Does It Ever Get Less Scary?
“Does it ever get less scary?”
That was the question a new friend asked me over lunch yesterday. He was talking about owning your own business—that wild, wonderful, terrifying journey we entrepreneurs sign up for.
I didn’t even have to think about my answer.
“No. It never gets less scary,” I said with a smile.
But here’s the thing: you do get better at living with the fear.
The Truth About Fear and Entrepreneurship
Fear is part of the deal. It shows up when you’re about to launch something new. It taps you on the shoulder when you’re making a tough decision. It sneaks in during quiet moments, whispering doubts about your big, beautiful plans.
But fear isn’t the enemy. Fear is proof that you care. It’s a sign you’re doing something meaningful—something with stakes. And honestly, if there’s no fear, is the dream big enough?
Here’s what I told my friend: Fear doesn’t go away, but you can learn to see it differently. Instead of reacting to it, you learn to acknowledge it, work through it, and keep moving forward. Because at the end of the day, this is the price we pay for building businesses that matter.
So, What Do You Do When You Feel the Fear?
Name It.
The first step is recognizing the fear for what it is. It’s not the truth, and it’s not the boss of you—it’s just a feeling.Shift Your Perspective.
Instead of asking, “Why am I so scared?” try asking, “What does this fear mean I care about?” Often, it’s a sign that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and into something amazing.Stay Off Social Media (and the News).
Fear loves company, but not the good kind. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, resist the urge to doom-scroll or check the news. These are breeding grounds for hopelessness, not solutions. Instead, seek out people who will help you problem solve—not the ones who agree with you that the sky is falling.Get Grounded in Community.
Fear thrives in isolation. Reach out to your people—friends, mentors, or your coworkers at CoHo. Talk it out, share the weight, and let others remind you that you’re not alone.Take the Focus Off Yourself.
If you’re really stuck, here’s a secret weapon: stop thinking about your own fear for a moment and go ask someone else how you can help them. Shifting your energy toward service not only builds connections but also reminds you of the bigger picture.Take the Next Step Anyway.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s taking action despite it. Pick the smallest step forward and take it. Fear hates momentum.
Building a Life Worth the Fear
Let’s be real—if we wanted comfort, we wouldn’t have signed up for this whole “building our own business” thing. But that’s what makes it so worth it. We get to create something that impacts the world, provides for us financially, and aligns with who we are.
That’s the dream. And fear? It’s just a passenger on this ride—not the driver.
So the next time fear shows up, remind yourself: It doesn’t get less scary. But you’re stronger than the fear. You’ve got this.
Let’s Chat
What’s the scariest decision you’ve made in your business lately? I’d love to hear how you’re navigating it. Drop by CoHo and let’s talk—over coffee, fear feels a little less scary. ☕