Do you suffer from a "Failure to Launch" or a fear of failure? Is self-doubt and a lack of total confidence holding you back from reaching your goals in life? Watch this video to discover the ONE thing that will guarantee you to fail... and read on for 7 simple solutions to the things that keep you from achieving success!
Schedule a private strategy session, join my group of serious action-takers and let me help you personally, or follow my own niche success blueprint from start to profit. Whatever you decide, take action today! π
I recently asked my friends and business peers, "What's the #1 Fear you've had to overcome as an entrepreneur, or one you're still working on as you work toward your business goals?" Here are the Top 7 Fears that came up in those discussions... and simple solutions you can apply TODAY.
1. My Idea Is Not Unique / The Market Is Too Saturated
A common concern is that "it's already been done" or there are already too many __ (fill in the blank!) on the market already. You might ask yourself, "Who would buy MY cupcakes when there are so many other places to buy cupcakes already?"
Fact: there IS more than one of everything.
When you go to buy toothpaste for example, there's an entire wall of toothpaste to choose from! That doesn't stop people from buying the one they want.
How many books do you own on any given topic? I'm willing to bet you have more than one on any topic that interests you. I do. How many blogs do you read on topics that interest you - more than one, right? Of course! The same could be said for apps, ebooks, software, PLR content, or pretty much anything. Would you agree?ο»Ώ
There isn't much that hasn't been done already.
Ideally you'll bring something fresh to the market - whether that's your unique personality, viewpoint, or a creative angle. Or simply: better marketing. π
As for "the market is too saturated" - you can toss that one out too...
A competitive market will actually work to your advantage by providing more leverage, more affiliate programs, more potential JV partners and affiliates, more places to do content marketing, etc. More is good.
2. Is This A Waste of Time (or Money)?
Often when you're getting "invested" in something, doubt will creep in on you and you'll start second-guessing your decision. If you stop mid-project, everything you've invested WILL be a total waste. Period.
You might ask yourself, "What if this is a total flop?" or "What if someone else gets to market with this idea before I do?"
Either of those scenarios may very well happen. So what? Once you have a finished product, you have a whole new set of options regardless of what happens by then. You might partner with the competitor, repurpose the idea into a different format or delivery method, make it better - or simply market it better.
There are always options. Unless you quit. π
3. I'm Not An Expert / I'm Not Qualified Enough
These doubts are rooted in low self-esteem or a lack of self-confidence. And in some cases, it's rooted in truth. That's okay! You need to power through it anyway. You'll gain confidence and your self-esteem will improve when you start making progress.
My approach has always been to "learn as I go". My last real job (back in the 90's) was as a Unix Sys Admin. I had zero Unix experience. And actually, hardly any computer experience. But I really needed a job, and I wanted an office job.
I pretty much bluffed my way through the interview, and sure - I had a hit of anxiety about even being able to DO the job, lol. There were 21 manuals to the system, which I snuck home one at a time and studied (they might as well have been written in Greek! lol). I did learn the job though, simply by applying myself and being consistently dedicated to mastering it, and it turned out I was great at it!
It was just a matter of wanting the job bad enough, and wanting to KEEP it bad enough. Which was good motivation! π Consider what you really want, and how bad you want it, and commit to powering through to make it happen.
As for blogging, I've found that being a "non expert" is often better.
With my niche blog at TravelingLowCarb.com for example, I *am* my target market. I'm one of them. It started out as a journey we (my readers and I) took together - I was simply "leading". I really ENJOY my work AS my target market. It's much more fun than being "an expert". I can simply be myself with no real pressure, and share what I learn and experience along the way.
Fact: Most "experts" are self-titled experts.
Decide who you're going to be, what you're going to do, and dive into it head first. You'll figure out everything you need to know as you go.
4. "I Can't Do Video / Public Speaking"
First, you do not have to do video or speaking to be successful in business.
The beauty of an online business is that there are a variety of mediums for sharing content, and you can simply choose what works best for you.
If you really want to do video, but the thought of it gives you an anxiety attack, start by doing practice videos you have no intention of publishing. It's a great way to learn, to get more comfortable in front of a camera, and practice the technical bits.
