Overcoming Fear of Failure: How to Build Resilience as an Entrepreneur
Hola Sunday Morning Coffee-ites! How ya doin’ out there! It’s been a good week here in the Mid Atlantic. I hope yours was as well.
In addition to the actual work I had on my to-do list this week, I also had to take care of some logistics that just, you know, keep the business running. And I had a board meeting this week for my Women Owned Business organization. And I presented a curriculum I’ve written about entrepreneurship to a client. Last week I wrote about the business of busyness, and this week, I thought maybe I’d touch on the business of business. Being your own boss has its ups and downs, and I think it’s the downs that keep folks from taking the leap.
If you’ve ever thought about diving headfirst (or you’re already there) into the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, congratulations! You've officially signed up for sleepless nights, a fluctuating bank account, and a steady stream of "Are you sure this is a good idea?" from well-meaning friends and family. But hey, no pressure, right?
Let’s be real: the fear of failure is *real*—like, gut-wrenching, mind-numbing real. But guess what? You're not alone. Every entrepreneur (yes, even those who seem to have it all figured out) has had to wrestle with that pesky voice in their head whispering, “What if this doesn’t work out?”
Spoiler alert: It might not. But here’s the good news—you can learn to build resilience, pick yourself up when things don’t go according to plan, and *actually* thrive. Let’s talk about how to overcome that fear of failure and become the resilient entrepreneur you're meant to be.
1. Embrace Failure as a Teacher (Not a Villain)
The truth is, failure isn’t the villain of your story. It’s more like that tough-love teacher who gives you a C+ on your paper but then offers killer advice to make it better next time. Every misstep you take is a learning opportunity. You tried something, it didn’t work—okay, cool. Now, why didn’t it work? What can you change? What can you improve?
You’ve probably heard that Thomas Edison quote: “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” He had a very valid point. The next time something flops, pat yourself on the back for figuring out what *doesn’t* work, and move on to the next idea. Edison would be proud.
2. Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
As an entrepreneur, discomfort is your new best friend. Fear of failure often comes from wanting to stay in your comfort zone, where things are safe and predictable. But guess what? Growth doesn’t happen there. All the cool stuff—like breakthroughs, big wins, and new opportunities—exists in the land of discomfort.
So, say goodbye to your comfort zone. Like, permanently. Instead, lean into the awkward, uncertain, and sometimes downright scary parts of running a business. That’s where you’ll learn the most and build the resilience to handle whatever comes your way.
3. Shift Your Mindset from “What If I Fail?” to “What If I Succeed?”
A little fear can be a good thing—it keeps you sharp. But too much fear? It’ll have you second-guessing every decision and scrolling through job listings at 2 a.m. We’ve all been there.
Instead of focusing on the worst-case scenario, why not entertain the idea that things could actually go right? What if that crazy idea of yours takes off? What if you build the business of your dreams? Reframe your thinking to focus on the *possibilities* instead of the pitfalls.
It’s like that scene in every cheesy motivational video where someone stands on the edge of a cliff, takes a deep breath, and jumps—only to discover they had wings all along. You could have wings too. (Metaphorically speaking. Or maybe you’ll end up inventing flying suits? Who knows.)
4. Celebrate the Small Wins
It’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and forget to celebrate the little victories along the way. Did you land your first client? Get a shoutout on social media? Finally figure out how to use QuickBooks without wanting to throw your laptop out the window? These are all wins, my friend, and they deserve to be celebrated.
Every small success builds your confidence and resilience. Keep a "win journal" or just take a minute to appreciate how far you've come. You’ll be surprised at how much these little boosts help you power through when the going gets tough.
5. Surround Yourself with People Who Get It
Entrepreneurship can be lonely, especially when you’re going through tough times. That’s why it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who understand the struggle and can offer support (and maybe a few reality checks when needed).
Join a community of fellow entrepreneurs, whether it’s online or in person. Get yourself a mentor or coach who’s been through the trenches and can offer advice. And definitely keep a couple of friends around who can remind you that everything’s going to be okay—even when it feels like the sky is falling. This is where my WBO organization has been a lifesaver for me.
6. Remember Why You Started
On those days when the fear of failure feels overwhelming, take a step back and remember why you started in the first place. You had a vision, a passion, a drive to create something amazing. That’s what got you into this crazy journey, and that’s what’s going to keep you going.
Failure is just a detour, not the end of the road. Keep your eyes on the prize, and don’t let a few bumps along the way stop you from achieving your dreams.
Final Thoughts…
Building resilience as an entrepreneur isn’t about never failing—it’s about learning how to pick yourself up when you do. It’s about turning fear into fuel, taking risks, and growing from every experience, good or bad.
So, the next time you're facing a setback, take a deep breath, remind yourself that failure is part of the process, and know that you’ve got what it takes to bounce back. After all, entrepreneurship is less about having all the answers and more about figuring things out as you go. And who knows, maybe your next failure will be the thing that leads you to your biggest success.
Now, go out there and show failure who’s boss!
Cheers!
