Can we talk for a minute about Fear? Fear shows up in business all the time. Not the kind that screams—but the quiet kind that whispers:
- “What if I fail?”
- “What if I’m not enough?”
- “What if I lose everything I’ve built?”
Fear often disguises itself as logic, caution, or planning—but at its root, it’s False Emotions Appearing Real.
Let me tell you about Tom, a contractor in his early 60s, running a $5M specialty trade business. When we first met, his biggest fear? Letting go. He’d built his company with grit and sweat, but now he was tired—and fearful that without him, the business wouldn’t survive. He delayed hiring key leaders, avoided succession planning, and turned down growth opportunities.
One day, Tom said: “If I take my hands off the wheel, it could all crash.”
We worked through that. Slowly. Empathetically. Practically.
We mapped out a plan to build up his team, shore up his margins, and transition responsibility. Tom learned to lead without being the only one in charge. Six months later, he took his first two-week vacation in years—and the business ran just fine without him.
Tom’s fear wasn’t real. But his courage was.
If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or afraid—it’s okay. You’re not alone. Fear visits everyone who carries the weight of responsibility.
But fear doesn’t get the final say. You do.
What’s one fear you’re ready to face today?
