How to Get Over Your Business and Marketing Roadblocks

Have you ever felt paralyzed before pressing “publish” on a social media post or sending a marketing email, worried that everyone will see (and possibly judge) every little detail you share? It’s a common struggle, rooted in something psychologists call the Spotlight Effect.

Essentially, we believe everyone’s watching our every move with an eagle eye, when, in reality, people are usually too busy with their own lives to focus on ours as intensely as we imagine. This phenomenon can create a huge roadblock, no matter your experience level or business acumen.

I remember early on in my career, I’d overthink whether my promotional emails felt “spammy” or if my posts might appear self-serving. I would avoid sending a second follow-up email for fear of being bothersome. I could practically hear the little voice in my head saying, “Don’t overdo it, you don’t want people rolling their eyes whenever they see your name.”

We tend to overestimate how closely other people are paying attention to everything we do or say. In reality, no one is sitting around dissecting your emails or marketing posts the way we imagine. Here’s the truth: the more you share your expertise and passion, the more you help people who genuinely need what you offer. The Spotlight Effect makes us hesitant to stand out—but playing small serves no one.

The next time you feel that twinge of doubt before sending a newsletter or sharing a social media post, remember: the Spotlight Effect is just that—an effect. It’s not reality. Step forward anyway. Take that small (or big!) step to build your online presence, your marketing muscle, and your confidence.

If you’ve been hesitating to launch your website, go for it. If you’ve been putting off consistent social media posting, it’s time to dive in. If you’ve been thinking about sending that marketing email, send it.

The reality is this: most of the anxieties stopping you exist only in your head. Once you move past the imaginary spotlight, you’ll find that people welcome your insights. The more you show up, the more you’ll stand out.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment. It rarely comes. Start now, keep learning, and trust that sharing your gift with the world will ultimately benefit you more than staying in the shadows ever could.