Fears

This week forced me to do a lot of self-reflection.  Some of this was in conjunction with an assignment and some of it was out of necessity.  Both resulted in decisions that will benefit me in the now and some in the future.  It was a painful and difficult process to make those decisions but I feel like they were the right choices.  

The assignment that forced me to self-reflect was "Deconstructing Your Fears."  I had to list my biggest fears associated with a particular action, in my case, starting a business.  I then listed some strategies to overcome those fears and a way to recover should those fears become realized.  Below are my fears.

Here are some observations:

1. If you pursue your calling with discipline, intentionality, and the help of fellow travelers, what are the chances that your worst case scenario will really happen?   

Anything is possible, but the likelihood of my worse fears being realized are greatly reduced as I seek the help of others, create a solid plan, and have the support of those who matter the most.

2. As you look at your list of fears, what themes emerge?  What is at the core of what you really fear? 

I believe that the core of my fears comes from disappointing people around me and disappointing myself.  As I learn more about myself and my abilities, the only way I can disappoint myself or others is either by not giving forth my best effort.  As long as I give 100% and continue to progress, I will be successful.  

3.  What is the risk of taking no action - not following your calling?  How do you plan to deal with fear when it pops up on your entrepreneurial journey?   

The risk of taking no action is by default a failure.  While it seems safe to not take a risk or to put yourself out there, it also guarantees no chance of success.  As these fears creep into my though process, I have to remind myself that it's okay to be scared.  It is by overcoming our fears that we learn and grow the most.  I am ready for that growth.  

The other situation that required me to self-reflect and make some difficult choices was my educational path.  As I have taking classes toward my chosen degree of Business Management, I realized that it wasn't really what I wanted to do.  I didn't really have a desire to dive deep into financial accounting, statistics and economics.  While I want to be a business owner, I have no desire to run a corporation and determine preferred stock dividends.  This realization has led to a change in majors and course of study.  The end goal is still the same...get a degree.  

This week has been exhausting with all of the self-reflection and decisions that were made, but it was a good one.  I feel good about my choices and the discoveries I have made.