Fear is good. Fear is energizing. And you can’t move forward without it.

OK, I’ll admit it – I first heard this notion put into words by none other than Sarah Jessica Parker. She was being interviewed on WYNC by Leonard Lopate, and he asked about her upcoming role in a theater production. I don’t remember what the play or her role was; in fact, I don’t remember anything else about the interview. But I clearly remember her saying that she makes it a practice to take on at least one role each year that terrifies her.

That struck me as a bold and fantastic idea, and it has stuck with me. Rather than avoiding situations that create fear, some people actually seek out those situations. Imagine considering fear as a reason to do something rather than as a reason not to do it – fear as an entry in the pros column rather than the cons.

For entrepreneurs, the benefits of this approach are huge. Most steps worth taking are at least somewhat scary. For many, launching a business in the first place is fraught with an array of fears – everything from losing face to losing a nest egg.  Recognizing those fears – whether rational or not – doesn’t mean giving in to them. In fact recognizing them is the only way to avoid letting them rule your decisions, business and otherwise.

When I started my business, teaching writing to lawyers, I wasn’t especially comfortable as a public speaker. (Okay, I hated it. It gave me serious anxiety.) But I wanted to teach legal writing, and leading group workshops made sense. Of course, I’ve gotten more comfortable with public speaking over time, but I still get a bit nervous before, and sometimes while, presenting. But what I don’t do anymore is get nervous about the fact that I am nervous.

In fact, I’ve gotten pretty friendly with my fear. I take it as a sign I’m alert and on my toes. And then I pretty much just ignore it. I’ve learned that I can keep it to myself, and show a more confident side of myself, even when that’s not the whole story.

Whether you are launching, running, reconceiving, downsizing or expanding a business, make friends with the fear that you’ll inevitably experience. Invite it in, tell it to pull up a chair. It’s not going anywhere, so you may as well.  Hell, offer it a drink. Sarah Jessica would, right?

-Dianne Rosky
Rosky Legal Education
@roskylegaled

***This was Best Business Tip #52 . Read the other 99 Best Business Tips.***