This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
Why Fear Can Be a Catalyst for Success in Your Startup ¶
According to Benjamin Franklin, the only certainties in life are death and taxes. However, he overlooked one crucial aspect: fear. Fear is a common state of mind for modern entrepreneurs, but it can also be a catalyst for success.
Benjamin Franklin's quote highlights the importance of perspective. What defines you is how you face your fears. If you fear not fulfilling your potential or missing out on the life you were supposed to have, a simple shift in perspective can help you get those fears under control.
One way to master fear is to leverage it. Fear exists to keep us safe, and there's a reason we don't jump out of moving vehicles. To return to a state of control and confidence, you need to master fear and use it to your advantage. When making decisions, ask yourself whether it puts you closer to becoming the person you want to be or further away.
Another strategy is to put things into perspective. Ask yourself, 'What's the worst that can happen?' Sometimes, the reality is bad, but often, the fear itself is worse than the actual outcome. The tightrope you've been walking is only inches off the ground, and by realizing this, you can walk much faster the next time you're on a tightrope.
Writing down your fears and then proving them wrong can also be an effective way to overcome them. This technique involves writing down what you're afraid of and then rebutting it with evidence that undermines your fear. By creating a stockpile of counterattacks, you can turn to them the next time your fear is invoked.
Finally, do things scared. Each of us dreads an imagined worst-case scenario, but the next time you find yourself holding back on something you really want to do because of fear, worry, or insecurity, do it scared. Jump in, and don't let the opportunity pass you by.
By facing your fears and using them as a catalyst for success, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Remember, the chance of a perfect easy route presenting itself is low, so don't wait – feel it, move past it, and go for it!
Published on July 31, 2019
