Let’s face it…being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart! In fact, on some days, we may feel like these guys…
So let me ask you something…what are you REALLY scared to do – right now – in your business?
You know what I am talking about…
It’s that idea, concept or leap of faith that has been rattling around in your mind for weeks, months or even years. It rises up – unbidden and sometimes unwanted – when your unconscious mind is allowed some time and space, but the idea may cause you to freeze or break out in a cold sweat…just like you might do if you were told you had to go do a base jump in a wingsuit!
So this is my challenge…
The next time that “scary as hell” thought rises up…don’t send it off to the corner like a naughty child! Give it some air time…let it float, flip, twist and turn for a while. Resist the urge to pull your ‘chute and let that idea free fall, gather speed and take form. Every time you feel like backing off…ask yourself this question:
“What is the worst thing that could happen if I say YES to this idea?”
Ask it again and again and again. Play out all of the “worst case” scenarios that your mind can conjure up about the “scary” idea…don’t shut yourself down.
What most people find, as they let this play out, is that the idea really isn’t that scary and that your fears – once given some time and space – really aren’t that bad after all!
Why is this so important? That idea, concept or leap of faith that won’t go away is likely EXACTLY the next step you need to take to allow your business and your life to go to the next level – yet you are allowing shadowy fears prevent you from moving forward and allowing them to maintain the status quo and keep you playing small.
So take a deep breath, slip into your “wingsuit” and go for it!
Phil Dyer
America’s Entrepreneur Strategist™
Phil
I love this! “What is the worst thing that could happen if I say YES to this idea?” is such a great question to ask yourself.
And I love this – “let that idea free fall, gather speed and take form” – what a beautiful concept.
Also, I have to remind myself…progress not perfection!
Thanks
Trudy
Trudy – Progress, not perfection…absolutely! I think we are often scared of playing REALLY big and of becoming who we are called to be. We also think that we have to do all of it “right now”…
Steady progress, constant action and being true to who you are is most important.
Phil
Phil — WOW! Awesome post! And that video had my stomach up in my throat!
What a perfect parallel to what we do as entrepreneurs!
I am definitely in the mode of testing the limits of my flight suit these days and it is definitely a rush!
I absolutely love what you say here — so profound and so right on the money.
There seems to be a theme across the blogs I have read this week: listen to your inner voice, that little idea that glows with excitement if you really allow yourself to look at it. That is exactly what you need to focus and make your next step in your business.
Don’t banish the thought — “take a deep breath, slip into your “wingsuit” and go for it!”
Jessica – Agree totally…great themes this week. Being open to that inner voice, as long as it is coming from a place of expansion and not from fear or contraction.
As a long-time entrepreneur, I still feel like I am flying in a wingsuit most of the time!
Phil
Love it!
These guys are nuts~ I guess that is what some people would say about us as entrepreneurs.
Being an entrepreneur certainly is an adventure!
Thanks for sharing the inspiration Phil
Laura – I think “nuts” is relative
…
They are clearly very experienced, have done their homework (“scouting the line”) and have faith in their tools and equipment.
I think that is a great lesson for entrepreneurs – prepare, have the proper tools and trust in yourself!
Phil
Thank you Phil. Reading your post reminded me I need to hire a support team as my business is expanding and it’s insanity to think I can do it alone.
Joanna – Go for it! Having the proper support team in place for your business will help you move that much faster!
Phil
Wow, that was awesome!
I thought they were crazy, too! But, very inspiring.
I loved the assertiveness of your article. I’m really at a point of moving forward and getting past the “fear” of doing it wrong.
Melody – Thanks for your transparency! The most important mantra that I repeat time and again is “Progress, not Perfection”. A direct corollary to that is “Better done than Perfect”.
I think so many entrepreneurs get paralyzed by thinking everything has to be completely perfect before we can release it to the world…
Phil
Phil,
I saw a documentary on these guys and I was amazed. As someone who is afraid of heights this bravery (or maybe craziness) impressed me. And, yes, it does feel similar to the challenges, elements of the unknown and faith that entrepreneurs must have to succeed.
Blessed to share the journey with you.
Write on!~
Lisa
Lisa – Just think how one of them would feel if they had to write a top level press release or long format sales letter!
Phil
I saw this documentary as well…. these guys are crazy! I don’t know if I would try this but I have no problem stepping outside my comfort zone and that’s what it’s all about. Thanks for the inspiration!
Christine – In the time that I have been connected with you…you have been routinely stepping out of your comfort zone! Keep up your great information for us tech challenged folks!
Phil
AWESOME!! I want one of those suits!! Did you try that, Phil?? I’m going to Google them to find out more… I also love what he said at the beginning, that at first they wanted to get out away from the rocks but that got “boring” and they looked for more and more new and exciting things to do — exactly like being an entrepreneur and breaking into new ground, expanding the possibilities ALL THE TIME! I am so inspired! ♥Katherine.
Katherine – I have jumped out of airplanes a number of times (jump school in the military and about 15 sport parachute jumps), but this is an entirely new level!
This is on my bucket list of things to do…
Phil
Fabulous! I love the idea of asking “what is the worst thing that could happen?” The worst thing I always come up with is that I might die. I’ve done lots of scary things and I haven’t died yet! Thanks for sharing!
Ellen
Ellen – Continually asking this allows your inner critics/gremlins to exhaust themselves with all of their doomsday scenarios and then allows you to make a decision from a place of clarity as opposed to nameless fear…
Phil
I saw this on TV not long ago. Always have wanted to fly, this would be it, I think! Wowzers! If you are a flyer, you have learned how to conquer fear, seems to me…
Sue Painter
Wow! How cool! I’ve never seen anything like that video before!
Great tie in with your blog. It really makes you realize that fear
is not real and we can overcome them.
Thanks for the experiential blog post!
Linda
Phil,
Thanks for the inspirational post and clip. Nothing like some outside the box thinking to the extreme.
HAHA! That was trippin! Playing at the top of your game can feel like your living on the edge on a prayer. Great video and article of pulling out all the stops and just going for it.
Dr. Robert Fenell
Phil,
Seems like lately I am having to step out bigger than ever and it can be SO scary. Love the visual…just glad I don’t have to step out that far:)
Kiyla