We’ve all heard the expression “feel the fear and do it anyway. . .” This is the title of a book written by Susan Jeffers PHD in 1987 and it’s still relevant in today’s world.
But, in reality, what does it mean to you? What does it mean to your every day life and to your business?
I have this expression pinned to the front of my computer so I see it every day when I log on to start working. I keep it close and I read it, especially on those days when I doubt myself, the decisions I’ve made and sometimes, the struggle that it’s been.
Anyone who starts their own business must (unless they are lying to themselves and to others) have felt fear and trepidation. It’s such a huge step for the majority of us and it’s a huge leap of faith in our own ability. Feeling the fear, without a doubt, but doing it anyway.
How many of you are still out there wanting to “do it” but that fear is so overwhelming that it’s stopping you from doing it?
When we are preparing to do something major that will affect us on a daily basis, we generally try to do our research, think through the implications – especially of success and failure – and what the impact will be on our loved ones and others who are part of our everyday lives.
How many people do you know who are wonderfully talented and have such great things to offer in terms of making a positive impact on the lives of others, but how many of them have turned around and said: “I haven’t got the courage to try”, or, “what if ?”, or, “it’s alright for you but I can’t do it.” What are those fears that are really holding them back?
I think we all agree that when we are thinking of going it alone, the biggest fear is finance. What will happen to us if we cannot guarantee a certain amount of money every month to pay our bills. But then, on the flip side, where would the world be without all of those brave entrepreneurs who certainly asked themselves all the same questions, but did it anyway.
Nowadays there is help out there, financial help as well as practical help and advice and mentoring, so that if we believe we have something to sell that will benefit others, what is really stopping us from doing it anyway?
Of course, the answer to the question is: ME. YOU. US. We are our biggest obstacles that get in our way and let the fear win. It’s much easier to find an excuse NOT to start a business than it is to take the leap across from the employed side to the self-employed side, even when the light is shining much brighter and welcoming you across.
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
The fear will never go away – no matter how successful you are, but remember it’s the fear that often drives us forward and keeps us moving and improving, so feel it by all means, but don’t let it get in your way.
