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4 Fears Every Entrepreneur Feels At First (And How To Overcome Them)

In the wise words of the late Nelson Mandela, "The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

Photo: Whitley Sisneros; Source: Courtesy Photo
Photo: Whitley Sisneros, Business Success Coach; Source: Courtesy Photo

Each and every one of us experiences fear (or has experienced fear) in some way, shape, or form. “Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger—if we didn’t feel it, we couldn’t protect ourselves from legitimate threats.” It really is unavoidable and a natural part of life.

But once you realize and accept that you do have fears (sometimes for no good reason at all), you can begin to look at them with a different perspective. In turn, it will help ease your anxiety and doubt and you can start living the life you have always dreamed of.

While you may have big goals for your life and business, you will never achieve the success you desire if you can’t get over the fears that hold you back.

Here’s a look at four main fears that many people experience and how to overcome them.

 

1. Fear of debt

Fear of financial instability is a huge hurdle that many entrepreneurs have to overcome. Unfortunately many people believe debt is something that will take their entire lives to repay. But in reality, there is such a thing as good debt and it may be necessary to help us grow and expand in our businesses.

“There’s no better example of the old adage ‘it takes money to make money’ than good debt. Good debt helps you generate income and increases you net worth.”

 

Source: Debt.org
Source: Debt.org

Debt is not permanent. Money can flow to us as quickly as it can disappear. It is a continuous cycle and once you realize that money is not limited and you can make as much or as little as you desire, you will be much better off.

Instead of giving good debt a negative connotation (and looking at all debt as bad debt), look at it as an investment, an investment in yourself and your business that will allow you to achieve your goals much more quickly and get the necessary help you need to turn your dreams into reality.

 

2. Fear of criticism

There will be plenty of people who don’t like what you have to say or don’t agree with you, and the quicker you can accept that fact, the quicker you will be happier and more successful.

It’s not your job to be liked by everyone.

All you need to do is put your message out into the world and stay true to who you are, and the people who resonate with you (i.e., your ideal customers) will be grateful for what you have to offer and the value you provide.

 

3. Fear of visibility

By far this was the biggest fear I had to overcome. As an introvert at heart, it was very difficult for me to get out there and become visible. Yet, I knew that I wanted to have a global impact and transform people’s lives all around the world, and the only way I was going to achieve this was by putting myself out there and stepping out of my comfort zone.

 

Photo: © tamarabegucheva, YFS Magazine
Photo: © tamarabegucheva, YFS Magazine

And this is exactly what you need to do, too.

Make your purpose and your message bigger than your fear. Come from a place of service rather than worrying about how you’re showing up or presenting yourself. If you’re staying authentic and true to who you are, that’s enough! This takes the pressure and focus off of you and places it on those in need.

 

4. Fear of ‘not being ready’

Every successful person you know and see today started before they felt ready. The only way to progress is to take action every single day. Stop thinking that you can simply “read” your way to success.

Something that works for someone else might not work for you, and you’re not going to know that until you go out there and try it for yourself.

Stifle that feeling of needing to absorb more and know more before you start taking the necessary action to achieve the success you desire for yourself and your business. Take action while you’re learning.

When we move forward we change change our direction and course of action. If we stay stagnant in one place, we have zero momentum to shift us in another direction.

Accept the fact that you will make some mistakes on your entrepreneurship journey (and that’s okay!). Making mistakes is necessary and essential. That is how we learn, grow, and improve ourselves.

 

Take action and work through your fears. It will get easier with time and eventually your fears will lessen and subside. Don’t wait for them to dissipate before you start taking the necessary action, or you will never start. The only way to overcome your fears is by taking progressive steps every single day.

Don’t let your fears paralyze you. Use them to propel you forward.

In the wise words of the late Nelson Mandela, “The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

So tell me, what action will you take today that will help you overcome your fear and get you that much closer to the success you desire?

 

This article has been edited and condensed.

Whitley Sisneros is a Business Success Coach for visionary, ambitious, and aspiring women entrepreneurs who are ready to live the unconventional life, create a business they love, and turn their dreams into reality. Connect with @WhitleyEvelyn on Twitter.

 

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