Fear in Business: Why Discomfort is More Important Than Failure

Most entrepreneurs fear failure. They spend a lot of time thinking about the reasons why their startup won't succeed, which keeps them from pursuing their dreams. This fear, however, is not about failure itself; it's about discomfort. It's the discomfort of telling others that you failed, coming to terms with the outcome, and hearing the word "no".

The article argues that embracing discomfort is more beneficial for business success than glorifying failure. It suggests that "embracing failure" can be dangerous for first-time founders because it leads to a sense of complacency, preventing them from taking steps to mitigate risk and minimize the chance of failure.

Getting Comfortable with Discomfort

The key to becoming comfortable with discomfort is to practice it in low-stakes situations. This way, you can build your "discomfort muscle" and prepare yourself for the challenges that come with starting a business.

Five Exercises to Build Your Discomfort Muscle

The article provides five exercises that can help you overcome discomfort and boost your confidence in the business world. These exercises can be applied to any business, regardless of size or stage.

• Ask for feedback on your business idea. This helps you develop a thick skin and get valuable feedback from experts and potential customers.
• Get someone to pay you money for something. This exercise encourages you to overcome the discomfort of selling and develop a valuable business skill.
• Ask for a comment. By personally reaching out to a reader and asking for a comment, you can improve your communication skills and practice asking for feedback.
• Ask for a Tweet. This helps you get more exposure for your business and practice asking for social media support.
• Try to get a discount on a business app. This exercise encourages you to be resourceful and negotiate with potential vendors, potentially saving money for your business.

Building Confidence Through Discomfort

The author concludes that being comfortable with discomfort is a common trait among successful entrepreneurs. It's not something you're born with but a skill that can be learned and developed. By mastering discomfort, you can open more doors for your business and achieve greater success.

Takeaways

The article offers valuable insights into overcoming fear and achieving success in business. Here are the key takeaways:

• Fear in business is often rooted in discomfort, not failure.
• Embracing discomfort is more beneficial for business success than glorifying failure.
• There are various exercises you can use to build your "discomfort muscle" and prepare yourself for the challenges of starting a business.
• Learning to embrace discomfort is a crucial skill for any entrepreneur, regardless of experience level.