My first radio interview made me physically ill. I aced it and became the weekly feature. The first time I got on stage to teach, I thought I would black out from anxiety. I spoke at their next 6 events in a row. I still get a sick nervous feeling when I host live webinars - even after doing it for years. I suck it up and do it anyway.
If these are things you want to do, power through and just do it. If they are NOT things you want to do in your business... don't. Simple as that!
5. What If I Make The Wrong Choice or Pick The Wrong Niche?
The great thing about choices is that you can always change them. Start with one color and change it to another, start with one tagline then revise it later, etc. Your business will grow and evolve with you naturally, and you can make the necessary changes as you go - as you realize what works and what doesn't (for you specifically).
While it's smart to pick the right niche from the start, most people don't. It's not the end of the world.
ClickNewz used to be purple. My business model has changed dramatically. I've started a lot of things along the way and then ditched them, or turned them into something different. Just go with the flow - stick with what works and drop what doesn't. Of course, you won't know what works and what doesn't until you actually DO something...
6. Getting It Wrong - And Facing the Consequences
As I mentioned in the video, you should always ask yourself: "What's the worst that could happen?" Some things carry big consequences, or they seem to, and it might cause you to procrastinate out of concern.
We'll use Taxes as an example. The consequences for "getting it wrong" can seem pretty bad in some cases, lol. But more often than not it's just a matter of a paperwork hassle and then following the steps to resolve the problem. Worst case scenario you might owe tons of money and have to make payments toward the tax debt. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
Obviously you should seek professional counsel on legal and financial matters, and have your ducks in a row. Use a little common sense, but don't let fear hold you back.
If you make a mistake, you can fix it. And you WILL make mistakes. Get used to it. Do it right if you can, step in and fix it when you need to, and continue on...
7. I Hate Selling. I Don't Want To Be Pushy or Sell.
You and I are sitting on the beach and I'm getting eaten alive by invisible little bugs (sand fleas!). You happen to know the best product to keep them from biting me - or the best spray to relieve the itching and redness - but you bite your tongue and don't tell me about it. So I sit there and suffer, and ultimately go ask someone else.
How rude is that? π
Most people think selling is rude, but actually it's rude NOT to sell. Or rather, not to tell your market about things they really need or want. You don't have to be "a big red headline" about it (unless that's what works with your market). You can simply share solutions, or tell them about great finds and sweet deals.
They'll THANK YOU for it!
Definitely read this: Do You Avoid Making The Pitch?
Is "Being A Perfectionist" Holding You Back?
I'll throw this one in for good measure as it comes up a lot in my conversations around the web. If you're a "perfectionist"... good for you! I failed miserably at it myself, and gave it up many years ago. π
File>Edit and Edit>Undo are now two of my best friends. (lol)
If you really struggle with this one though, and tweak things to oblivion to the point that you never get them "done & out" - you should read this about perfectionism. It will totally change your perception of "being perfect." π
The Worst Case Scenario Exercise
As I mentioned in the video, my favorite thing to do is a "Worst Case Scenario" exercise. I write out all the absolute worst things that could possibly happen (or go wrong) if I move forward on an idea or a project.
Obviously the worst thing that could happen if you do NOT move forward is... nothing! If you don't "launch" you won't see ANY success at all. No traffic, no sales, no success, nothing. Worse than that, you could just end up with a lot of wasted time and/or money and nothing to show for it.
^ That really puts things in perspective, right? π
The act of writing down your worst fears can help you look at them from different angles. It allows you to analyze them for validity, and come up with potential solutions. It's a great way to be prepared, and to avoid disappointment, as you'll have a logical "next step" in place.
Give it a try! Look at a project you haven't completed, or you've been stalling on, and ask yourself WHY. Then analyze the answers you come up with.
I find this to be an extremely helpful exercise when I feel "stuck" or have some hit of fear or anxiety associated with a task or project. Even better is to turn to a trusted source - a mentor or community - and ask for feedback. Sometimes a fresh perspective, or a different set of eyes can make a world of difference!
