You see others moving ahead, and you have the desire to do the same. But you hit the all too common wall of fear and are stuck with the motor running not sure how to move forward. Your business is a living and organic entity. Things don’t stay the same, each day you’re confronted with new opportunities to grow, change, expand on how your business works and meets the needs of those you serve.

Fear is the thing that keeps you small. This is the place where many business owners crash and burn. It’s also the place where other business owners soar and fly. Some see fear as a foe to be challenged, beaten down and thrown out of the door. Others give fear a place on the team; and put it in charge. It’s important to know that you can vacillate between being a fear-butt kicking karate chopper and a frightened kitty running down the road chased by fear.
The real issue is not the fear; it's getting to the root of why you have the fear, which is usually linked to a problem you don’t know how to solve.

Fear is usually an indication that you need something more than you have. You may need more information on how to start a blog for your company, or how to create an information product, or how to implement a new leadership strategy that will make you stand out from the crowd. When you know what it is you’re afraid of, you can then take the steps to get the help you need.

Get What You Need

The other problem with fear is that it’s a hard guy to understand. When fear shows up to defeat you that’s bad. When fear shows up when you’re just about to start something new, that’s not so bad because there is always going to be that moment when you’re uncomfortable with the new. This type of fear goes away by moving forward and getting stronger in the thing that scares you.

I remember the first time I got on a treadmill at the gym. It was quite embarrassing. I didn’t know how to work the dials and accidently set the speed to a running pace when I was only getting on for an introductory walk. The machine quickly began to speed up. I didn’t know how to stop it and found myself flying off the back of the monstrous thing! Yes, right there in the middle of the gym. I was on the floor wishing I had a secret ninja invisible cloak to make me disappear! But that didn’t happen. After a few stunned minutes, I realized that I didn’t know what I was doing or how to work the controls properly. My first thought was to walk away in shame, afraid of trying again. My second thought was to get up, brush myself off and ask for help. After that day, I knew what I needed to do to set the pace I wanted for my walk.

You may want to try a new sales process or marketing program. You may launch out and have a few of your own “flying off the machine” experiences. Those types of things happen when you’re doing something you’ve never done before. However, when you understand what you want to accomplish, you can ask for help in advance. I promise you there’s someone out there who is ready and willing to help you with your problem.

Build a Resource File

As a business owner, you will always need resources. You’ll need to know about cost effective ways to find printers, various supplies, classes and more. Start a resource file of things you need before you need them. Call companies, coaches and other experts before you get into a crunch. Interview associates about what works for them.

The bottom line is to do whatever it takes to break the power of paralyzing fear in your business and in your life. Don’t let it have a party at your expense. Take control, find out what you need to know, take a class, pay a coach, and ask for help.

Fear is like a person. It has a personality; it has a goal and a mission. It comes to stop you, paralyze you and to shut you down. It wants to choke the creativity and courage right out of you. However, like a person, it can only have the power that you give it. You activate fear by agreeing to give it power. If you agree to let it drive you or stop you then it has the power to do so. If you expose it for the foe it is and get the help you need it will not have control over your creativity, your business or your life.

Jordan Mercedes is the Host and Producer of Thrive Connect Radio and ThriveInBalance.Com. She's a Certified Compass Coach who is passionate about creating supportive connections for growth and development.