Episode 23: What to Do When You Believe You Can’t


We need to talk about a certain someone in your life.

The one who puts you down and tells you that you aren’t a good enough photographer.

The voice who knows all your greatest fears, doubts, and insecurities and throws them in your face.

The thing that constantly reminds you of all the reasons that you can’t succeed in your photography business.

This bully is your subconscious.

Call them out and gain control over your life and watch your business take off.

Your bully lives in your subconscious. 

Your subconscious is a tape recorder, recording everything that happens in your life.

It lets you live on autopilot like a self-driving Tesla.

When an opportunity comes up, your subconscious takes the wheel and takes you down a dirt road instead of going on a speedway to good things that can happen for your business.

This voice doesn’t have to be our bully.

It can solve problems if we let it.

It can keep you company, help you work out problems, think of potential outcomes and weigh pros and cons. 

Your Subconscious Can Help You Succeed In Your Photography Business

The key is stopping your bully from beating you up.

Don’t let it say that your photography career is over or that you’re a failure because that client didn’t order wall portraits of your photos.

You have to use your bully voice to solve problems.

It can be your ally, but when it starts bullying, it’s time to give it a punch. 

Stop letting the bully go on and on.

You don’t hang out with those people in your life, so stop hanging out with them in your head.

Love Your Subconscious

Treat yourself like you would treat someone you love.

You need to be your biggest fan in order to control your bully.

The next time your subconscious tries to bully you, tell them, “Not today bully.” 

Flip what your bully voice says into something nice.

Then your bully turns into your ally. 

Remember that you can punch your bully.

It doesn’t own you.

Your Biggest Obstacle is Yourself

I used to think that stickers, signs, and shirts with motivational sayings on them were corny.

As I’ve grown as an entrepreneur and photography business coach, I have them all over.

From my coffee cup, to things hanging on my walls, to stickers on my computer.

Surrounding yourself with reminders that you can do this helps you succeed in your photography business.

Your biggest obstacle to succeeding as a photographer is yourself.

You are the only thing standing in your way of becoming the best version of yourself.

You have a bully inside of you, but you have the power to  control it.

If you don’t let this bully turn into a negative Nellie, you can keep your hands on the wheel and not let your bully drive.

Punch your bully.

connect with portrait photographer Sarah Petty on instagram to succeed in your photography business.

Working photographer, coach, mama, and wife. Whether you’re looking to take your photography business full-time or simply make good money on a very part-time basis so you can contribute to your family financially and be your best self, we’ve got something for you.

I’m Sarah Petty

Hey, there!