Launching is hard. There are a lot of risks involved and even room for failure. However, you must take calculated risks to reap any sort of reward.
The lifeboat philosophy is something 99.9% of launchers will have to face at one point or another. The illustration comes from Matthew 14:22-33. Jesus is walking on water towards His disciples’ boat. The disciples are scared thinking Jesus is a ghost. Peter says, “Jesus, if that is truly you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus tells him to come, and Peter gets out of the boat and walks on the water towards Jesus. However, when Peter sees the wind and waves, he gets scared and begins to sink.
Just like Peter, we all need to take risks and step out of the boat in faith. Faith isn’t faith if we have a life jacket or lifeboat. Faith is when we trust enough to step out and see if we can walk on water. Not only is it trusting the process just to walk on the water, but it involves an element of trusting that even if we do begin to sink, we can pull ourselves back up to stop ourselves from drowning.
But how do you overcome the fear? You can start today with these few tips to help you win:
1. Strategize your idea.
Brainstorm your goal(s) or idea(s). What is the first step to get the ball rolling? Focus on one idea or goal at a time. Determine what you want the desired outcome to be. The outcome doesn’t have to be set in stone, but it’s a starting point. Of course, it will grow as you and the business grow. Then, determine what are the necessary steps to get there. Build a calendar and timeline for those tasks.
2. Actually go after your goals.
Stop waiting for life to happen to you. Decide to actually go after your ideas and make them a reality. Whether it’s small steps each day or scheduled tasks per month, actually do something to move the needle in accomplishing your goals.
3. Build a business model.
You must have a business model before you can really begin to monetize.
Read why a business plan is so important, especially if you are considering pitching to investors.
4. Expect failure.
When you fail (and you will), dust yourself off, determine what you can learn from that experience, and start again. It really is that simple.
5. Try different things.
Experiment, critique, and launch again – find where the pulse is with your customers and how you are solving the issue for them. Just don’t stretch yourself too thin trying to accomplish too many things. Otherwise, you will be ok at many things, but not exceptional at your calling.
Related: How to Handle Multiple Business Ideas
Sitting in the boat and living in fear won’t get you or your goals, dreams, and ideas anywhere. Play to win and stop coasting!