Don’t allow fear to block you from realizing your dreams.
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The video for this article comes from the show Business Rockstars hosted by Ken Rutkowski. Business Rockstars is a daily radio show that interviews entrepreneurs of all different industries and backgrounds.
In the video clip Rutkowski rightly identifies fear as the principle reason that entrepreneurs don’t get started in the first place or remain stuck in their current situation. Rutkowski explains that entrepreneurs fail to see all that’s in front of them, so focus on the challenges and obstacles directly in their way.
I agree with this comment, and I’d like to build on it.
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My experience working with thousands of entrepreneurs is that many of them will get started. They’ll take the plunge, which might look like quitting their day job, designing a new website, or creating slick business cards. They initiate the process.
But then, when things don’t line up perfectly, they enter into a holding pattern and allow self-doubt to creep in. They wonder, “Why isn’t this taking off?” They think, “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea to begin with?” They ponder, “Maybe I’m not cut out to do this sort of thing?”
Clearly not every risk will pan out, but typically this sort of second-guessing fails to do any good at all. It’s little more than self-defeating thinking.
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Burn The Ships is a common expression that people in business often use. It comes from a military metaphor that folks like to attribute to various adventurers (Cortes, William the Conqueror, etc.). The leader, whichever one you choose, says to the troops: “Soldiers, we’re here on this far away land facing uncertain circumstances. We’re entering into battle. And while I don’t know if we will indeed win, I do know that we are not going home.” The leader then motions to the shoreline where the soldiers see all the arrival ships burning up.
It’s a way of removing the escape option. The people involved have no choice but to succeed or die trying.
As an entrepreneur, commitment is key. It’s often the most important ingredient in the success formula.
New things rarely work as intended, so the ability to learn from mistakes and disappointments is paramount. Too much fear leads to too little commitment, which yields paralysis and self-doubt.
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If you’re an entrepreneur, stop and think about your own situation. Where are you stuck in fear? How might you be failing to take in the big picture? And, finally, how might you burn the ships and redouble your commitment to success?