Don’t Let Fear Hold You or Your Business Back
It took me over a year to shift from talking about starting my business to actually starting it!
And the sad thing is that I lost an entire year of revenue and growth because of one thing – I was too afraid to put myself out there.
That fear held me back more than any other hesitations I had.
Unfortunately, I’m not alone. This fear may be the very thing that’s holding you back or slowing your growth.
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be nerve-wracking but it’s also a game-changer when it comes to propelling your business forward.
So, let’s break down this fear of putting yourself out there, why it happens, and, most importantly, how to conquer it.
Why are we afraid?
Before we jump into solutions, it’s critical to look at some of the root causes of the fear of putting yourself out there. As online entrepreneurs, coaches and creators, you might relate to some of these common fears:
Fear of Rejection – It’s natural to worry about how your audience or clients will embrace your ideas and offerings.
Fear of Failure – The thought of failing in public can be paralyzing.
Imposter Syndrome – That sneaky feeling that you’re not qualified or deserving of success can make you want to hide in the shadows.
Fear of Vulnerability – Sharing your authentic self can be intimidating.
Fear of the Unknown – Stepping into uncharted territory can be frightening.
Fear of Commitment – Success can be overwhelming and requires even more responsibility.
Let’s explore some ways you can overcome these fears.
Fear of Rejection
As an entrepreneur, you’re wired for risk-taking and innovation. Keep focused and minimize your fear.
Set clear goals – define your business goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. Having a clear direction can give you the confidence to put yourself out there. Your audience will pick up on that confidence energy.
Stay focused - Concentrate on the big picture. Keep your eye on your long-term vision and don’t let fear paralyze you. Don’t quit on an action if your audience doesn’t immediately respond. It takes time. Allow yourself patience.
Seek support and accountability – Surround yourself with a support network of like-minded entrepreneurs. They can offer encouragement, advice and accountability when you need it most. Even if no one in your immediate circle is an entrepreneur, you can find sources of support online, like Facebook groups, to engage with.
Fear of Failure
It’s time to shift your perspective on failure. Failure isn’t the end. Use it as a lesson and stepping stone. Here’s how you can reframe your mindset.
Learn and adapt – Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as a valuable learning experience. Examine what went wrong, make adjustments and keep moving forward.
Celebrate small wins – Success isn’t always about huge leaps. Celebrate small victories along the way. These wins build your confidence and momentum.
Understand that it’s temporary – Failure is a moment in time, not your identity. It doesn’t define you or your business. Stay focused on your long-term goals and objectives.
Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that you don’t deserve your success or that you aren’t qualified to do what you do. Here are some tips to silence your inner critic.
Acknowledge your achievements – Keep a record of your accomplishments, big and small. When self-doubt creeps in, review your achievements to remind yourself of your capabilities and how far you’ve come.
Seek support – Talk to mentors, peers and even friends and family. They can provide perspective and guidance and help you see your skills and strengths more clearly.
Embrace continuous learning – Remember that nobody knows everything. Be open to learning and growing in your field. This ongoing journey can help combat feelings of inadequacy. Add these new skills to your list of achievements to remind yourself of how much you’ve grown.
Fear of Vulnerability
Vulnerability isn’t a weakness. You may have even heard the phrase, “Vulnerability is a strength.” Well, it’s not just a catchy line, it’s a truth. Here’s how you can turn vulnerability into an asset for your business.
Connect on a deeper level – Authenticity resonates with your audience. Share your journey, both the highs and lows. Let them know you’re human. When people see your struggles and successes, they’ll connect with you on a more genuine level.
Build trust – Trust is the foundation of any successful business. By being open and vulnerable, you show that you are sincere and relatable. This builds trust with your audience, leading to stronger relationships and more loyal customers.
Inspire others – Your journey can inspire others who are facing similar fears. When they see you stepping out of your comfort zone and succeeding, they’ll be motivated to do the same.
Fear of the Unknown
Stepping into uncharted territory is where innovation and growth happen. It forces you to be creative in your approach. Here’s how you can tackle the fear of the unknown.
Plan and research – While you can’t predict every outcome, thorough planning and research can minimize risks. Knowing you’re prepared as best you can will boost your confidence.
Start small – You don’t have to take giant leaps into the unknown. Start with small experiments and gradually expand. This incremental approach can make the unknown feel more manageable.
Trust in your abilities – Remind yourself of your skills and past accomplishments. Believe in your ability to adapt and thrive in new situations.
Fear of Commitment
The fear of success is real too. It can often stem from concerns about handling the increased demand for your products and services or maintaining the quality of your offerings. You can employ steps to better prepare yourself for success.
Build scalability – create systems and processes that can scale with your business. In addition to alleviating some of your current stresses, it will make growth smoother and less intimidating.
Delegate and outsource – You don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks and outsource when needed so you can focus on what you do best. I realize that, just starting out, this may not always be financially feasible but it should be an immediate goal to take the tasks that aren’t in your zone of genius off of your plate.
Stay true to your values – As your business grows, don’t lose sight of your core values. They are what makes your brand unique and authentic.
The fear of putting yourself out there is a common hurdle in entrepreneurship. But it doesn’t have to be a roadblock.
Embrace vulnerability, reframe your mindset around failure and trust in your abilities.
You’ve got what it takes to make your business shine. So don’t let fear hold you back any longer.
To read more on some of these specific strategies, check out the blogs below.