from-fear-to-fruition
Posted on by Lisa Newman-Morris

From Fear to Fruition

Guest Post by Ashley Brown of Sosocii

Do one thing every day that scares you. -Eleanor Roosevelt

What is fear and how does it manifest within a business setting?

Fear is a response activated by a perceived peril; either involving a risk of imminent danger, a threat to security or an overwhelming concern for a future event. Within the business world, these threats are more likely to be psychological rather than physical. There’s no denying that fear can in fact be helpful in certain situations and indeed help us in times of danger. However, when it comes to business, how you react can determine your success.

Key triggers of fear include: fear of failure, fear of risks, fear of financial problems and fear of the unknown. We are often hesitant to try something new. Why? Well we’re creatures of habit and routine allows us to experience a sense of control and predictability. Therefore, such changes force us out of our comfort zone and into a realm of risk and uncertainty. The key lies in learning to avoid self-sabotaging your business with negative thoughts that often originate from a fear of failure. If you want to succeed, you must be willing to experience failure along the way, as fear and success often exist alongside each other.

 

Related post: Self sabotage: why do you choose the hard road?

 

Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something. - Morihei Ueshiba Share on X
It is impossible to completely eradicate fear in either personal or business life. It will always exist within some format, however it’s important to work on reducing the grip it has on your life and your decisions. The remedy for fear is a strong belief in yourself, your business and your product. So try not to allow yourself to get sidetracked with those fears and self doubts. Instead try to establish some strategies to help push you into action focusing on the next right step for your business. Not all of the one hundred upcoming decisions, but that immediate one that needs to be considered above all others. For each step you take will push you that bit closer to your overall vision.

Tips to overcome fear in business:

  • You don’t have to be an expert from the beginning, we’re all on a journey of lifelong learning.
  • Remember that we have all failed at some stage and experiencing that pain helps us to truly appreciate the exhilarating highs of success.
  • Learn from your mistakes- allow them to inform future planning.
  • Try not to focus on any inadequacies and instead build yourself up as you appreciate your proficiency.
  • Take action in the form of a business plan complete with goals. A clear vision helps to reduce those feelings of insecurity and uncertainty.
  • Minimise risks by weighing up the pros and cons of each key step.
  • Be inspired by successful entrepreneurs.

 

Related post: Self doubt isn’t all bad – 8 strategies for overcoming self doubt in business

 

Within my own business, I have found that each time the self doubts start to creep in, it is merely moments before I celebrate a big win. So I try to remind myself of this ongoing cycle and push myself beyond the fears, thus forcing myself to focus on the goals ahead. Each time I succeed in achieving those targets, I am delighted I kept pushing through those challenges. As it suggests that those lessons arose in order to lead me to this very moment and so I look toward the future with overwhelming excitement.

Will you choose to push past those fears and pursue a positive pathway throughout your business journey?

Ashley Brown

I am Ashley, founder and managing director of Sosocii. We offer business support in the form of virtual assistance and social media management. I get a massive thrill out of engaging with other business owners and I have a particular passion for working with other mums in business. I get a great deal of satisfaction in providing relief for busy small business owners, helping to minimising their stress and workload while delivering a focused and friendly service.

http://sosocii.com/

 

50 Replies to “From Fear to Fruition”

  3. Really enjoyed this post! Fear , if fearing to much, can definitely negatively affect you and your business. Great tips to overcome such fear!

    Reply

  4. I needed to read this. I’m a new business owner and that fear of failure has definitely held me back from time to time. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  8. I love your tips about overcoming fear in business. It’s good to remember that you don’t have to be an expert when starting out and that it’s okay to fail. Thanks for posting!

    Reply

  16. Great tips! I found myself as the only permanent employee left in my office (until our new hires start), and I was terrified. I had to take up a LOT of slack and was learning and doing things I’d never done before. I was extremely scared that I was going to fail, and cause our office to look bad. I’m getting into more of a groove now so it’s getting better (and I brought my Chamomile tea to work)…thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply

  19. I 100% relate to this. My boyfriend and I want to start our own business together because we’re both in the creative/video industry. But I’m afraid of failure, and I’m afraid that since I’m not as experienced, it wouldn’t be as successful as I hope it would be… I think what I need to do is just take the plunge!

    Reply

    1. Everyone who is an expert, started as a novice at one point! You will never gain experience by sitting on the side lines. Give yourself permission to not have to know it all and take the plunge. All the best Jasmine 🙂

      Reply

  24. Fear is such a horrible enemy… it can render you senseless. Thank God though we get to try and fail and try again until we no longer fear. Facing our fears is something we should do on a daily basis.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *