How to get rid of fears: 12 tips from young entrepreneurs

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Listen to music, think about the pleasant moments in life, or just count to five.

1. Identify the source of your fear

“This will help analyze the real problem. I recently got my scuba diving certification to overcome my fear of getting stuck underwater, says Diego Orjuela, founder of Cables & Sensors. “Having identified my fear, I saw that its source was completely irrational.

When faced with fear or difficulty in business, I also look for the source of the problem. Usually the fear is unfounded. After that, I can overcome it and achieve my plan."

2. Don't delay

Waiting is usually more anxious than the task itself. For example, you need to impress a challenging customer. And the outcome of the case depends on this. Schedule an appointment at the earliest possible time. Of course, within reasonable limits. This will leave you less time for fears and worries.

I apply the Don't Wait rule to almost all things that scare me.

Zev Herman CEO Superior Lighting

3. Change your expectations

Most are very nervous about. Relax and understand that the stressful situation will pass and in the end everything will be all right.

“Remember that you have prepared and that the audience really wants you to perform well,” advises Chris Van Dusen, head of digital agency Parcon Media. - Nobody dreams of your failure. The listeners have come to learn what you already know."

4. Imagine the worst case scenario

For entrepreneurs, this is usually awkwardness, wasted time, loss of position or money. All of these options are not fatal. Every successful entrepreneur encounters them along the way.

For many people, the worst case really means something very bad. But for those with their own businesses, the results are unlikely to be disastrous. Listen to advice, collect data, think carefully, if you are doing the right thing. And if you are still in doubt, imagine the worst-case scenario.

Vik Patel Head of Cloud Platform Future Hosting

5. Turn your fear into excitement

“I believe that the fear of the unknown and the feeling that you are standing on the edge of an abyss are the moments that most affect my development as a person. Choose carefully which risks you are willing to take, advises Bryce Welker, founder of Crush The PM Exam. - Because there is no point in taking risks that will not bring significant benefits.

If you are confident that the risk is justified, try to turn your fear into excitement. This is not difficult because the two feelings are very similar. This approach to frightening situations is energizing. You may even start craving those moments. It happens to me."

6. Accumulate failures

“Before, I didn't finish projects because I was afraid. Now I'm trying to accumulate failures,”says Colbey Pfund, co-founder of LFNT Distribution. “I don't enjoy failure. But the more I try, the more chances that I will succeed. You can't always hit the target, but to ever hit you have to try many times."

7. Decide what action to take immediately

“Usually I'm afraid or nervous because I'm not sure about something and I'm worried about the result,” says Kalin Kassabov, founder of ProTexting. - In this case, I try to look at the situation objectively and understand what can be done right now. This makes me feel more confident.

It is not always possible to fix the problem right away. But there is usually something that can be done to move towards the goal. For example, looking for information, calling someone, buying a new instrument, or deciding to abandon a deal. The main thing is to do what you can, and not to sit back."

8. Control your body language

Certain manners and facial expressions will easily betray your excitement. To prevent this from happening, study your body language beforehand. Record yourself on video and see which gestures you repeat most often.

When you control facial expressions and demeanor, you appear more confident and less anxious. You will know that the face will not betray your thoughts. Others will find it harder to figure out what's on your mind.

Jared Atchison co-founder of WPForms

9. Listen to music

Sometimes this is the best way to calm down and incorporate positive thinking. “Before presentations, I love listening to upbeat music,” says Chris Christoff, co-developer of the MonsterInsights plugin. - Easily build a playlist of songs that inspire enthusiasm and confidence. Or you can tune into a radio station in Pandora for a specific song."

10. Visualize good memories

“A meditation teacher suggested a trick that I have used a lot since then, especially before public speaking. First, I think back to my happiest moment,”says Marcela De Vivo, an entrepreneur and marketing consultant. - I represent smells, sounds and sensations. Then I remember when I felt very confident. Again I render as much detail as possible. Then I imagine the shape that makes me feel happy and secure, and its color. I mentally stand on this figure, and happiness and confidence surround me. It helps to quickly deal with fear."

11. Count from five to one

“Give yourself a shot before tackling a tough job,” advises Adrien Schmidt, creator of Aristotle software. - Count from five to one, and off you go. Don't think, just do it. You will feel much better. I always use this trick before meeting a potential client or public speaking. Works every time."

12. Scroll the situation in your head

Fear and anxiety are often triggered by the unknown. It doesn't matter what you need to do: give a presentation or acquire a new business - it's still scary that you will forget the main thing or fail.

In such a situation, I deliberately replay every action in my head. If I need to speak to investors, I tell myself that first I will go into the room, look into the eyes of those who come and smile. Then I will shake hands with each investor, distribute text materials to everyone. I will calmly walk to the center of the room and thank everyone for coming. Etc.

Brandon Stapper Founder of Nonstop Signs

Imagine each small action in sequential steps. Then you no longer have to be afraid of the unknown.