afraid to fail in business? me too

Over the past 6 weeks, I haven’t done very much with my business.  I’ve taken some much needed time off in order to recharge.  And it’s worked.

But it has also put me in this weird place that I haven’t felt in a REALLY long time.

I’m kind of….SCARED!

Even though I’ve been in business for almost 3 years, I feel scared that it isn’t going to work.

here’s what’s happened

I’ve finally had some time to think about where I want my business to go and how I want to grow it.

I have always wanted to create a business that is location-independent, but a lot of the opportunities that I said yes to have kept me closely tied in with the UK.   In order to get to where I REALLY want to be, the online side of my business really needs to grow.

I’ve had some new ideas about services I want to offer.  I know what steps I need to follow to expand my reach.  I have some really clever people on my side to bounce ideas off of.

But…I haven’t started.

Why?

because I’ve been paralysed by fear.

At the moment, I’m comfortable.  I have satisfied clients, programs that work, and a lot of opportunities coming my way without having to hustle constantly like I did in previous years.

I’m in my comfort zone and taking my business to the next level is SCARY.

Because the next level might not work.  And I am afraid to fail.

why am I telling you all this?

Because I want you to know that I totally understand how you feel as you’re starting your business.

You have an idea of what you want to do, but NO IDEA of how to do it all.  90% of what you do will be a brand new experience.  You don’t know if it’s going to work.  You don’t know if people are going to take you seriously.  You’re probably scared shitless of failing.

I was afraid to fail, too.  3 years ago.  And again, right now.

But having felt this feeling before and knowing I made it out the other side is going to come in handy now.

I KNOW that I have it in me to do whatever I set my mind to.  I KNOW that hard work pays off.  I KNOW that if I don’t know how to do something, I will figure it out.  I KNOW that no matter what happens, I will be okay.

and you will, too

You just have to make that first move.

Once you do, you’ll have evidence which proves to you that YOU CAN DO IT.  You’ll be able to remind yourself of how you faced your fears and overcame them.

You will become stronger, braver, more determined.  You will refuse to take ‘no’ for an answer.  You will believe it will all be okay.

Because it will be.

here’s how to start

First: Have a look at your to-do list.  Find one thing on the list that REALLY terrifies you and that you can’t seem to make a start on.

Now ask yourself: what is it about this thing that I’m afraid of?  Be honest with yourself and write down ALL of the things that scare you about it.

Next: have a look at what you just wrote.

Look at each fear in more detail and ask yourself: where does that fear come from?  What evidence do I have to support this fear?  What evidence do I have that tells me this fear is no longer valid?

Finally: write down at least 3 alternative, positive beliefs instead.

The next time your fear stops you in your tracks, refer to these positive beliefs and remind yourself that you are in control.  You don’t have to be afraid.  You CAN do this!

over to you

I’d love for you to share your tips.  How have you overcome fears in the past?  What can you learn from those times that you can apply now?  Leave your comments below and share your wisdom with others.