5 Lessons for Entrepreneurs from Seth Godin

No. 4: Risk, fear, and worry are separate notions

Even though they might seem like interconnected terms, risk, fear, and worry are dramatically different notions and any entrepreneur should realize this early on. Risks are all around us, especially in the world of entrepreneurship. Fear represents a normal reaction humans have when they are faced with certain risks. However, worry only occurs when one tends to dwell too much on the risks and the possibility of failure. Most often than not, it is worry that stops people from pursuing their goals, and not the existence of certain risks. Worry is an active mental process through which one focuses all of their attention on the risky situation. This often leads to people diverting from the situation and avoiding any risks. In order to succeed as an entrepreneur, you have to realize that while risks and fear are perfectly normal, worry is not. You’re the one in control of how you are feeling and it is up to you to face your risks rather than obsess about them.