Facing the Scaredom

Imagine trying a marketing tactic that you haven’t seen people use.

Imagine offering a new client something different than what they asked for, risking getting rejected, because you think you’ve read their deeper motivation.

Imagine having the difficult conversation with your client, the one you’ve been putting off.

Imagine thinking your idea isn’t going to be understood by most people.

Imagine being accepted to a coveted role, taking the lead and daring new practices.

Imagine facing an ethical dilemma and risking being misunderstood by your friends who benefited from stability and predictability.

Imagine discouraging a client from hiring you just so you can get to a conversation about what they really hope out of a successful engagement.

Imagine launching a product that does less than all the other products in its category.

Imagine delegating to someone new, and entrusting a large project on their performance.

Imagine taking extra time, on a tight deadline where everyone’s rushing, to think more slowly to discern the right next move.

Imagine changing your website for a new edgy service offering.

Imagine playing a game that risks leaving you misunderstood.

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You won’t be competing with most people for those scenarios, because most people never face that place of discomfort. And you know those scenarios are more likely to give you a boost than to make you perish.

If your idea isn’t making you at least a little scared, might as well imagine the version that will.