Question – I have been thinking of leaving my job and starting something of my own for the past 2-3 years now. I have a great idea, a detailed plan and believe it should work. However, the thought “What if my venture fails” stops me from taking the first step. How to overcome this block to launch it?
Answer – What you are facing now is the “fear of failure”. This is the primary cause that stops people from living to their potential. While this fear arises due to various factors that need to be addressed to eliminate it completely, one of the tools that can be used to overcome this fear is called “What if …/ So What …”!
The way to use this tool is to put down all the “What If” scenarios that create nervousness or anxiety in your mind with respect to a decision to be made or a step to be taken. So in this specific example, different scenarios could be –
“What if I don’t receive the funding on time!”
“What if my idea is already implemented by someone else before I launch it!”
“What if my idea fails!”
“What if I don’t get the ROI in the first few years!”
“What if my family doesn’t support me in this decision!”
“What if I disappoint everyone around me!”
“What if I make a fool of myself!”
“What if I fail!”
Now, for each “What if” scenario, Apply “So What” and attempt to challenge the scary thought answer that question with the many possible choices you have to address that thought. Let us take an example —
What if – “What if I don’t receive the funding on time!”
Q – So what if you don’t get funding on time?
A – I might not be able to launch my business as planned
Q – So would that mean you could never launch it?
A – Actually no, I could look at other funding opportunities or just delay it until I find a better one or start discussions with a few investors beforehand and have a back up or I will try to advance the timelines within which I need to secure the funding or be realistic with setting timelines keeping this scenario in mind
Q – So do you think this scenario is really the end of the world?
A – Actually not, and I see I do have so many choices
There are endless possibilities!
So you see for every What if, there are innumerable choices that you have to make it work.
The bottom line is that your identity and existence is not dependent on the success or failure of any step that you take in life. You are above and beyond the circumstances and situations that you might face during your life and the outcome of any decision you take!
With this new tool, you can now proceed and face the “What ifs” more confidently and head-on.
If you need help to address your challenges and overcome the fears that are stopping you from moving forward towards your dreams then I would be happy to help you.
You can set up a call with me at
www.engage2transform.com/appointment
Would be happy to support you in reaching your goals!
Do use this tool and let me know what do you think – or if you know of any other effective tool that has helped you overcome the fear of failure, then please do share it for the benefit of others!
I help leaders find joy & purpose @ work by building a Winner’s Mindset, Financial Freedom and Job Satisfaction!