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After coaching hundreds of everyday women in business, women juggling work, kids, clients, life, I’ve seen something clear as day: it’s not your lack of Canva skills or fancy design strategy holding you back.
It’s your brain.
In this blog, I’m sharing the 3 mindset traps I see again and again that are quietly sabotaging your brand and business growth … and how you can flip each one to start showing up with more clarity, confidence, and consistency (even if your Canva game still feels a little shaky).
1. Perfectionism: The Illusion That’s Keeping You Stuck
You open Canva to post. An hour later, the graphic’s still unfinished, you’ve second-guessed every colour choice, and that font? It’s been swapped eight times.
Sound familiar?
Perfectionism whispers, “It’s not ready yet.”
But the truth? Perfect doesn’t exist. And waiting for it is costing you momentum.
Design is not like maths, there’s no one perfect solution. You improve not by obsessing… but by doing. Good enough is good enough. Hit publish, then refine next time.
Your audience doesn’t need perfect. They need you, consistently, honestly, and clearly.
2. Comparison: The Confidence Killer
Here’s the spiral I see way too often: You open Instagram to post your reel… and suddenly you’re down the rabbit hole of someone else’s feed. Their branding looks polished, their captions seem effortless, and suddenly your work feels… meh.
But just because someone’s work is different, doesn’t mean yours isn’t valuable.
You don’t need to be like them. In fact, you shouldn’t be. Their strategy, their branding, their vibe? That’s for their audience.
Your job is to speak to your audience, in your voice, with your values.
So next time you catch yourself scrolling and shrinking, ask yourself, “What was I about to share before I got distracted?”
And if needed? Mute, unfollow, or take a breather.
3. Fear of Visibility: The One That Feels Extra Personal
You say you want to grow your business… but the moment someone asks for your Instagram handle, you cringe.
Whether it’s feeling ashamed of your feed, unsure about your graphics, or terrified someone will judge, visibility fear is real.
But like I always say, visibility is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Start small. A story post. A behind-the-scenes. A voiceover reel. Then build. Because the truth is, if people don’t see you, they won’t work with you.
And that business you’re dreaming of? It’s waiting on the other side of that small, brave step.
BONUS mindset shift: “I’m Not Creative” (A Lie We’re Done Believing)
If I had a dollar for every time someone told me they’re “not creative,” I’d be sipping a coconut latte in Paris.
But seriously, if you’re building a business, you are creative.
Problem-solving? Creativity.
Building offers? Creativity.
Showing up imperfectly but passionately? Yep. Still creativity.
You don’t need to reinvent your business each time you design.
Use templates. Get inspired. Build a brand that feels like you and let it evolve.
Creativity isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you grow into, especially when you stop telling yourself you don’t have it.
So… what now?
Here’s your challenge: choose one mindset trap from above that’s showing up the most in your world.
Name it. Own it. Then start actively shifting it.
- Hit publish on the post that’s been sitting in Canva for days.
- Mute the accounts that make you feel small.
- Show up messy, but show up.
And if you’re ready to confidently create graphics that actually grow your business (and stop the shame spiral), come join me in my free masterclass – https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass
Stop sabotaging yourself and start growing your business in a way that’s uniquely you.
WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio
