Is fear going to be the reason your dreams stop growing?

A lot of people are paralyzed by fear right now. I get it. These are scary, unprecedented times.

However, when we panic, we fail to concentrate on choices that can improve our circumstances in favor of the limitations that coincide with uncertainty.

When fear becomes debilitating, we fail to activate our imagination and retreat to holding on to whatever we can to ensure mitigating our losses. That isn’t a strategy for long term success, it’s a strategy for survival. Hoarding toilet paper comes to mind.

When confronting challenging times, it’s good to have a contingency plan. However, failing to be creative and innovative will ensure failure.

Here are 5 things fear destroys that prevents success.

“Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.” — Bertrand Russell

Being creative

Feeling afraid keeps us stuck. Performing the same routine that keeps us comfortable, normal and accepted. That’s a horrible strategy when the world of business is changing, and creativity is the driving force behind innovation. Fear of failing wants to castrate your creativity. Don’t let it.

Being innovative

I’ve noticed an alarming trend. Businesses panicking and holding on to what’s been working. Bad idea. Scaling back expenses. Pulling back on marketing is consistent with fear driven decisions, not the innovation and commitment to brand messaging that can help your business grow. When we fail to utilize difficult times as an opportunity to flourish, we miss our chance to expand when the economy recovers.

Being bold

The fear of failure can force us to resist making difficult decisions. In tough times difficult decisions are inevitable so learning to be decisive is important. You might stumble, but that should never stop forward progress. Failure has such a negative connotation. I prefer “set back”. That’s all it is. If something doesn’t work out you try something else. 

“Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears.” — Rudyard Kipling

Being kind

Kindness and gratitude force us to concentrate on serving others. When we do, we empower the people in our organization to be creative and that’s what drives innovation. When our clients recognize we stand for something more than profit, it’s inspiring.  

Being resourceful

Inability to manage time properly is a sure way to burry an entrepreneurial dream. Most people underestimate the amount of time required to run a business, especially during economic downturns. For over three decades I’ve refused to surrender family time and my commitment to health to ensure business success. What did I give up? Sleep. Sorry, being an entrepreneur isn’t for everyone and the sacrifices are enormous. 

“Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem to be more afraid of life than death.” — James F. Byrnes

Sum it up

It’s time to let go of our fear of failure. Be creative. Try new things. Innovate. Take a risk. Challenge the status quo.

What are you doing to stretch outside your comfort zone? Please like and share this article and include your thoughts in the comments section below. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.  Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming. Steve is an author and host of the post program Anatomy of Success. Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn!