Running my own business has brought up a LOT of entrepreneurial fear!
In the early days, when I left my corporate job, I worried about everything – whether I would ever work again, running out of money, finding enough clients, giving talks, what others would think.
The problem with letting fear run my life is that it consumed a huge amount of time and energy; it was not good for my health and wellbeing, it held me back from earning more money and I missed out on some opportunities.
Invariably what I fretted about never happened anyway!
This is not to say that I’m fear free now.
It’s something that with knowledge and self-awareness I’ve learned to manage a day at a time and I’ve developed strategies which have helped me shift my perspective.
What is key is the importance of looking fear in the face.
Otherwise it can stop you in your tracks and hold you back from reaching your potential. Gradually your world starts to shrink and your vibrancy/energy levels diminish.
And as you may know fear and stress release cortisol into the blood stream which if prolonged can negatively affect our immune systems. When the immune system is repressed for an extended period of time the body pays a significant toll increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, headaches, fatigue, back pain and digestive issues.
So, instead of playing safe, missing out on some fun and excitement and sabotaging your business success, here are….
A few tips for managing the fear factor and increasing your entrepreneurial wellbeing:
• Know that in order to reap the rewards you will have to face up to fear, worry and uncertainty.
• Acknowledge how you feel and accept that it’s a normal part of being in business.
• Balance out your cortisol levels by building relaxation into your day through meditation, listening to music, walking outside, and journaling.
• Read inspiring books and articles about others who have conquered fear and gone on to achieve greatness.
• Talk it through. A supportive colleague or coach can help you see the situation from a different perspective and from there focus on positive outcomes
• Create a step by step plan so that your bigger goal looks more manageable and achievable; whether this is preparing a speech, working out a financial plan or launching a new programme .
Lifestyle changes can increase your sense of wellbeing and confidence to deal with uncertainties. In Arianna Huffington’s book, Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder, she writes about the importance of sleep, switching off from technology and valuing our personal relationships.
