How the Fear of Failure Can Manifest for Entrepreneurs

Jeannette highlights several ways that fear of failure can manifest in entrepreneurship. Two major forms are the fear of starting and the fear of pivoting when something isn't working. Another key failure factor is the reluctance to lose the comfort and support of familiar people. Jeannette points out that your original startup team may not be the right fit for your company's current stage. She asks her clients, "What do you have to give up to grow?" This prompt helps entrepreneurs make bold decisions for their business, even if it means letting go of team members. Other common failure factors include indecision and the "blame game," both of which block growth and prevent entrepreneurs from learning from failure.

Rewriting Your Story as an Entrepreneur: Shifting from Fear of Failure to Growth Mindset

Our mindset shapes the way we approach challenges. Ivy and Jeannette emphasize that the stories we tell ourselves influence our actions. "We're always telling ourselves stories," Ivy notes. These narratives can either propel us forward or hold us back. Jeannette encourages clients to ask, "What's the worst that can happen?" and confront their fears head-on. Reframing the fear of failure allows entrepreneurs to move past limiting beliefs and adopt a mindset that fosters growth.

Self-awareness is key to overcoming fear. Jeannette asks her clients, "Whose story is that? Is it serving your goals, or is it holding you back?" Rewriting your narrative around the fear of failure is a crucial step in embracing a growth mindset and taking action.

The Power of Small Steps: Accountability is Key to Entrepreneurial Success

Kali and Ivy share how their fear of failure led them to take safer paths, avoiding high-risk (but high-reward) opportunities. Kali explains that her fear blocked her from seeing opportunities in the market to launch her hair care product. "Fear is the lens through which we see the world," she says. While fear protects us, an exaggerated fear keeps us stuck. Recognizing this allows entrepreneurs to shift their mindset, enabling them to take bold actions.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure: How EMDR and EFT Help Entrepreneurs Take Bold Risks

Accountability is essential for overcoming failure and achieving entrepreneurial growth. Jeannette recommends entrepreneurs join accountability groups to help them stay focused on their goals. Ivy adds, "We can oftentimes get caught up in being busy without really being busy on the right things. It is the illusion of progress." Entrepreneurs can fall into the trap of doing a lot without moving the needle forward.

Jeannette also advises testing ideas on a small scale before fully committing. Gathering early feedback helps refine ideas, ensuring they meet the needs of your target audience. Don't wait for perfection. Take action, learn from the process, and use those lessons to adapt and grow.

Embracing Failure as a Steppingstone to Growth and Success

Jeannette and Ivy both agree that failure isn't inherently bad. "Failure in and of itself is not a bad thing. It's just a step on the path," says Ivy. Rather than fearing failure, we should embrace it as part of the learning process. Failure provides the opportunity to adapt, grow, and move closer to entrepreneurial success.