Many people dream of starting their own business but too few actually take the necessary steps to make their dream a reality. The most common reason is fear of failure.
If you are wrestling with the fear of failure think about these two quotes from The Great Big Book of Wisdom by Brian Tracy:
“Most people achieved their greatest successes one step beyond what looked like their greatest failure.”
“Failure is an absolute prerequisite for success. You learn to succeed by failing.”
Chances are if you’re currently employed your employer has lived through and experienced the sacrifices, inconveniences, and uncertainties involved in starting and growing a business. The owner of the company you work for probably had reservations and fears about starting their business but instead of being paralyzed by fear they stepped out on faith facing their fears while making their dreams come true. During the business start up stages risks were involved. At some point your employer faced quitting a job to invest time and money in their business. If they had to do it over, I’m sure that they would gladly do it again.
Here’s something to think about, if your employer allowed fear to keep them from starting their business you wouldn’t have a job (at least not at the company you currently work for).
What is the difference between you and the person that started the company you work for? Why were they able to start their business and live out their dreams? Why do you dream of starting your own business but continue to work for them and further delay the manifestation of your dream?
Are you concerned with job security and a steady paycheck? Reality check: when you work for someone else there is no such thing as job security and a steady paycheck. Sadly, many people find out the hard way that their fancy job titles, years of service, and hard work mean little in times of corporate changes such as downsizing.
Are you worried about maintaining your lifestyle? Reality check number 2:
Your lifestyle is already suffering if you’re trading your time, energy and dreams for employment.
Are you questioning if you have what it takes to be a successful business owner? Reality check number 3: Your mind is your greatest creative tool. Your thoughts create your reality. If your thoughts are tainted with doubt, fear, and disbelief your behavior and life will reflect those thoughts.
Not everyone is cut out to be a business owner. If everyone was a business owner there would be no employees to help run and operate businesses. The question is do you have what it takes to successfully run and operate the business you dream of starting. If the answer is yes, prepare to start your business and face your fears.
Success is doing what you love and loving what you do. Success is being happy and living life with no regrets. Success is about doing the best that you can with what you have. Success is being you with no pretenses or pressures to conform to someone else’s idea of success.
If you work some where that sucks the life out of you and causes you to put your dreams and goals on the back burner…no need to fear failure you’re already failing.
If you spend your time and energy toiling for a company that over works you, under pays you, keeps you away from your family, doesn’t respect its customers or employees and only cares about cutting corners and costs, and can at any given moment decide to lay you off…you have already failed and have nothing to lose by taking a chance on experiencing success.
Stop talking yourself out of the pursuit of happiness. Conquer your fears. Start the business you dream of. Take an active role in making your dreams come true. Your employer did and they turned out just fine, so much so, you’re living their dream and not your own.
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