How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Making Money Online
Have you ever sat at your desk, phone in hand, and thought to yourself: “Who am I to even try this?” Or maybe you’ve scrolled through other people’s success stories, feeling this mix of envy and discouragement, thinking “That’s great for them, but I could never do it.”
Oh, I’ve been there. And if you’re nodding along, feeling stuck or scared to start your journey into making money online, I want you to know — you are not alone.
I used to believe I needed everything to be perfect: a fancy laptop, professional experience, a website with flawless branding. But you know what? The only thing I really needed was belief in myself — and that’s what I want to help you find today.
So let’s gently peel back the layers of self-doubt, talk honestly about those fears, and figure out how you can take that first small but powerful step into earning online. No fluff, no pressure. Just real, doable steps from someone who’s been right where you are.
Why Do So Many Women Feel Stuck Before They Even Begin?
If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or like you’re just “not ready” — it’s not because something’s wrong with you. It’s because you’ve been taught to doubt your own potential.
We’re told to play it safe.
Growing up, many of us were encouraged to pick the safe route: study hard, get a job, and stay grateful. So when we start dreaming of more — more freedom, more income, more impact — our brains panic. It feels unsafe, even though it’s really just unfamiliar.
We compare our beginning to someone else’s middle.
We see others killing it on YouTube, blogging full-time, selling courses, or making reels that go viral. But what we don’t see? Their awkward first posts, their failed launches, their nights crying over “Is this even worth it?” moments. Everyone starts small.
I remember publishing my first blog post and being terrified. I thought people would laugh at it. Guess what? No one even saw it… and that was the best thing ever. It gave me room to practice.
We believe we’re not “techy enough” or “good enough.”
Friend, listen — you do not need to be a tech genius or influencer material to start earning online. What you need is willingness to try, a bit of patience, and the ability to Google when you’re stuck. That’s it.
👉 I talk more about getting started without experience in my post [Legit Work-from-Home Jobs Hiring Right Now].
The Truth About Starting: It’s Messy, But Worth It
Let me reassure you with this truth: Every successful online creator, entrepreneur, or freelancer started exactly where you are — uncertain and full of questions.
They didn’t have it all figured out. They just kept going.
Here’s how you can too.
Step 1: Get Clear on Why You Want This
Before jumping into side hustles or passive income streams, pause and ask: Why do I want to make money online?
Is it freedom from your 9-to-5? To stay home with your kids? To finally feel independent?
Write that reason down. Put it on a sticky note. Keep it close. Because on the hard days (and yes, they will come), you’ll need to remember your “why.”
My why? I wanted to stop living paycheck to paycheck. I wanted breathing room — not just in my bank account, but in my life.
Step 2: Pick One Simple Thing and Just Start
You don’t need a 3-month plan. You just need to start.
Option 1: Freelance Writing (No experience needed!)
If you can write a solid Instagram caption or tell a story over text, you can learn to write online.
Places to start:
Tip: Create 2 sample articles in Google Docs (topics you love!) and use them as your mini portfolio.
👉 I also wrote about [Easy Freelance Jobs You Can Start With No Experience] if this sounds like something you’d enjoy!
Option 2: Sell Digital Products (Even on your phone!)
This one’s close to my heart because it’s so scalable. Once you create your product, you can sell it again and again.
Ideas:
- Budget planners
- Printable affirmations
- Digital journals
You can start for free using Canva and sell on Etsy or Gumroad.
My first digital product was a simple savings tracker I made in Canva. I priced it at $3. Within a few weeks, I made $90 — from one design!
👉 Curious? Check out my post on [Best Digital Products to Sell Online] to get inspired.
Option 3: Start a Blog (Yes, even if you’re busy!)
I know it feels like everyone already has a blog. But here’s the truth — if you have a unique voice and a topic you care about, there’s room for you.
Start by writing once a week. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be helpful.
Blog topics for beginners:
- Budgeting tips for moms
- Mental health as a student
- Meal prep for beginners
👉 I have a full post on [How to Start a Blog That Actually Makes Money] — go give it a read when you’re ready!
Step 3: Tame That Inner Critic
You know that voice that says:
- “You’re not good enough.”
- “Who do you think you are?”
- “People will laugh at you.”
Yeah, that voice? It’s lying. 🙃
The truth is, your inner critic is just trying to protect you from discomfort. But growth requires a little discomfort. So instead of trying to silence that voice, just… talk back.
I used to repeat: “I do scary things. I’m allowed to try.” It sounds cheesy, but it worked.
Write your own mantra. Say it when fear pops up. Remind yourself that you’re doing something brave.
Step 4: Surround Yourself With Possibility
You become who you surround yourself with. If your current environment is full of people who roll their eyes at online income or tell you to “be realistic,” that negativity will stick.
Change the energy:
- Follow creators who share honestly about starting from scratch.
- Join Facebook groups for beginners.
- Listen to podcasts that motivate and educate.
One of the biggest shifts for me happened when I started reading blogs from women who were building freedom — not overnight, but step by step.
👉 Need inspiration? Check out [Passive Income Ideas That Actually Work] — you might be surprised by what’s possible!
Step 5: Give Yourself Permission to Be a Beginner
You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to feel silly. Some things won’t work.
But you must keep going.
No one’s first YouTube video was perfect. No one’s first blog post was viral. No one’s first side hustle made them rich.
But every step you take builds momentum.
I once spent 4 hours trying to fix a blog plugin and almost quit. But when I finally figured it out, I felt unstoppable. That tiny win gave me the confidence to keep learning.
Final Thoughts: You Were Never Meant to Stay Stuck
Friend, I hope you hear this with your whole heart:
You are capable. You are allowed to try. You don’t need permission from anyone.
You can start where you are — with what you have — and create a future you’re proud of.
Start small. Start messy. Just start.
And if you ever feel like giving up, come back to this post, or leave a comment. I’m in your corner, and I promise — you’ve got this. 💛
Related Posts to Explore:
👉 10 Easy Side Hustles You Can Start This Weekend (Even With a Full-Time Job)
👉 No Laptop? No Problem! Online Jobs You Can Do From Your Phone
👉 Make Money While You Sleep: 7 Online Income Streams You Can Start Today
