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Current in Entrepreneurship Blog

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Fear: Your Foe or Fuel? Turning Jitters into Startup Superpower

Let's face it, starting your own business is scary. Fear of failure, the unknown, even running out of cash – it can freeze you faster than a winter storm in Antarctica. But hold on, before you let fear win, listen up! Fear can be your foe, but it can also be your fuel. Don't believe me? Read on, my friend.

Fear as Friend? Say What?!

Think about it like this: fear is your primal alarm system, telling you "hey, watch out!". But instead of hitting snooze, acknowledge it, understand it, and use it to your advantage. How?

1. Compartmentalize Like a Boss:

Juggling family, friends, and your startup dream can feel like a three-ring circus. But here's the secret: compartmentalize. When you're working, be all in. Focus on tasks, minimize distractions (sorry, mom!). Then, when it's family time, be present. Put away the phone, listen, and enjoy. This balance might feel impossible at first, but trust me, it's the key to avoiding burnout and keeping your sanity (and loved ones!).

2. Self-Discovery: Your Secret Weapon:

Ever heard of "setting yourself up for success"? It's not just about having a killer business plan (although that's important too!). It's about knowing yourself: your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. Ask yourself: what am I good at? What gets me excited? What kind of work drains my energy? Understanding yourself helps you choose the right path and avoid ventures that are a recipe for disaster.

3. Fear of Failure? Befriend It:

We all fear failure, but here's the thing: it's inevitable sometimes. Don't let that scare you off! Instead, face it head-on. Identify what could go wrong, then devise a plan to prevent it (or at least soften the blow). Think of it like preparing for a storm – you gather supplies, batten down the hatches, and know what to do if the power goes out. Feeling prepared takes the edge off fear and gives you the confidence to push forward.

4. The "I" in Team: Don't Go It Alone:

You may be a go-getter, but even superheroes have sidekicks. Don't be afraid to delegate, collaborate, and seek help. Find a mentor, join a mastermind group, or even hire freelancers. Sharing the workload and tapping into other people's expertise not only reduces stress but also helps you grow and learn faster.

5. From Fear to Fuel: You Got This!

Remember, fear is just an emotion. You have the power to control it, not the other way around. Use the tips above to acknowledge your fears, develop strategies to overcome them, and transform that nervous energy into fuel for your entrepreneurial journey. You've got this!

P.S. Setting your own salary? Go for it! Just make sure you do your research, understand your market value, and create a business plan that supports your desired income. Believe in yourself, and remember, fear can be your friend, not your foe. Now go out there and chase your dreams!

Do you have any tips for overcoming fear and setting your own salary?

About The Author

Clint Day is a former serial entrepreneur (insurance agencies) who turned to teaching others how to start their own business after earning a MBA and five certificates in entrepreneurship. He started the entrepreneurship program at State College of Florida, help found the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program, wrote the Entrepreneurship Quick Study Guide found in most college bookstore, edits the Current in Entrepreneurship blog on the setyourownsalary.com business startup website, and is currently serving as advisor to the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University veterans entrepreneurship and Notre Dame Hawaii UPBI programs.

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