Overcoming Performance Anxiety
If you perform for an audience as a musician you’ll know well that managing our nerves and our fear is a key part of successful performing that all performers are both accustomed to and have come to expect.
Similarly every entrepreneur I have ever asked has acknowledged that as an entrepreneur they have had to come face to face with their fears, master them, and push on through to reach their goals.
Facing Fears As A Music Entrepreneur
Every entrepreneurial journey, is like a rollercoaster, both alarming and thrilling, packed with ups and downs.
As a Music Entrepreneur, you find yourself navigating an exciting labyrinth of unexpected twists and turns every day, tussling with the uncertainty that your decisions might spark.
While this can be a tad daunting, it also serves as a powerful catalyst to ignite that spark of determination within you.
Reframe Fear as attention focussing tool
Studies underscore fear as a key psychological barrier for many entrepreneurial leaders.
However, overcoming this hurdle isn’t about eradicating fear completely. Rather it is about harnessing the power of fear and transforming it into a tool that drives success.
Whether it’s a fear of failure or apprehension of the unknown, mastering these emotions is an essential part of the entrepreneurial journey. Don’t worry about being scared; it’s part of the process. Just keep moving forward.
As they say: ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’
Let’s explore seven common fears entrepreneurs often have to face and how you can turn them into stepping stones for success.
- Fear of Making Mistakes
One thing many entrepreneurs have in common is the fear of failure. In fact, a Global Entrepreneurship Monitor study cites this fear as a key factor inhibiting entrepreneurial action. But remember, setbacks and mistakes are inevitable and often valuable. Embrace these as opportunities for growth, developing a robust Plan B as a safety net, and you’ll find the confidence to keep striving towards your goal.
- Fear of Change
Change can be daunting – our brains are naturally predisposed to resist it. However, change is also the catalyst for innovation and progress. To overcome a fear of change, evaluate the situation objectively and embrace the potential for growth that lies within change.
- Fear of Taking Risks
Running a successful business requires taking risks. But remember, each risk also represents an opportunity. Overcoming this fear involves gathering as much information as possible and making informed decisions. Accept that there are no guarantees, but that the calculated risks you take are all stepping stones towards success.
- Fear of Uncertainty
Uncertainty can be a daunting aspect of entrepreneurship, given the difficulties it poses for planning. Yet, being an entrepreneur means believing in your ideas and being willing to take the leap. To overcome fear of the unknown, focus on factors within your control. Use your observations and experiences to guide your decisions, propelling you forward.
- Fear of Not Being Good Enough
Feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy can be challenging to combat. However, remember that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and even perceived flaws can be valuable assets. To overcome feelings of inadequacy, focus on your unique skills and abilities. Embrace that you, like your business, are a work in progress, and that’s perfectly okay!
- Fear of Letting Others Down
Disappointing loved ones can be a big fear, but remember, it’s your path to pave. You owe it to yourself to pursue your dreams and build a life you love. Communicate openly with your loved ones about your journey, your challenges, and your commitment to achieving your dreams.
- Fear of Success
Surprisingly, success itself can be a source of fear for some entrepreneurs. However, it’s important to trust in your abilities to manage your growth and delegate as necessary. Every success story, even those that seem to happen overnight, is built on a foundation of gradual growth and adaptation.
It’s important to remember, every fear you face as an entrepreneur is an opportunity in disguise, a chance to learn, grow, and become the successful entrepreneur you dream of being. Harness these fears, transform them into stepping stones, and watch as your entrepreneurial journey unfolds towards success!
Acknowledge your Fear
Its best not to be in denial. We all have fears even if we don’t readily acknowledge them. They sometimes take the form of that chatter in the back of our head that says we can’t do it.
Fear is a huge issue that prevents many people from allowing themselves to become successful entrepreneurs.
I heard from the CEO of a real-estate based network marketing company recently that even though he has people packing out company seminars, that maybe 2-5% of people will actually go out and apply the knowledge by putting offers on real estate.
He is convinced that the rest are paralyzed by fear.
Here are some of the techniques entrepreneurs have shared with us:
- Think about what you do want. When you find yourself spinning the wheels in your mind over and again about your worst case scenario, turn it around and focus on what you DO want. Visualize yourself getting what you do want. See the new house. See yourself talking to the interested person as they become a part of your business. You get what you focus on.
- Change the voice. When you hear yourself telling you that you’re not good enough – you’re going to fail. Find ways to quieten that voice, offer yourself encouragement and keep going. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- Voice them to a trusted friend or associate. Hopefully you have been able to find some level of support from at least one other entrepreneur. You need some kind of support network from your team, upline, or corporate that you can talk to. Some people may tell you it is silly, you could even believe that you’re not good enough. However, don’t go looking for support from all those people who doubted you and told you it was crazy to go out on your own. They will never understand the entrepreneur.
- Have a personal development library. I draw tremendous support from my library. It is not just filled with how to resources, but also stories of others who conquered their fears.
- Get help and mentorship. It really help to work in a group, and with mentors to help you choose your direction and find your way. Such support is priceless and immensely valuable.
For many people the key to success is joining an entrepreneur programme that specialises in the area they are working in.
The right tools, advice and company can be the secret to a much easier and more successfull path.