The 'F' Word

The ‘F’ Word

It’s human nature that most of us are driven by fear of failure, as much as we are driven by the desire for success. And as a society we haven’t exactly been conditioned to celebrate failure. But even the ‘ballsiest’ of babes have at some stage, being guilty of letting fear hold us back! Especially when it comes to starting a business…

Too often, we’re sitting on the brink of a breakthrough when those uncomfortable feelings, self doubt and questioning starts popping up. And we are conditioned to believe that fear is a not-so-subtle sign that you’re moving the wrong way. But what if you challenged this perspective?

What if, instead we started viewing fear as a signpost that we’re most definitely moving in the right direction? Essentially, instead of fear being our foe, it actually becomes our friend. Instead of backing away, we run all guns blazing right into it! 

Fear epitomizes the concept of getting out of your comfort zone. And starting a business is ALL about getting out of any type of comfort zone. You are totally in a new zone. Period. So whether you’re thinking about starting a business or even asking for that promotion, I suggest you get really comfortable with the uncomfortable. As Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company said,

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”

For instance, I started a health food business when in reality I really didn’t know anything much about food at all. I knew I liked eating it and I’d had some small experience marketing it, but in terms of industry experience and knowledge, I didn’t have it. Most people probably thought I was crazy. In fact, I know most people did. I left a well paying; high-level corporate career and I can tell you that of course I had a lot of those ‘fear’ feelings!

So the next time you have an idea, or are drawn to something that scares you, I challenge you to move towards it some more.

• Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” Decide what the worst possible “failure scenario” is for you – and if you can accept this possibility, then keep going
• Whilst financial ignorance is one of the main reasons businesses fail, don’t let this scare you. Instead work on being in control of your finances and educated on money.
• Write 5 reasons why this idea could work
• Just start… You don’t have to quit you’re job the next day. Focus on setting some small goals and testing the waters

And when fear rears its head, which it will, tell it to politely F off!

NOTE:

And just to be clear, I totally don’t mean by following your fear that you start being reckless with your finances, making poor relationship decisions, or taking a personal safety risks etc. This blog topic is in specific reference to your career journey and taking calculated risks.