Get Out of Your Own Way— How to Overcome Your Fears When Starting a New Business

Starting a new business is a DAUNTING experience. It's natural to feel anxious and afraid. After all, there's no guarantee of success, and the stakes are high. 

Don't let your fears hold you back! 

If you have a dream or a passion project you want to pursue, go for it!

When I decided to start Karrie Out Loud, I knew it wouldn't be easy. There were so many unknown factors and things that could go wrong. That was scary! 

Throughout the process, I had to face my fears head-on. Through trial and error, I learned how to overcome my self-doubt and persevere even when my most intrusive thoughts threatened to hold me back.

In today's article, I'm giving you my tips for managing your anxiety, overcoming your fears, and getting out of your own way.

Face Your Fears Head-On

Are you afraid of the dark?

Many people are, and that's nothing to be ashamed of. It's a very rational fear. 

It sounds silly on the surface, but this fear goes much deeper than being afraid of poorly-lit rooms. 

We're not afraid of dark corners. The fear comes from the possibility of what could be lurking in that dark corner. When you're home alone after watching a scary movie, that pile of laundry may start to look a bit sinister. Overcoming that fear is as simple as turning on the light. 

What I'm trying to say is that 99% of the time, your worst fears/intrusive thoughts only exist inside your head. Pulling the sheets over your head doesn't solve the problem. The metaphorical monster grows bigger and bigger in your imagination until you confront your problem and realize the solution is more manageable than you thought.

Acknowledge Your Fears

Acknowledging your fears is a bit different than facing your fears. That's because sometimes acknowledging your fears is even harder to do. 

If you know what you're afraid of, you can turn the lights on and check for the monster in the closet. But what can you do if you aren't able to fully articulate your feelings of dread, unease, and worry?

Those of us living with anxiety know that fear and anxiety are difficult to separate, and it's even harder to define the roles these feelings play in our lives. If you missed my previous article, "Fear VS Anxiety— What's the Difference," give it a read! You'll gain a deeper understanding of how our bodies process and utilize these emotions.

Here's a Practical Step You Can Take: 

Write down your fears and concerns about starting a new business. Once you have them all listed, analyze each item. Ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen?" but also, "How likely is it to happen?" 

Acknowledging stops you from dwelling on the great unknown and helps you actualize rational solutions.

Take Baby Steps

Starting a new business is a huge undertaking. The big picture is overwhelming AF. Break down your goals into small, achievable tasks. This will help you stay focused so you don't feel like you're drowning. 

Take comfort in the knowledge that you can't build a successful business overnight. Rome wasn't built in a day. 

Celebrate small wins, then move on to the next task at hand.

Focus on What You Can Control

Even if you have a fantastic, business-savvy idea— starting your own business is always a gamble. Many factors can affect the success of your business. Some of which are beyond your control. 

Market fluctuations, buyer trends, and cultural preferences are constantly changing. 

Rather than worrying about things you can't control, focus on what you can control. This includes your attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn and adapt. Don't waste your energy worrying! Focus on solving the problems within your control.

Prioritize Self-Care

Starting a business is stressful (understatement of the year). You're burning the candle at both ends, but don't feel like you can afford the "luxury" of taking a sick day.

Don't forget— it's important to take care of yourself! Make time for exercise, hobbies, and spending time with family and friends. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you stay focused and motivated.

Surround Yourself with Good People

Going out on your own as a female entrepreneur is a lonely journey at times, so it's essential to surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and your vision. 

When I started my company, I had my doubts. But ultimately, I found guidance and reassurance from the bad-a** women I'm lucky enough to call my friends, family, and colleagues. They encouraged me to believe in myself and ignore the intrusive thoughts that were holding me back. 

My number one piece of advice for you lovely fempreneurs is to seek out mentors and advisors who have been down the same path before and can offer their guidance. (like new program, The Leap - my brand new business mentorship/coaching hybrid program)!

Final Thoughts

When starting a new business, don't let those pesky fears hold you back. By facing your fears head-on, taking baby steps, surrounding yourself with positive people, focusing on what you can control, and practicing self-care, you'll be able to overcome your fears and build a successful business. 

Remember, it's okay to make mistakes along the way. It's all a part of the learning process. 

Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey!