Hacks to Help You Overcome Doubt & Fear

This year let’s say goodbye to that imposter syndrome causing you fear and doubt, for good, and lean into that “new year, new me” thing everyone is talking about. Here are three ways to help you do just that:

1. Keep creating (don’t give up)!

One of the best ways to defeat imposter syndrome is to keep going. Imposter syndrome often strikes when you’re onto something new and exciting. Maybe you just turned your stationery hobby into a full-fledged business. Or maybe you are looking to scale your business and expand your product line. Whatever it is that you’re hoping to do in 2026, don’t give up! Those imposter feelings will eventually melt away.

2. Lean into your support system.

Business can often be lonely. If you’re not collaborating with other people every single day, it can be hard to combat fear and doubt. One of the best ways to push through is by finding and leaning into your support system. There are so many creative communities, networks, and associations that exist for this purpose. Find a great creative community in your area and start networking. There are many creatives that are experiencing imposter syndrome and who could benefit from you as well!

3. Start small.

They say the only way to eat an elephant is by taking one bite at a time. The same is true for your big business goals! IF your 2026 goals feel insurmountable at this moment, don’t fret...that’s a wonderful thing! That means you’ve challenged yourself well. Now all that’s left to do is take one small step at a time. That payoff is going to be so good once you reach your goal!

4. Create proof of concept.

Sometimes, the only way to get rid of that nagging voice that tells you that you can’t is by doing it anyway. So, create a prototype! Instead of a vision board for the year, create a proof board that showcases all the things you’ve done in your business that you’re proud of. It’s a little confidence boost that goes a long way in reminding you that you can do hard things!

5. Be Kind to yourself.

We are often our worst critics, aren’t we? So, this year, as you’re goal setting and planning to chase after those next big business ideas, why not go ahead and write down some affirmations for yourself? Someone once said that “she believed she could, so she did.” By starting your days with those affirmations, you’re eventually going to start believing in yourself and your business. We know you can do it!

Press “Print”

This year, don’t let your fear and doubt keep you from pressing “print.” This year is a blank slate, full of promise for you and your stationery business. All you have to do is keep going, believe you can do it, and put in the hard work to get there. Our team at PrintsWell is here for you! Whether you’re looking for a boost of confidence, encouragement, or even a partner to help you take your business to the next level, we’ve got you. 

Ready to work together? We’d love to be your fulfillment partner this year. Fill out your application here and let’s get started.