Xavier Torres
Aug 25, 2017 · 3 min read

Building a Sports Nutrition: The Self Doubt Moments and What I’ve Learned

Through my early stages of my company building journey, I have encountered a lot of self doubt. I’ve taken my “L”s, my lumps, whatever you want to call them, I’ve taken a fair share in a relatively short amount of time. I’ve stayed up during nights wondering if what I am doing is worth it or if I am capable of doing it. * Side note: For those that do not know me, I’m a planner, I evaluate, strategize and then make my move. My brain works well with structure and knowing possible outcomes. I am analytical, some of may even say over analytical and I ask too many questions to figure out risks and rewards.* The stages and experiences of self doubt can be trying but you learn a lot about yourself. I think it’s the worst kind of doubt, I don’t care what others think about me, but when it’s your own mind, it stings. However, you’ll find out if your PASSION outweighs your FEAR. If your passion is greater than your fear, you’ll be fine and you’ll reach your goal. It won’t happen overnight, but you’ll find the strength to push through.

During parts of the product development and marketing strategy building stages, doubt was constantly in the back of my mind. Consistently hearing the negative voices on repeat nearly stymied my vision and my actions all together. With the self doubt and stress increasing, I sought advice from close family and friends. What I learned during those moments was very eye opening. I learned two things during my conversations with others I was seeking advice from.

One, the members in my circle of influence are some “tough love” mother effers and very straight forward on calling me on my bullshit/excuses. Two, if I truly believed in my vision, my brand and my products, the only person who will make the difference between getting to market or not, was me, no one else. A very strong Gary Vaynerchuk moment for me. * Another side note: if you do not know who Gary is, find him on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, whatever social media you use and listen to his insight. Lots of insight!* It’s honestly You vs. You. No one else. The tough love supporters were the usual suspects in my circle of influence, my mother, my brother, and a two other close friends. Those I confide in do not usually pander to me, tell me everything is going to be okay, and tell me the world is made of roses. I don’t know if that level of honesty is something I subconsciously seek in confidants or not. Sometimes I wish I had those kind of people in my life, but I know as much as it stings during our conversations, they build me up and move me forward.

After some deep thinking, I decided that I do believe in my vision, brand and the products. I completely committed to it. I stopped half assing my efforts and gave it everything. Currently, still putting all I have towards my company. Once I committed, my self doubt faded away as my expectation was I’m either going to succeed or I’m going to take an “L” and I’ll learn from it for future ventures. Quite honestly, I’d rather take the loss than not take anything at all. I learned to believe in myself because at the end of the day, if I don’t believe in me, who else would? The honest answer is, no one. My moments and experiences with self doubt, kicked my behind for weeks at a time. With that being said, it helped me realign my vision, my goals and my focus, now I am pursuing my vision with a burning passion.

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Xavier Torres

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