I hope this helps you push through and get past some of the things that have been holding you back, or maybe just slowing you down a bit. You're not alone. I've been through all of this myself at one time or another - and some of them even still.
The difference between those that succeed and those that don't is not luck or skill or magic. People who do, do. People who don't, do not. And the people who DO, make mistakes and have fears. They just do anyway, and revise as they go. π
*cheers*
Best,
Schedule a private strategy session, join my group of serious action-takers and let me help you personally, or follow my own niche success blueprint from start to profit. Whatever you decide, take action today! π
About Lynn Terry
Hi Lynn,
Your video came at a perfect time. I'm sitting here trying to talk myself out of doing a video I know will not take me that long to do; in fact I could have already had it done by now.
Thanks for the nudge to get moving.
Glad to hear that, Monna! π
One of the things I've found...
... is that the fear of failure often manifests itself through negative self talk.
We try to talk ourselves out of things we should be doing.
When this happens we tend to get really creative.
We come up with the most insane excuses. About why we should scrap the project. And go hide in the corner.
With a cup of tea. And a neat little fiction book.
On the contrary, something that I've found that works well for overcoming this.
Instead of coming up with all sorts of reasons for not doing it ...
... sit down, and spend a couple of minutes brainstorming reasons why you SHOULD be doing it.
After several minutes of doing this, you'll feel boosted.
And then you can use those reasons and talk yourself INTO finishing it.
Lynn, Great Article! Really rocks as it hits the logical conclusion of every issue... don't listen to your negative subconscience, instead, read this article! π Good one!
Thank you, Wendy! All said and done, we are the one thing that holds us back the most. It's really all about "getting out of your own way" as the saying goes. Easier said than done, right? π Yet... it's truly simple!
I would give anything to go back in time to my startup days... and have this conversation with MYSELF. Wow. I can only imagine how much faster I would have achieved my goals if I would have learned to "power through" much (much!) earlier. π
Lynn, what camera are you using for the video? It really looks good.
Thank you, Wayne! I'm using a Canon Vixia. You can see my setup and all my hardware / software here: http://www.clicknewz.com/3224/video-editing/ I love the Canon Vixia for ease of use - very newbie friendly (meaning: it works great "in auto"). π
At home I've started using a webcam - the one I mentioned in this post: http://www.clicknewz.com/9726/buy-a-web-cam-video-lighting/ and LOVE it for low light videos on my PC. It's inexpensive and very small & portable. Does great HD quality video and has multiple mics for quality audio.
Lynn,
This one is a keeper and timeless wisdom.
Your gift of delivering reality in an organized and positive way continues to shine bright.
Fear of looking bad and/or fear of "more work "can linger and I know your examples will be very helpful to many.
Nice...
Mike
Thank you, Mike. π
Lynn, this video and post really hit home for me. I have been finding excuses for months - actually years - to start my online business, and I think you listed all of them.
Tomorrow I am having a serious talk with myself to make a plan to accomplish my goal. I have all the tools, including my Elite Membership, so the only obstacle is me.
Thanks for the kick in the behind!
Shawn
Hi Shawn π
After you do a little brainstorming, come into the private brainstorming group and let's brainstorm on it together! Two heads are always better than one. π I'm happy to work with you on solutions and "best next steps" moving forward!
I have fear just like everyone else but I DO it anyway. At some point I recognized exactly what you said 'Those that DO, succeed!'. And the past 2 years I have pushed through some HUGE barriers. It helps you grow, it builds your confidence and like you say, it's never as bad a your mind makes out π
With my online business, I won't stop until I reach my goal but I think you really have to be driven. That's like anything in life though. If you REALLY want it, you will do whatever it takes to make it happen. Great post Lynn. Thanks π
You bring up a great point, Jedha - about building your confidence and gaining momentum along the way. The thing that makes it so hard to get started, is the exact thing you gain by DOING it. π
I've really enjoyed watching you build your business and power through the different levels as you went along. You're an inspiration to so many others!
