Chapter 1: Understanding Fear in Entrepreneurship

Embarking on the journey of self-employment often brings about feelings of uncertainty. While entrepreneurship can be intimidating, I frequently discuss strategies for managing that fear during my coaching sessions with creative professionals. Lately, I've found myself engaged in numerous discussions about differentiating between two types of fear: the "scary good" fear that indicates you're progressing towards your aspirations, and the "scary bad" fear that signals a misalignment in your current situation.

To illustrate this, let me share a story that encapsulates these concepts. (Rest assured, the details are anonymized and drawn from a blend of my client interactions.)

Meet Nia, a talented graphic designer eager to expand her service offerings. She created a landing page on her website to promote a new service — enhancing resumes and CVs. After crunching some numbers, she realized that if she could attract just six new clients each month, she could earn an additional $2,000. Initially, there was significant interest when she invited her clients to trial the new service, but six weeks later, no one had made a purchase.

Nia found herself waking up at 3 a.m. filled with anxiety. Having cleared her schedule to accommodate this new venture, she was now struggling to manage her finances. Fear consumed her.

This brings us to the distinction between scary-good and scary-bad fear.

When Nia first introduced her new service, she actively reached out to both current and past clients via email, posted updates on LinkedIn, and sought referrals from her community. Throughout this process, she felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. While she was passionate about the idea, she also worried about its potential failure. The prospect of offering something new felt both thrilling and vulnerable, embodying the essence of scary-good fear. This type of fear signals a deep investment in your goals and the acknowledgment of vulnerability.

As I often remind my clients, experiencing this kind of fear is a clear indication that you're on the path to your aspirations. If you didn't care deeply about the outcome, fear wouldn't manifest. It’s a rational response to venturing into uncharted territory. Self-reflection, calming techniques, and managing your nervous system are essential during these times. Such fear is a natural byproduct of taking risks.

However, six weeks into her journey, Nia approached me, feeling overwhelmed. This was the scary-bad kind of fear. Despite her efforts, the new service had not gained traction, leading her to spiral into self-doubt and anxiety. These feelings were entirely understandable under the circumstances; yet, deep down, she sensed that something wasn't right. The longer she clung to her original plan without making adjustments, the more financial strain she faced.

Scary-bad fear arises when you have a gut feeling that something is off. In my recent mastermind group, we encountered a similar situation, which I detailed in a previous post. Unlike scary-good, which is rooted in excitement and vulnerability, scary-bad emerges when you recognize that the current path is unsatisfactory.

It's important to clarify that scary-bad isn't inherently negative; it serves as a signal from your inner wisdom that a change is needed. This type of fear shouldn't be merely accepted or managed; it calls for action and a shift in direction.

For many, scary-bad manifests physically. While scary-good often leads to overthinking, scary-bad presents itself through tangible symptoms. For instance, I tend to develop a muscle knot from clenching my jaw during stressful times, while Nia experienced nausea.

After an extensive conversation, Nia decided to take her feelings of panic seriously. She adjusted her pricing strategy and focused on a different target audience. With these changes in her marketing approach, she finally started to gain momentum. Additionally, she took on supplementary work while allowing her new service time to develop, instead of expecting immediate financial success. Nia discovered that reducing the pressure on her new offering could, paradoxically, increase its chances of success.

Many of us grow up believing that fear signals something is wrong. However, that isn't true in every scenario! Fear is a standard component of entrepreneurship. I've yet to meet an entrepreneur who doesn't experience some level of fear. Elizabeth Gilbert often discusses the concept of fear journaling; each morning, she allows her fears to express themselves in her journal for five minutes before moving on. To her, fear is an integral part of the creative process.

Thus, rather than questioning whether fear is appropriate, we should inquire about what it signifies. Is it merely a reaction to the unfamiliar? (That’s scary-good.) Or is it your intuition indicating that a pivot is necessary? (That’s scary-bad.) Understanding the nature of your fear empowers you to take action.

Today, I encourage you to reflect on what your fear might be communicating. Is it a typical response to a new experience? Or is it wise feedback indicating a misalignment?

Only you can determine the answer to that question.

xo,

Jenni

Curious about my background? I’m a writer and business coach based in Central Oregon. I balance my professional life with raising two young children and have recently become fascinated with non-linear business growth strategies, guiding individuals to create successful businesses that prioritize human needs.

This is an excerpt from my free newsletter, Mindset Mastery. Explore my coaching services, follow me on Twitter & Instagram, or download my complimentary business plan for creatives!

Chapter 2: Fear and Its Implications

Exploring the dual nature of fear sheds light on the entrepreneurial journey.

In the video "Creepy Tik Toks You Should Not Watch Before Bed," we delve into the chilling aspects of fear and how it can impact our decisions, especially in creative fields.

The video "Try Not To Get Scared - Scariest Horror Movies Of All Time!" provides insights into how fear can also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation in our lives.