You’ve been thinking about franchising. Not because you hate your job, but because you’re craving something more. More time freedom. More control over your income. More meaning in your work.
You keep hearing that franchising could be a smart way to own a business without starting from scratch. But just as you’re about to take the first step such as booking a call, attending a webinar, or asking for advice, something inside you pulls back.
- You find reasons to wait.
- You overthink your qualifications.
- You tell yourself you need to do more research or wait for a better time.
Quietly, without realizing it, you start sabotaging your own interest before it even becomes a decision.
This hesitation is common among high-achievers facing change.
Carl Jung called it the Shadow, a part of your mind that stores traits you’ve hidden to succeed in your current life.
The Shadow and Self-Sabotage
The Shadow includes qualities like ambition, assertiveness, or vulnerability. These might have been pushed aside in your professional role. But when you start considering a new path like business ownership, these traits rise again.
Your mind holds back to protect you from uncertainty.
It creates thoughts that sound like:
- “What if I’m not ready?”
- “What if I fail?”
- “What if everything changes?”
You do not need to fight these thoughts.
You need a small, structured way to move forward with them.
A 4-Step Plan to Reclaim Control
Here is a simple approach to help you make progress, even if you are just exploring.
1. Identify the Specific Resistance
For one week, take note of every time you avoid something that could help you move forward.
Example: “I didn’t open the franchise guide because I was too busy.”
2. Name the Hidden Trait
What’s behind the excuse?
- Perfectionism shows up as overthinking
- People-pleasing shows up as silence
- Risk avoidance shows up as endless waiting
Once you name it, it feels more manageable.
3. Understand Where It Came From
Ask yourself, “How did this behavior help me succeed in the past?”
Maybe perfectionism helped you get ahead in school.
Maybe people-pleasing helped you stay safe in a tense workplace.
These traits served you before, but they might now be holding you back.
4. Take a Small, Opposite Action
Start small. Action builds clarity.
- If you tend to over-research, book a 15-minute discovery call
- If you avoid discussions, write down a few talking points to share
- If fear of failure holds you back, ask one honest question to someone in the space
You Don’t Have to Figure Out Franchising Alone
Franchise ownership doesn’t start with signing anything. It starts with curiosity, small steps, and the willingness to explore.
You don’t have to do this by yourself.
We can help you look into aligned opportunities, ask better questions, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Ready to start exploring?
Book your no-obligation discovery call here.