I don’t want to sacrifice a safe future, the employee says to himself when presented with a business idea. What if i fail? I don’t want to speak publicly the solopreneur says. What if i am boring? There are fears of failure everyday in everyones life.
Fear of Success
I was speaking with a Physician owner of a large IPA/Medical Group in California who characterized a physician who had left early on during the start-up phase of another group as being “afraid of success”. This comment puzzled me and made me think. Why would he be afraid of success?
With success come responsibility. This is the big difference between the employee who shows up from eight to five then punches out, leaves their worries, and goes home while the entrepreneur responds at any time of the day when something is needed. Some people are afraid of responsibility and thus are afraid of success.
Fear of Criticism or Difference of Opinion
How easy is it to have a great idea and then as soon as you ask someone else their opinion a lack of enthusiasm from them will pop your balloon? In the competitive world of business, there are always going to be moments when you encounter someone with an opinion that is different from your own. This is particularly true for entrepreneurs who work in sales. However, there are steps you can take to frame your language in an influential way. Sales training courses provide entrepreneurs with tips and tricks to help businesses stand out from the crowd. For further information about the benefits of sales training for entrepreneurs, you can find out more here.
Fear of Dissatisfaction by Comparison Trap
Have you ever listened to Entrepreneur on Fire (a great podcast by the way) or another successful start up show? Often you can find yourself comparing your success, or lack of it, to others and feeling down about your potential or opportunities. This is a trap. Gain what you can from others, but realize that you never see anyone else’s entire picture (believe me everyone has challenges) and you are called to your own road.
The solution. The How…Four Fears Entrepreneurs Overcome
Faith.
Ok…(long pause)…faith?
Yes! Faith!
Faith that you can move forward inspite of these real or fake fears.
Nothing is accomplished without faith. If you don’t actually believe the idea is good, you won’t go to the next step to make it happen! If you don’t have faith that you have the resources or abilities to execute the idea, then you won’t launch or try it.