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Founders and Fear
“Am I the only one who is terrified, worried that I don’t have what it takes or will make the wrong decision?” “What if we don’t raise the needed funds, how will I find the cash?” I can quote hundreds of more questions just like these, but here is a simple truth; being a founder is scary as hell.
The entrepreneurs that succeed aren’t fearless. Instead, they’ve learned to dance with fear. They accept that it is an ever-present companion, a shadow that follows them step for step. They don’t try to hide from it or push it from their consciousness. They accept it and recognize it is part of the journey.
Fear and its close cousin worry serve a purpose. Understanding that will help lessen the grip they can have on you. They are your protectors, guardians against complacency and stagnation. It might be nice to contemplate a time when you can catch your breath and relax. However, that is a pipe dream as fear and worry won’t allow it.
The unfortunate thing is that we don’t talk about it enough. I feel as if we attach a stigma to fear. We create a false narrative that being scared is equal to being weak. That is bullshit. Being afraid and moving forward despite that is the definition of courage.
What drives me crazy is that almost every week I have at least one conversation with a founder about fear and the isolation that it causes. They feel…
