Every entrepreneur dreams of changing the world, but the fear of falling short can be paralyzing. I know I have fallen guilty of avoiding something simply because I’m afraid I won’t be good enough.
Nobody wants to just be average. That’s understandable. But it becomes a problem when you let that fear of being average prevent you from being amazing. Here are a few ways to overcome that fear and continue toward success:
Recognize Your Weaknesses
So many ambitious people try to mask their imperfections. When you put your attention toward trying to be absolutely perfect, you’re wasting energy that could be spent somewhere else. Learn from what makes you vulnerable and use it to your advantage. You’ll be more confident in yourself and have more energy to focus on what matters most.
Count the Little Things
Perfectionists never celebrate the little things. I know because I am one! They always look toward the huge goals without celebrating the little steps that get them there. Every step forward is a success and deserves celebration. Continue to move forward and take pride in your progress.
Set Goals
Set S.M.A.R.T goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. This ties in with the previous tip…setting goals just makes it easier to count the little things. You can set a goal like “I want to start up and run a Fortune 500 company” but how are you going to get there? Set SMART goals to help you get to that point. Otherwise, you’re going to constantly feel like you’re falling short.
Work Hard
Every entrepreneur knows that success doesn’t come easily. The best way to avoid being average is to put aside any laziness or notion of entitlement. Mediocre work will never bring forth satisfactory results. The best views are always at the top of the toughest mountains, so get your hiking boots on and start climbing.
Feel the Fear
When you try to ignore the fear of being average, it’s impossible to get over it. Let the fear wash over you- feel it, acknowledge it, understand where it’s coming from, and it will be so much easier for you to move on.
The fear of mediocrity might feel similar to the fear of failure, but they can manifest themselves differently in every person. You’re an entrepreneur; you have a passion to change the world that no one else can understand. You’re already much more than ordinary.
by: Emily Brady
Emily Brady received her Bachelors at Brigham Young University Idaho where she majored in Communication Sciences with an emphasis in journalism and professional management. She has written for Scroll News and Deseret Digital Media and is currently a freelance writer. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading and swinging in her hammock.
