Each the month the SSWBN Executive Director shares thoughts and inspiration in a monthly column. This month Stacey Shipman wants to know: What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
In the early chapters of Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In, she asks: What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
I know … it forces you to dig deep.
At the October lunch we asked attendees to discuss this question plus two others:
- What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
- What would you do if you didn’t need approval from other people?
- How can SSWBN provide support?
Some of the fears that came up during the discussion included:
- Public speaking
- Making sales calls
- Letting go of staff or processes that aren’t allowing you to grow your business
Can you relate?
I’m no stranger to fear. I have lived with it my whole life, and I have missed out on many opportunities as a result.
I didn’t wake up to fear until I quit my job in 2006 to pursue self-employment. I had great ideas but could not implement them. I froze at the thought of promoting myself. Desperate for a solution I got curious about where the fear came from. That is when I first heard the fear question. The questions I asked forced me to dig deep and get curious.
Admittedly, what I learned was not always pretty; however, it allowed me to get unstuck and take action towards my goals. I will be the first to admit I haven’t become fearless; however, I have learned how to fear less.
If fear keeps you stuck from networking, following up, making calls and developing the relationships you need for success, start by asking yourself the “fear” questions:
- What would I do if I weren’t afraid?
- What would I do if I need approval from other people?
- How can SSWBN provide me with support?
Get creative with your answers! Think big: no limits.
Write in a journal, share with friends, find people who can support your efforts to step into fear, and live life on your terms. I bet you will find some of those people at SSWBN.
Your turn:
What would you do if you weren’t afraid? Send me an email sshipman@sswbn.org to share your dreams and fears and learn how SSWBN can support you.
Stacey Shipman is a writer, speaker and Executive Director of the South Shore Women’s Business Network.