Is fear stopping you from starting your business?Before you answer this question, make sure you look clearly at all the common signs of fear. If you think it is something else holding you back from your startup, you might not be doing the right things to get past it.Today we want to look at the common signs that fear is controlling you.Like anything else, identifying the core problem is half of the solution.Is Fear Stopping You from Starting Your Business?Here are common signs of fear that I see every day in startups.What kind of business should I start? Do not know what to do. This statement is a sign of indecision - usually coming from fear. What are you afraid of? That you do not know enough? That someone will laugh at you? That you might have to work?The problem is, you already have tons of ideas - most are right in front of you. They are your calling. To find an idea, go through the calling exercise.Is fear stopping you?How to get past it: Download my ebook on calling. See my example.I do not know where to start? While this is a common question, it is often a sign of fear. You can tell if you stay here too long - then it is fear. There is a ton of information about starting businesses - so fear is no excuse.People usually call me with these questions: What is step 1? Should I get a loan? Should I get an office? Should I get a license? What about an LLC? All of these are fair questions, but not the starting point.Is fear stopping you?How to get past it:The BEST way to know where to start it to find an expert. Find the person who is living your dream and go talk to them. What do I do if I am afraid?Yes, sometimes we can just admit it.Is fear stopping you?How to get past it:What is the fear? What do you think is going to happen? Get clear on what it is you are afraid of. Give it clarity.Read the book by Richard Mack Machowicz, Unleash the Warrior Within: Develop the Focus, Discipline, Confidence, and Courage You Need to Achieve Unlimited Goals. The book has great tools to help you deal with real fear and how to move through it. As he explains, fear is all in the mind. It is an enemy. It keeps you from moving forward. Like all enemies, you either defeat them or will be defeated by them.I do not have the time. How can I start a business without any time? This is a colossal excuse we all use. But realize it is an excuse driven by fear. Could even be fear of work. Is fear stopping you?How to get past it: Decide. Do you really want this? Think about someone busier than you, getting more done. Would that person have the time? Can you think of anyone who manages many things and seems to have better success than you do? (If not, email me, and I will help you) Dedicate a set amount of time just for your business. Find the time on your calendar you can repeat over and over. It might be 5-6 AM. It might be over lunch. It might be at night. Just find the time, schedule it, and go.I am procrastinating This is a classic. According to the physiologists, fear often shows up as procrastination.Is fear stopping you?How to get past it: Set priorities and get focus. Look back at the time issue above. Set some time and make small steps. Do you feel overwhelmed? Get control by getting to priorities. Just fear. Check out How to Recognize and Overcome FearI need a parDale Callahan, Ph.D.Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy SessionDirector of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn

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