Trust #30 - Facing (and Fearing) by Dan Andrews

Greatness appeals to the future. If I can be firm enough to-day to do right, and scorn eyes, I must have done so much right before as to defend me now. Be it how it will, do right now. Always scorn appearances, and you always may. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trusting intuition and making decisions based on it is the most important activity of the creative artist and entrepreneur. If you are facing (and fearing) a difficult life decision, ask yourself these three questions:
1) “What are the costs of inaction?” I find it can be helpful to fight fear with fear. Fears of acting are easily and immediately articulated by our “lizard brains” (thanks Seth) e.g. what if I fail? what if I look stupid? If you systematically and clearly list the main costs of inaction, they will generally overshadow your immediate fears.

2) “What kind of person do I want to be?” I’ve found this question to be extremely useful. I admire people who act bravely and decisively. I know the only way to join their ranks is to face decisions that scare me. By seeing my actions as a path to becoming something I admire, I am more likely to act and make the tough calls.

3) “In the event of failure, could I generate an alterative positive outcome?” Imagine yourself failing to an extreme. What could you learn or do in that situation to make it a positive experience? We are generally so committed to the results we seek at the outset of a task or project that we forget about all the incredible value and experience that comes from engaging the world proactively, learning, and improving our circumstances as we go along.
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1) I am not going to list all here, I have already done that in my journal. I will summarise by saying that it is clear to me thst the benefits of moving forward with a business of my own, wifey my own strategies and objectives far outweigh the fears. The biggest fear is that I am taking on something way too big for me to accomplish on my own, but maybe that me and I have to use the support of some smart people to really get going!
2) I want to be someone who is dependable. I want to be trusted. And I want to be independent. I am not currently all of Rhodes things. In fact, at this particular moment sitting here ts morning drinking my tea, I see that I am not any of those three things. Better get cracking on this business plan.
3) Failure could still result in me lining what it takes to start my own business. I maybe have gaps in thst knowledge (else why did I fail?) but I would have added to my own knowledge of what it takes. I also would have a better understanding of my own skills and strengths. This is of benefit when trying to match up to a company for employment.