Fear can motivate us or keep us stuck as we navigate in our business. 

 

Entrepreneurship is a challenging journey that requires courage, determination, and a willingness to take risks. However, many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle with fear and self-doubt, which can hold them back from pursuing their dreams and achieving success.  Ask yourself, why do we allow our fears and self-doubt to hold us back as business entrepreneurs and provide some tips on how to face our fears and move forward?  It happens to many of us.

Why We Allow Our Fears and Self-Doubt to Hold Us Back

Fear and self-doubt are common emotions that can affect anyone, especially when venturing into something new and uncertain like starting a business. Here are some of the common reasons why we allow these emotions to hold us back:

1. Fear of Failure: One of the biggest fears that entrepreneurs face is the fear of failure. They worry about what will happen if their business doesn’t succeed, and they are often paralyzed by the thought of taking risks. Besides, often our fear of failure comes from our childhood and past experiences. For example, someone said we were stupid, dumb, a loser … And we believed them.
2. Impostor Syndrome: Impostor syndrome is a feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt that can arise when we feel like we don’t belong or aren’t qualified to pursue our goals. Many entrepreneurs struggle with impostor syndrome, which can hold them back from pursuing their dreams. I can remember doing my first motivational speaking gig and was a total mess in doubting what I had to say was of value. A little positive self pep talk and I was fired up and confident.
3. Lack of Confidence: Another reason why entrepreneurs allow fear and self-doubt to hold them back is a lack of confidence. They may doubt their abilities or feel like they don’t have the skills or knowledge to succeed. But you know yourself, and you are able to recognize what is the truth in your ability and what is a trigger, trauma from the past. Learn to trust in your knowledge, skills, and experience. Life experience is valuable and something we cannot get from a book. A degree does not make you perfect.  I know lots of people with a Master’s and or PHD and they are not more qualified than me in discussing workplace bullying, leadership, and other workplace violence. I have 20 years of lived experience.

How to Face Our Fears and Move Forward

While fear and self-doubt can be challenging to overcome, there are several strategies that entrepreneurs can use to face their fears and move forward. Here are some tips:

1. Identify Your Fears: The first step in facing your fears is to identify what you are afraid of. Write down the things that scare you and try to understand why you feel that way. Once you have identified your fears, you can start to work on strategies to overcome them. The biggest part is in awareness of our thought patterns. Are they negative or positive?
2. Take Small Steps: Taking small, incremental steps can help you build confidence and overcome your fears. Start by setting small goals that are achievable and gradually work your way up to bigger goals. Set yourself up for success. Celebrate the small successes. Make work into smaller tasks that are manageable.
3. Surround Yourself with Supportive People: This requires setting boundaries. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who believe in you can help boost your confidence and provide encouragement when you are feeling doubtful or scared. Join a community of like-minded individuals or find a mentor who can offer guidance and support. Stay away from the moan-groan society the people who find great pleasure in seeing your faults and fail. Hang out with the positive folks.
4. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When negative thoughts arise, challenge them with positive self-talk. Replace thoughts like “I can’t do this” with “I am capable of overcoming this challenge.” Reframing negative thoughts can help shift your mindset and build confidence.
5. Embrace Failure: Failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey, and it’s important to embrace it as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Recognize that failures are opportunities for growth and learning, and use them to improve your approach and strategies.

Entrepreneurship can be a challenging journey, but it’s important not to let fear and self-doubt hold you back from pursuing your dreams. By identifying your fears, taking small steps, surrounding yourself with supportive people, challenging negative thoughts, and also embracing failure, you can overcome your fears and move forward with confidence.

To conclude, remember that entrepreneurship is a process, and it takes time, effort and perseverance to achieve success. So, take a deep breath, face your fears, and believe in yourself.

Trust in your ability and never give into that negative mindset.