Starting a business is a bit like standing on the edge of a cliff, contemplating the exhilarating dive into unknown waters. Yet, most people never take the plunge. Why? Because the fear of the unknown paralyzes them. A big, flashing “What If?” can be a scary thing for even the hardiest of souls. After all, there are no guarantees you’ll be successful. It takes courage to navigate the unknown.
Think of courage like the jet fuel that propels you off that cliff and into the realm of entrepreneurship. There’s no real methodology to increasing your courage; you simply have to jump. Take the leap. Or, as Baruch Silvermann, CEO and Founder of The Smart Investor, aptly puts it, “Start now by taking that first step.”
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
The reality is that fear is an invisible chain that keeps us tethered to our comfort zones. It’s that nagging voice that whispers, “But… but… what if I fail?” Except here’s the kicker: fear is often a figment of our imagination. There’s an old cliche that defines fear as False Evidence Appearing Real.
Yep. Your mind can be tricky business.
The thoughts you allow, including negative thoughts of fear and failure, will become your reality if you entertain them for too long. Your mind is always looking for evidence to back up your thoughts and beliefs, whether those thoughts and beliefs are true or not. Fear is a liar, so feel it if you must… then do the dang thang anyway and trust that you have what it takes.
Think of believing in yourself as the antidote to fear. It’s the internal compass that guides you through the labyrinth of entrepreneurship. When you believe in your business idea and your entrepreneurial chops, you’re not just investing money; you’re investing in yourself.
Ramp Up Your Courage Quotient in the Context of Business
Courage in business isn’t just about taking risks; it’s about taking calculated risks. Forbes suggests that courage is the quality that distinguishes great leaders from excellent managers. True leaders are authentic and real and have the audacity to admit they don’t have all the answers. They also have the fortitude and humility to ask for help when they need it, which is a strong display of courage and leadership in and of itself.
The Five Pillars of Audacious Courage
- Numero uno is to believe in yourself. Think of it as the cornerstone of courage. Self-belief is not a cliché; it’s a necessity. It’s the bedrock upon which the edifice of your business will stand, so believe in yourself like you’re the best thing to come along since sliced bread. If you don’t, who will?
- Number two is setting attainable goals. Your goals are the milestones that mark your journey. They should be SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Think of them like your roadmap from point A to point B. Occasionally, you might veer off course, but SMART goals can help keep you grounded and focused.
- Number three is all about the environment and mindset. Positive vibes only, friends! Keep your circle tight with the right people because your environment heavily influences your mindset. Surround yourself with folks who uplift you, not those who pull you down.
- Number four is prep, prep, prep. It’s the true unsung hero of audacious courage. Preparation is the backstage crew that ensures the show goes on smoothly. It involves everything from market research to financial planning. We’ve said it before around here, and we’ll say it again… fail to plan, plan to fail!
- Number five is the art of taking action. All the knowledge in the world and the smartest of SMART goals will be worthless if you don’t take action. Action is the bridge between your goals and their realization. Take a page from the Tony Robbins playbook. “The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” Got it? Nothing less!
Practical Tips to Muster Up Your Courage
Ready to take the plunge and embrace massive action and audacious courage? Below are some practical tips to keep in mind as you start making moves and kicking fear to the curb.
Build a Strong Support System
Think of it as your own personal board of directors. A support system is like a safety net; it’s there to catch you when you fall. It could be anyone from family members to mentors; just make sure it’s people who help you up, lift you up, and pump you up.
Eliminate Constraints Holding You Back
Constraints are the shackles that hold you back from your purpose. Design a 9-5 exit strategy that allows you to transition smoothly from your day job to your dream job so that all your proverbial ducks are in a row and you can feel as confident as possible in your decisions.
Conquer Those Fears
It’s time to step out of your comfort zone because you’re dead in the water there. Your comfort zone is a sanctuary where nothing grows. To conquer your fears, you must first step out of this sanctuary, acknowledge the discomfort, and move forward anyway.
Set Big, Scary, Hairy Goals
But… remember to keep ’em SMART. Goals are the architect’s drawings for your business. They’re your blueprints and give you a clear picture of what needs to be built and how to build it. Without a target and goals, you’re just spinning your wheels, caught in the trap of “busy” with nothing substantial to show for it.
Follow the Tony Robbins Way
Remember, he says you’ve gotta take massive, determined action if you want to get anywhere. Action is the hammer and nails that turn those blueprints and architect’s drawings into a tangible structure. It’s about doing, not just planning. There’s an old saying that “Knowledge is Power.” We don’t disagree, but it’s really more like “APPLIED Knowledge is Power.” You can’t apply anything without taking action. Application = Action = Power.
Entrepreneurial Courage: The Coat of Many Colors
In an ever-changing business landscape, you simply can’t succeed without a healthy dose of courage. It’s the bedrock of any entrepreneurial success story. But it’s not just a single leap, though that first step is what gets your momentum going; it’s a multifaceted journey that evolves with you and your business.
In recent history, the global COVID pandemic has been a crucible for courage, teaching us that it’s not just about facing risks but adapting to them. This world we live in is in a constant state of flux, which means adaptability and resilience aren’t just assets; they’re necessities.
How do we cultivate these traits?
One good way is to practice the concept of mindfulness in your day-to-day. Mindfulness isn’t just reserved for monks. It’s an essential tool for everyone, including future business moguls in the making. Think of mindfulness as a tuning fork of sorts, one that helps you create harmony and alignment between your thoughts and actions, helping you become aware of what courage really means to you.
You can engage in super simple exercises like deep breathing to aid you in becoming more mindful. The upshot to that is it helps bolster your resilience and ability to adapt as you prepare for the challenges ahead of you. Building and growing a successful enterprise is no mean feat, but your adaptability will keep you moving forward and keep your courage ignited.
Even cooler, building this kind of adaptability doesn’t just apply to you. There’s a ripple effect that occurs because courage is contagious. Your courage and journey will inspire those around you to take their own leaps of faith, fostering a bonafide culture of courage. And as a leader, you have the power to cultivate this kind of culture amongst your team.
Throughout history, the culture of courage has been a key aspect of the making of many successful entrepreneurs and business owners. People who started their journey with nothing to their name but a healthy dose of audacity and belief in themselves and what they had to offer the world. From rags to riches, courage is like the little Phoenix that could, rising from the ashes of every failure and moving you ever closer to the future you’ve always dreamed of.
So, what’s stopping you now? Hitch up your socks; it’s time to start.
Call us; we build mavericks and partner with mavens everyday.