Another good post Lynnβmy favorite one on your list is βMy Idea Is Not Unique / The Market Is Too Saturated.β This can stop A LOT of people dead in their tracks. I ran into this with my consulting firm as well. Hereβs three points I used to get rid of that negative self-doubt (sabotage) bologna.
β’ Your product is not for everyone (and thatβs GOOD)
β’ You only need X number of sales to reach your dollar goal for the year (for me it was 100)
β’ Build a tribe
I realized that Iβm not competing against the Dan Kennedys or the Jay Abrahams (or the Lynn Terrys) in the consulting field. I discovered what my USP (Unique Selling Proposition) was and I unleashed my USP in all my marketing pieces. My USP attracts a certain client. I quickly discovered, that even though there are more consultants than one can shake a stick at, not many consultants focus on helping one discover a USP. I built a business around teaching small business owners how to discover their USP then how to unleash their USP in all their marketing materials. So no, my product is NOT for everybody, and I dig that.
Doing the math, I realized I donβt need thousands of clients a year to obtain my financial goal for this portion of my business. I only need 100β100 a year out of nearly 22 million small businesses in the United States. Thus, all I need to do is find 100 people to serve with my talents and YAHTZEE! Iβm golden. 100 out of 22 million is NOT that many, and Iβm finding that they are easier to attract than I expected. Good times, fuzzy bunnies.
Finally, build a tribe. My marketing, and my writing attract equally as much as it repels. Iβll give you an example. If Iβm speaking in a room with 100 people in itβ50 are conservative and 50 are liberal. If I say something like, βLiberal politicians are crippling America with their constant handouts. Government handouts donβt help and they donβt make your future better. You want to better your futureβ¦better yourself!β
After saying that, 50 people get up and leave the room (and probably give me the finger in the process). But the other 50β¦the other 50 just fell in love with me and agree with me and will listen to and like pretty much everything else I have to say. You see, I repelled the ones who wouldnβt buy from me anyway. Good riddance. But I just created a strong bond with 50 people, and odds are they will remain loyal clients for a long time.
Youβve created a strong tribe LynnβKudos to you.
Cheers!
Lynn..thanks for your post..I just finished reading "Stop Worrying and Start Living" (highly recommended) which also mentioned the Worst Case Scenario exercise. No 1 also resonated with me as I was wondering if I should relaunch my product which hasn't sold well thinking the market is too saturated and the product is not unique enough. Well I've decided to give it another go and redo the sales page/video. Nothing will happen if I don't move forward. Wish me luck:-)
Good luck, Herman! π It's usually more about product positioning & targeting, so that's a smart choice. I'll look up that book too, thanks for mentioning it!
Thank you Shane. π Great points and a great addition to the discussion! I love your approach. π *cheers*
Excellent topic Lynn. I think that the fear of failure is something that holds many people back. Sometimes it is necessary to just take the leap!
There's SO much power in "taking the leap" or taking risks. π
Precisely because of its rhetorical nature, one of the questions I find very helpful to remind myself of =
"Whose permission do I think I need?"
Although often, that question does lead me directly to make some inquiry of my Wonderful Bride of 25 years. I generally invite her input, because most of the decisions I make through the day involve us both in some way.
Anyway, whose permission do you think you need?
I like that, Malcolm. π Along with "What's the worst that could happen?" - "Whose permission do I think I need?" is a GREAT question to ask yourself!
Hey Lynn,
Great video and great post. I think the take away for me was the lack of self confidence when I was just starting out online, you know the "Why should anyone listen to me anyway? I ahve no experience?"
If you have watched the IM niche for any amount of time you will discover that many pitches are based on the "I failed for so long before I finally discovered..."
That "failure" was the very experience that so many have needed to finally figure things out online and get started in something solid and cut through all the get rich quick stuff that one easily falls into when first looking to make an income online.
If you can get through that then believe me, you have some experience! Use it, leverage it to help others so they don't have to wade through all of that as well, or at least for not as long before they start to build a business of their own.
Great post, and an inspiration for how easy it is to take a generic topic and make an interesting video about it.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video, Jen. π That reminds me of a quote I shared on my Facebook Page earlier this week:
"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." -Michael Jordan
This is so true for me for many years.
