Fear of failure is the natural nemesis of the entrepreneur.
If a small business owner is afraid to take risks or manage uncertainties, they will never be able to move their business forward. Regardless, fear of failure is a common affliction that can suddenly appear and reappear even to the most confident of entrepreneurs. Here are a few reminders to keep in your back pocket whenever the fear of failure rears its ugly head:
What’s the worst that can happen?
If you’re afraid to try something, ask yourself, “What is the worst that can happen?” Smart business owners take risks but they take calculated risks.As long as you are making an informed decision and have a rational plan of attack, in most cases, even if everything goes wrong, you can always dust yourself off and start over. The worst thing that happens may only be a minor setback in the grand scheme of things, so don’t let it stop you from trying to achieve greatness.
It doesn’t matter what other people think.
Look deep within and ask yourself if you’re afraid to take a leap because it will make you look foolish if things don’t work out. If this is true, remind yourself that it takes guts to try new things. The critics sitting on the sidelinesarebe the ones who ought to be embarrassed.
Failure weeds out the naysayers
You will learn a lot about the people in your life by the way they handle your failures. If anything, your failures will reveal those who are truly supportive, and you can kick the rest of them to the curb, as you’re better off without them anyway. Make it your mission to surround yourself with optimistic, like-minded people who will build you up in business and in life.
All the greats have failed… many times
Behind every great success story is a barrage of failure stories. All the greats have failed, and many of them have failed big and failed often. Steve Jobs lost control of his own company. Michael Jordan has famously declared missing 9,000 shots. Oprah Winfrey was once fired from a television job early on in her career. They kept at it, and they triumphed in the end.
You will learn from this
It is having the strength and courage to try and try again that separates the extraordinary from the ordinary.If you’re paying attention, failure will teach you resilience and make you stronger and smarter.
At least you tried.
Appreciate the fact that you tried something: that takes guts. Be proud that you were brave enough to go for something, regardless if you succeed or fail. Only someone who has never tried anything has never failed:
Need a hand with your business’ brand? Call Kim Speed at Purple Moon Creative today!
