I missed a huge opportunity for learning back in 1999, because I was so busy trying to ‘do it right.’ And those missed opportunities taught me how to turn my fears about business and leadership into courage and powerful actions.
I signed up for a leadership course that was a yearlong process through The Coaches Training Institute. I was a young whippersnapper but had been through other leadership training and felt like I was ahead of the curve. Hilarious, because a real leader doesn’t think that way.
There were many opportunities for us to speak ‘on stage’ and facilitate the group. I was so busy trying to do the exercise right and worrying about how I performed that I missed the queues to improve my leadership skills.
If I could do it over again, I’d be hungry for feedback to create learning for myself. I’d be eager to be present, do my best, and trust that it would work out.
Instead, my fear was running the agenda and I felt totally uncomfortable when I was standing in front of my peers. I wasn’t having fun and my results proved it.
Every profitable decision I’ve ever made started out feeling uncomfortable.
Increasing my pricing.
Speaking on bigger stages.
Launching new programs.
Hiring help.
Asking someone to be my client.
None of them felt natural at first.
My bottom line increased because I stopped letting fear make my decisions.
These days, when I’m stretching out of my comfort zone, I ask for as much pertinent data — feedback, input, masterminding and help — as I possibly can. I ask powerful questions about the things I’m wary of or need more expertise. I admit my ignorance or fears on the subject at hand so that I can transform it into knowledge and results.
You may find yourself sulking back into your comfort zone when instead you really want to stretch. Maybe you want to offer a new service but you don’t know how it would all come together. Maybe you want to expand your business by hiring a team member or mentor but your lack of money gets in the way of taking the next step.
Take on the fear. Untangle the old stories, reality and intent. Face what is so, and let that drive you into a passion for taking on the task or dream with excitement and vigor.
Become a masterful questioner of those who have gone before you. Pick your mentor’s brain about how they achieved success and stayed sane.
Go to your leading edge and feel the thrill of the ride! Go big but prepare with facts, strategy, and intent.
What are you avoiding that you know would shove you into a higher profit set point?
- Even if you failed at this very thing before, are you willing to be a detective and scout out solutions to make it work for your business?
- Who can you ask for help, mentoring or expertise?
- What if you laid your butt on the line and told others that you are going for the dream and backed it up with action?
The thrill of business is letting each setback or the feeling of procrastination inspire you to do something even better.
The experience of doing something you’ve dreamed of, even when it seems outrageous to your ego mind.
Your Inner Business Expert knows it’s possible otherwise you wouldn’t have been given the inspiration to articulate the desire.
I urge you to do something today to transform your fear into power. In turn, you’ll watch profits increase with your enthusiasm for the dream in progress. This is where the juice happens!