3 Critical Lessons Entrepreneurs Need to Learn About Fear
When I was a kid and learning how to surf in Oceanside, another guy in the water gave me some great advice when I was scared to take off on bigger waves. He said, “You gotta take your spills to get your thrills.” I’ve taken that advice with me in every new venture. It’s tough in the beginning. You’re going to fall. You’re going to fail. But if you keep going, it’ll be worth it. You gotta take your spills to get your thrills.
In that spirit, let me share with you three lessons I’ve learned about facing fear as an entrepreneur…because this is a critical topic that will make or break you. I’ve learned these lessons from both personal experience and coaching / consulting thousands of other entrepreneurs. My promise to you is that if you embrace these three lessons, you’ll have more confidence, more success and more influence in your endeavors.
3 Lessons Entrepreneurs Need to Learn About Fear
1. We’re all scared.
Yes, all of us. In fact, I’m afraid every day. If I’m not afraid, I must not be doing something I need to be doing. I believe that when you’re doing important work, you feel fear because you don’t want to fail. The challenge is to not let the fear stop you from doing the work that will enable you to achieve your goals. You need to recognize the fear for what it is and allow your “why” (your compelling vision) for what you’re doing be bigger than the fear itself.
Lesson: You’re not alone in your fear.
“We’re all scared most of the time. Life would be lifeless if we weren’t. Be scared, and then jump into that fear. Again and again. Just remember to hold on to yourself while you do it.” ― Emma Hooper
2. People who succeed are more afraid of what will happen if they don’t follow through.
So what’s the difference between people who don’t succeed and people who do? People who don’t succeed let fear lull them into the belief that they should settle for the status quo. People who do succeed transform fear into power and get to work.
Lesson: Be afraid of what will happen if you DON’T follow through.
“Feel the fear and do it anyways.” – Susan Jeffers
3. Achievers allow the fear of missing out (FOMO) to drive them to success.
Achievers are actually MORE afraid than non-achievers. Achievers are afraid that if they give into their fears, their pain will actually be greater than if they face their fears.
Lesson: Lean into fear.
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt
