Celebrated thinker Noam Chomsky, sometimes called “the father of modern linguistics”, has an interesting take on the nature of optimism:
“Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so.”
To me, that speaks about the need to assume what you’re doing has a chance of succeeding, if you apply your skills, diligence and talent to it.
Of course you’ll feel more confident, happy or fulfilled after things start to work, and you gain clients, generate wealth and build your dream business.
But you need to start with a baseline optimism that you can do it, or you probably won’t.