Fear is not a word that is associated with entrepreneurship. Its antonym, fearlessness, often anoints a list of favorable entrepreneurial traits. Yet, show me an entrepreneur who has no fear, and I will argue that this is an entrepreneur who is either not pushing him or herself or the organization forward or is an entrepreneur who is failing to identify the inherent risks of their actions correctly.

In my profession, I work with many entrepreneurs. Our relationship starts with a focus squarely on growth. However, as trust evolves and deepens, inevitably, the discussion begins to include their struggle with fear. Seeing the confusion in their eyes when I first tell them that being afraid is good amazes me. That fear signals an entrepreneur taking action and pushing past their comfort zone, either personally or professionally. 

We do our entrepreneurs a disservice when, as a society, we vilify vulnerability. When we force our entrepreneurs to suppress feelings of fear, doubt, and anxiety, there are only two possible outcomes: neither is good for the business nor the individual. The first is stagnation. The status quo is known, and an entrepreneur who does not want to confront fear, doubt, or anxiety will seek its comfort. They will avoid risk and fail to take action. Grasping at the known poisons the well of growth. 

The other result is something we see far too often: founder stress and burnout. Internalizing fear, doubt, and anxiety is a heavy burden to bear. What options exist when their existence is frowned upon, viewed as a weakness, or counter to good entrepreneurial behavior? None, so they are suppressed and manifest themselves in high blood pressure, insomnia, and a myriad of other stress-related afflictions. 

Let’s be honest. Fear is around every corner. There is the fear of not providing for all those dependent upon you or making a wrong decision. There is being afraid to disappoint investors, friends, and family. Business is scary! What is wrong with accepting that as a fundamental truth and outing the fear, doubt, and anxiety that faces any conscientious entrepreneur?

Vulnerability is human, and to demand that anyone not display that very human emotion is unfair and untenable. We should not be concerned about an entrepreneur’s being afraid. We should be worried when that entrepreneur is unwilling or unable to push through that fear. I like entrepreneurs to be scared but not paralyzed by that fear. I encourage them to take the needed action and push through their fear, doubt, and anxiety. They should lead an organization through the unknown and drive it forward. That is true entrepreneurship!

I run my own business, am an entrepreneur, and have sleepless nights and moments of stark terror. But I won’t cower, nor will I retreat. Instead, I push past that comfort zone and move onward.  

One last point. Don’t face fear alone. A trusted advisor, coach, or peer is vital. If I can help at all, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can be scared together.