Growing up I always wanted to start my own business adventure, but was always afraid of getting one started due to lack of support or other insecurities. You have such an amazing way of just putting things out there and telling things like it is. It's good to hear the truth from time to time.
Thank you Tony! π I'm glad to see you did it ANYway. Good for you! That's often what has to happen - you simply have to push through the mental blocks and questions and just GO FOR IT. π
This is great, actually I can relate myself on so many points on your article. I was afraid of starting something on my own and always had a fear of failure. But after starting my first company few months back, I understood that all it needs to start is courage and discipline and rest of the things will come and go. A strong heart, patience, consistency and a learning habit is very important for doing something new.
Really enjoyed the way you shared your experiences on this post and actually it is inspiring me a lot to believe that I can also do. Thanks for motivating me. π
I'm so glad you found the tips & video inspiring and helpful. I agree that's definitely what it takes. I always say the two biggest ingredients are being consistent and persistent. Everything else will fall in place!
Thanks for that reminder Lynn, you've been my idol way back when I started in 2001.
If it wasn't for positive friends like you I would have gave up trying years ago π
Roy Fielding
I'm glad you didn't give up, Roy! Wow, 2001 - time flies, doesn't it? In February I'll be celebrating 18 full years in business, and just started my 11th year blogging. π Here's to more success, pushing through more fears & barriers, and continuing on! *cheers*
Thank you Lynn Terry. Every word you written in blog make me think what I am doing right and also each word telling me go do the right way.
Great reminder and well said.
It's TIME for evaluate and TAKE ACTION
LynnTerry,
A perfectly timed post. This month I'm doing two challenges that are really challenging my inner world. Thoughts are just thoughts, but we give them so much power, especially if they are of the negative kind.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to learn to swim. I sat at the side of the pool wishing I could swim like all the other kids. (age 8) One day, I just decided to jump in and GO! (not advisable) I learned to swim that day.
That kind of spirit exists in me somewhere. I get stronger the more I push myself past what my mind says. (Even past what people expect of me)
Just hit the red button - is my new power phrase - a reference to Periscope, as that is a challenge I'm putting myself through this month. Each day I make a broadcast I get nervous, scared, and doubt my abilities, BUT, all I have to do is hit the red button, chat a bit, and it is done.
What was I so afraid of?
That's such a great question, Sara: "What was I so afraid of?!" - the more you ask it, the more empowered you will find yourself every new time you are faced with a fear or a hit of uncertainty. π It's true we tend to give negative thoughts more power (over our actions and reactions) than we do to positive thoughts. The crazy way of human nature! lol...
I wonder why that is?
Children are so happy over minor things like finally being able to pee in the big potty. ^_^
We should learn from them.
Jump up and down when we get shares on a post we worked hard on.
Woo Hoo when an influencer mentions us on Twitter.
Pat ourselves on the back when we complete a project to the end.
Watch little ones, we can learn so much from them.
Great message. And it has been said, "Courage is not the absence of fear. It is recognizing there is fear and doing the "thing" anyway."
Life is far too short to live in the space of fear.
I love your practical advice. If you try you really can't fail because you get feedback from what works and what can be improved on.
I like that bit about courage, Kathleen - so true! There's something incredibly liberating about facing your fears! π
Such a timeless issue, Lynn! And I have come acorss it at a perfect time for me, when I am sitting and fretting about going live on Facebook, launching my courses and what not - thinking that I will mess it all up - lol. So I am definitely going to do this writing down my fears and worst case scenario exercise.
Dealing with fear logically is the best advice I've received. In fact, I have been telling my mother about it today, and I am the one who needs to do it! Maybe I was trying to convince myself? π
I think the main reason behind my fear is to come across as incompetent because of stumbling on camera. What I could do is to admit that I am at a beginner level as far as FB live is concerned and am still learning. That would take a huge burden of responsibility off my shoulders to do everything without a flaw.
'Flawless' will never happen with me (does it even exist?). There are only varying degrees of competence and confidence I think, and all I have to do is work on mine and do the best I can in the time I am in.
Thank you again for your advice - I needed it today! π