Conquering Fear in Business

I was recently asked by Melissa Bolton to contribute to her ‘Inspiritment: A collection of affirmations from the web’s most encouraging virtuosos” for a really wonderful program she’s doing on her website to offer free articles and advice to women who are starting their own online businesses. It was quite flattering to be considered an “encouraging virtuoso.” Though I don’t think of myself this way, I do try to ensure that my columns are helpful advice with uplifting messages.

I don’t wish to take anything away from Melissa’s wonderful website Designer Brands, but I thought it might be good to include this content on my personal blog as well. Please note the Marianne Williamson quote at the bottom refers to God. While I prescribe to the notion that it’s unwise to talk religion or politics in a public forum, I thought this might be a good time to let you know that I consider myself to be a spiritual person. While I do not subscribe to any one belief system, I definitely believe in God, or what I like to simply call Something Bigger and Greater Than Me.

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Conquering Fear in Business

by Jen Cushman

One of the most difficult parts of being a successful business woman is handling  self-doubt. Self-destructive thoughts, such as “am I good enough?” or “am I smart enough” or even “am I talented enough” are bound to loop through our brains. This seems to come most often when we are spending our hard-earned savings, or worse, a credit line to purchase the multitude of things one needs to begin a business.

I have found that shaking these negative thoughts is imperative because one cannot go confidentially in the direction of her dreams when riddled with fear and doubt. Instead of giving into these destructive thoughts, I change my perspective, reminding myself that what I’m doing is following my heart, my passion and my purpose on this earth. Where I put my focus is what I create.

For example, when I feel fear rising inside of me because I’m worried about not having enough money, or not making a looming deadline, I take a couple of deep, cleansing breaths and visualize the positive outcome I wish to create. I dream the bigger dream, and hold that thought in my heart and mind. Then I immediately go to work, completing the physical steps necessary to make that positive outcome my reality to the best of my ability. It takes some time and training to master this visualization technique, but it’s been so helpful in getting me through the bumpy spots of my business.

When I first decided I wanted to become an artist, author, designer and educator, a friend of mine shared the following Marianne Williamson quote with me. Her powerful words gave me strength. I hope they do the same for you: