4 Strategies to Overcoming Fear of Failure
Fear of failure is something every entrepreneur faces along their journey. From financial worries to hiring woes, we feel levels of fear every day. Even when we succeed it can heighten our anxiety if we’re not careful. Lives are more affected, more in on the line, and suddenly success looks a bit darker than we anticipated.
We often hear the phrase “fail fast and often” as business owners, and while it seems a positive refrain, no one really wants to fail.
But did you know that sometimes, a little bit of fear is actually a great motivator? When reframed positively, fear can become a business owner’s best friend! The fact is, not all fears are created equal. While some may be debilitating, others tend to be the boost we need to reach the next level.
So how should we respond to fear of failure? Here are four strategies to help you reframe that fear into positive motivation:
1. Work on your emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence is the understanding of your feelings and having the ability to communicate and control their influence. And yes, it CAN be learned!
Practice self-awareness by noting when you have heightened emotions throughout the workday. Write them down and consider them intel into how you’re triggered and how you respond to fear. Then use them to your advantage by learning to anticipate those reactions and limiting their effects on your decision-making and goal setting.
It takes time, patience, and a lot of compassion. But it’s worth the effort!
2. Trust your gut.
When it comes to fear, your intuition is vital. You have to learn to trust yourself and your own gut. If you feel fear about a certain decision, take it as a cue to dig deeper. Get proactive about problem-solving and asking the harder questions of yourself. Is the fear rational? What’s the worst that could happen? If this thing happens, what does that mean about YOU? Treat fear as a signal to get more information and find out the true root behind the anxiety. Once you know the root, you can work out how to move from there.
3. Educate yourself.
When it comes to fear management, education is an absolute win. One of the key ways to overcome feelings of fear is through learning and information seeking. Whether its developing an unknown skill that feels a bit out of your comfort zone or reading about a recent update in your industry, girding yourself with knowledge will give you a breath and make you feel a bit more in control.
4. Ask for back-up.
This is the most important tip today. Asking for help is essential to fighting the fear of failure. Mentorship is key when it comes to business ownership, so having someone in your corner should be a priority as you build and create.
Support is the most impactful because they help you learn, problem solve and develop self-awareness. You get the most bang for your buck with you choose to ask for help. Plus, calling in reinforcements could be a great opportunity to mentor others as well. It teaches you to delegate and practice humility within your business management style.
Look for this kind of community in local business networks, industry groups, mentorship platforms, or simply team relationships!
If you’re struggling with a fear of failure right now in your business, you need to know you’re not alone. We’ve been there and every business owner around you is experiencing it right alongside you. We all find different ways to combat fear, and you need to discover what works for you. Just keep in mind that what we often deem as failure is actually an opportunity. Seek out that opportunity and reframe what it means to fail! You can do this, and we’re here to cheer you on!
If your fear is holding you back from launching your business or rebranding your company, we want to help you! Let’s set up a time to chat about how we can overcome that anxiety together and build a brand that exceeds all expectations!