Entrepreneurs are known for being risk takers. We jump in with both feet knowing we could fail. And when we do fail, it doesn’t keep us from jumping in with both feet again. There is no fear of failure. Failure just means we need to try something different.
Fear of success? Now THAT'S the doozy.
Working with entrepreneurs of all ages, backgrounds and skills over the years, I’ve found there’s only one thing standing in the way of our success. Can you guess what it is? Point at yourself. It’s you. It’s me. It’s us.
We set deadlines, create to-do lists, write marketing plans, network like crazy and tell people about our incredible ideas. Nothing else is in the way of getting us to where we want to go, except self-sabotage -- the pesky excuses why we didn’t get something done, telling ourselves mediocre is good enough or believing that huge goal we set is just too big.
The person who created the fake list of excuses is the person standing in our way. We can’t blame our families, upbringing, spouses, kids, circumstances or clients. It’s our fault, not theirs. It’s not because we can’t do the big thing; it’s just because we are afraid of the results.
So, what if you ARE successful? You might make a huge difference? Sounds terrible. Oh, not so terrible, huh? Because making a huge difference is what you’re meant to do, what you were created to do, why you were put on this earth. (Even if it’s a huge difference in one person’s life.)
And I’m pointing at myself while I write this. As I’ve been transitioning my own business over the last two years, I’ve watched others do this and then realized that I too have been putting off the inevitable change. I’ve made excuses. Caused distractions. Staged events that would get in the way of success.
Because I’m terrified of success. Of the overwhelming amount of lives I can change, because I have that power inside of me. So, what if I’m successful? The world might be just that much sweeter because there are other humans out there who are doing what they’re called to do while supporting themselves and helping others. Sounds horrible, huh?
Ask yourself the same questions I’ve been asking myself:
Why am I standing in my own way?
Our pasts have a way of creeping in and being a part of our future. We can be such heavy objects to move out of the way. What do you need to let go of? What words have others said that still fill your mind?
What does success look like to me?
Success can be an ethereal thing unless we define it. Getting clear on your goals is key to know what success looks like. And it can't be a moving target. Will you hit a certain monetary goal? Will you help a certain number of people? Are there smaller successes along the way you can set to get to your big success?
What happens when I am successful?
It can be a huge release to finally hit success, but what will happen you finally get there? Will you set another goal? Will you celebrate? Will you find a new direction? Will you quit?
Because you will be successful if you decide you’re going to be. Get out of your own way and quit with the excuses.
Melanie Spring
As the Chief Inspiration Officer of Sisarina, a D.C.-based branding firm, Spring built her business with a strong content marketing strategy. With an innate sense for social media, connecting with her customers, and building a culture aroun...
Read more
Relax How to Overcome the Fear of Success stories
Certain financial errors can lead to some serious cash flow problems if you aren't careful.
For podcasting to pay off -- have a plan to be different and valuable.
There's a reason it seems like everyone has a business book these days.
Opportunity will find you and your business when you have a strong brand.
Meet the tech company disguised as a cycling brand.
Hiring the right leaders helped this once-buzzy company meet its potential.
Everyone struggles. You're not alone.
Sears had the chance to beat Amazon at its own game. Instead, it closed stores and retrenched.
Entrepreneur Network partner Kelsey Humphreys chats with rapper and entrepreneur Fabolous about his eight keys to sustained success.
You can achieve amazing things if you stay focused on the right things.
You don't have to be a techie to build a website for your business. Here are five affordable resources to get started.
How do you know if you work with a psychopath? Asking for a friend.
Cut unnecessary expenses, save aggressively and visualize how you'll get there. But don't forget to invest in yourself and in relationships with other successful people.
A strong digital presence is the cornerstone of success.
The key takeaway here is this: Sales cures all.
Self-education pushes you to new heights.
Time to get creative.
Work hard, focus on your goals and give back to your community when you have succeeded.
The step-by-step process that one successful entrepreneur used to build a seven-figure business in just one year.
You don't fit in with others. You are single-mindedly obsessed with your own pursuit of progress. Here's why you might be perfect for starting and running a business.
If you just want to get in, make a quick million or two, and get out, entrepreneurship is not for you.
Too many people succumb to the mistaken belief that being likeable comes from natural traits that belong only to a lucky few.
Many of these business leaders wake up early and meditate.
Oprah isn't just a T.V. personality -- she's a businesswoman who grew her brand and worth over decades.
There are a consistent set of factors that lead to startup success and failure
Reading is the only proven shortcut to success.
The co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair products and founder of Patrón tequila shares his best advice for business owners.
Humility is often rewarded with loyalty while boastfulness more often generates resentment.
Close any negotiation, deal and more with these secrets from some of the world's best entrepreneurs.
To succeed, you first have to set yourself up for success.
It only works in certain conditions, but you might not even notice.
You wouldn't have to walk out to the lawn to fetch your package.
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more on the web.
Too many features don’t work right now.
It's 'next phase' of licensing could lead to more 'Secure by Blackberry' phones, tablets, wearables and appliances.
All marijuana legally for sale in Colorado will be deemed medical if the Trump Administration turns against recreational sales legal in eight states.
Taking your company global can be both daunting and rewarding. Here are the steps to take, the mistakes to avoid, and the basics of exporting and importing.
Instant and unlimited image backup is just one reason you should be using Google Photos.
The number of near-misses keeps growing every year.
But each company is already using customer data in ways you may not realize.