October 4, 2017

Progressing toward your goals can be intimidating and even frightening when you’re first beginning your college or professional career. Fear is natural, but it is a strong feeling that can inhibit you from realizing your dreams if you let it. This internal force makes even the most committed and innovative entrepreneurs second-guess themselves.

Here are a few ways to help you conquer your fears, leave your comfort zone, and become the entrepreneur of your life:

What are your goals?

Whatever your goal may be, it’s crucial to remember why you started on this entrepreneurial path. Most people become entrepreneurs because they have an idea or product they truly believe could help better others’ lives. Reaching your main objective will take a lot of time and dedication, but it is certainly doable if you divide the process into smaller milestone goals.

Breaking down goals into reachable, manageable tasks prioritizes steps that will help you reach success. This strategy will track your progress and keep your startup progressing forward to your overall dream.

The first step is the hardest

You may be familiar with the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.”

In this case, it may mean that although you’ve planned your milestone goals and timelines, you still need to take an actionable first step. This is always the toughest step because you may feel there is too much to do; but the secret to taking the first step is simple: you just need to complete one task.

Granted, it should be a productive task, but it’s still only one.

This could mean pitching your idea to a professor you trust and value, emailing companies for quotes on products or asking a friend for their advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! You might be surprised by how eager people are to assist.

If at first you don’t succeed…

The vast majority of people do not become overnight sensations the first time they attempt something new. The difference between those who quit after the first shot and the people who keep trying, is that the people who keep looking for new ways to succeed usually do so. They explore options, find which niche they fit in, and continue from that point. Keep at it, pivot if need be, but don’t lose sight on your dream.

Sarah Temple, Communications, Drexel University