According to Oxford Languages, fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. While this definition is correct, we define fear a little differently in the context of business and entrepreneurship.
We like to think of fear as a feeling you experience when you’re aware that you lack some specific knowledge. This tends to happen when you are uncertain about an outcome or what will happen on the other side of that action you are taking. In other words: if you knew what would happen after you take a risky move, you wouldn’t fear it.
While no one owns a crystal ball that can show us the future, there are a few things you can do to accumulate just enough knowledge so that you can take the first step towards overcoming fear.
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
If you lack the knowledge, you need to go out and acquire it. Luckily, we live in a time where information is easily accessible. Therefore, there’s no reason for you to not take initiative. Research the heck out what it is you are fearing. The more information you have, the more certain and prepared you may feel about what is coming ahead of you, hence making it less scary.
2. MAKE A PLAN
Once you’ve done your research and have all the information you need, create a plan to move forward. This plan doesn’t have to be set out in a way where every detail is planned to a T. But having a roadmap can help appease your fear of whatever is waiting for you on the other side of the action you’re about to take or the goal you’re about to pursue.
While making this plan, you need to consider all possible outcomes you have become aware of through your research. For each of these, develop a plan of action. This proactiveness will help you feel more secure about the risks you are taking as you are creating a mental safety net for yourself in case things go another way. We also recommend you have a plan A, B, and C.
3. START WITH THE RIGHT MINDSET
Keep in mind that failure and success are both possible and that they are both as valuable. While we’re more likely to want to avoid failure, framing it as an opportunity to learn from our mistakes is a good way to rationalize and accept the possibility of failing.
4. KEEP A LIST OF YOUR WINS
A list of your wins is the confidence booster you’ll need when things start getting scary. Whenever you can’t appease your thoughts with the tips we mentioned above, referring to a list of your past wins and successes will do the trick for you.
At the end of the day, fear only means that you’re about to do something new and that there’s potential for things to go the opposite way you would want them to go. However, simply taking a look back at the mountains you’ve already climbed is sometimes all you may need to find the confidence to climb the mountain currently in front of you.