Facing fear … by giving fear a face

Fear is an interesting animal. It can cripple you. It can trigger your primitive fight or flight mechanism. Both are counter productive. So what is a better way to deal with fear?

Many founders struggle with fear. A start-up is an emotional rollercoaster. Many founders are better in dealing with the technical challenges than with the emotional ones.

Fear is hard to grasp. It lingers through your body. It takes your thoughts hostage and makes knots in your stomach. Fear can build and become bigger and bigger and spiral out of control. To quote Seneca the first century Roman philosopher: “We suffer more in imagination that in reality”

A first step is to get a grip on fear. By giving fear a face. Make a drawing. Practice arts and craft. Visualize the fear. Look at it from different angles. How does it feel, smell? What’s the texture, sound. Describe it, feel it, discuss it with others. Give it a face. Now you can start facing fear.

Facing fear give you lots of options. It is now a known entity with a clear identify. You can treat it as an object that you can observe, influence and maybe even control. It allows asking questions such as:

· What is the worst possible outcome?

· How do I prevent this from happening?

· If it happens, what can I do?

and many others.

Fear will not disappear. You can be comfortable with that. You can say to yourself: “I am afraid and that is OK”. It is being comfortable with being uncomfortable — perhaps one of the most important traits of an entrepreneur.

Like entrepreneurship experimenting makes sense. Start with the small fears: Swimming. Public speaking. Networking. Writing. You know what those are. Give it a face and start experimenting by doing. Often the hardest part is just getting started. This builds confidence. Process works.

Some fears come from lack of skills. Skills can be acquired. Learn them. Ask for help. Find a coach or trainer. Somebody to hold your hand. It does not have to be complicated. Just do it.

Fear will not disappear. It can be a productive emotion. Don’t let it destroy you. Make it your comrade. Nelson Mandela spoke the following words after 27 years in prison: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”

May fear be with you.