Cold calls. Marketing materials. Writing a business plan. These are a few items that may be part of your new life as an entrepreneur, and they may be among the things that make you quake with fear. You are not alone. If you are going for a new job, or lifestyle, chances are fear is a steady companion. Thats a good thing fear indicates that you are trying something new and important to you. Fear will be part of the journey. Its how you manage it that determines your success, and how much you enjoy the ride. How do you get a grip on fear so you can make progress?
A wise teacher taught me that we do not get rid of fear before we do something, but that we go into the situation with the fear. I had confessed to her that I wanted to act, to be on-stage, but that I was afraid. She said Take the fear with you. The next thing I knew, I had auditioned for a play and landed the lead. I had never felt such happiness, and fear, which went with me to every rehearsal and performance. I survived, and learned in the process that I was capable of enormous strides when I did not let fear stop me from trying.
Remembering this has helped me innumerable times. It is something I point...