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3 Hidden Benefits Of Uncertainty, Fear And Doubt
14 commentsPosted by Tito Philips, Jnr. | 14 comments
Do you ever doubt yourself at times?
The only book I know that covers this topic BEST!
Do you ever wonder whether everything is going to work out fine?
Do you ever battle with the fear of the unknown?
Do you ever feel uneasy thinking about the future?
Without any hesitation in my heart, I know your answer to those questions will be a resounding YES!
Unless, of course you are not an entrepreneur.
Uncertainity, fear and doubt are constant buddies of an entrepreneur. They are the ever present uninvited friends of every living entrepreneur. As I put down these words, I am currently going through a hard time dealing with these 3 musketeers myself.
As I have learnt from life, all things both good and bad are all useful. The question in most case is whether we’ll be patient enough to seek out the usefulness during unpleasant times.
So the big question is this, what good does uncertainty, fear and doubt bring?
Three Hidden Benefits Of Uncertainty, Fear And Doubt
1. Reality Check
Cruel as they might seem, these 3 scary friends of ours help we entrepreneurs put things in clearer perspective. They just do a good job of clearing the fog. They help us see better those things optimism and passion sometimes hide from us. When uncertainty, fear and doubt creeps in, we find ourselves right where we seldom want to be –sober.
The triple play of uncertainty, fear and doubt, leaves us in a reflective state. Suddenly, all the optimism will disappear; the adrenaline rush that often comes with the conception of a new idea vanishes. All that‘s left is the bitter reality that surrounds you. Let‘s face it, entrepreneurship does really have a dark side.
Don‘t feel sad, reality check is good. We entrepreneurs are often dreamers, it‘s part of what makes us thick. But then, it can get into our head sometimes that we tend to ignore facts or the reality of our current situation. Real men don‘t argue with facts neither do they deny its existence, rather, they study it and try to find a way to integrate their findings into whatever they are trying to accomplish. Only fools argue with facts.
Here’s the thing, you can’t change your reality by denying or arguing with it, you can only change your reality by accepting that it does exist.
That‘s the bitter pill uncertainty, fear and doubt hands down for us to swallow. Like it or not, there are countless challenges on the entrepreneurial path, accepting this hard facts are what uncertainty, fear and doubt helps us to achieve. You can only choose to deny them at your own peril.
The path of an entrepreneur indeed is uncertain, fearful and doubtful. Our task as entrepreneurs is to accept them, understand their source and creatively find answers to the questions they prompt. We are to look them right in the eye and proffer answers to all the uncertainties, our fears and our doubts. They exist for one reason; to help us count our cost, know better what we are up against so that we can be better prepared to overcome the never ending challenges of entrepreneurship.
So stop fighting uncertainty, fear and doubt, rather embrace them for they are your allies on this unusual journey.
2. Humility
Trust me when I say this, we entrepreneurs can be egocentric. This is often as a result of our accomplishments and so we sometimes get carried away by becoming so full of ourselves. Uncertainty, fear and doubt remind us that we are no better than others, just only privileged.
Uncertainty, fear and doubt remind us that past successes are no guarantee for future ones. They remind us that what got us here may not take us there. They remind us of our imperfection as mortals.
We are never above mistakes. We will never have it all figured out. We will always be subject to the laws of nature. We will always be at mercy of chance. Why? Because in life, there are no guarantees, period.
The only certain thing in life is change. Which is just a better way of saying that nothing is certain. Everything you thought you had all figured out will turn out wrong 99% of the time. So where does that leave us?
Humble.
Uncertainty, fear and doubt teaches we entrepreneurs humility. It helps us to realize one timeless truth; we are not the doers of great things, we are the vessels through which great things are done.
In other words, we are only nature‘s instrument for the advancement of humanity.
All that we create was created through us. We are not the creators per se, we are instruments of creation. It is not up to us to decide the outcome of what is being done through us; it is up to nature and the whole of humanity. Ours is to submit ourselves to the greater creative force within and allow the creation within to come to life.
Meaning, our greatest task as entrepreneurs is the delivery of the creation within us. We are to the bring ideas to life no matter what. We are not to question the ideas; we are to birth them despite the uncertainties, fears and doubts. The acceptance of what we do create is not up to us; let go and let mother nature and the world decide.
I was only able to write this unusual article after I stopped forcing myself to write what I wanted to write and let what wanted to be written through me have its way.
In other words, I stopped writing and let the words just flow through me. I didn’t know where this was going, I just flowed article with the creative force within word after word till it all started taking this meaningful form in which you now read.
Humble yourself to the creative force within, somehow uncertainty, fear and doubt exist to teach us how to let go and let it flow. We always want to be in control, sometimes we just have to let go. Our task is to remain long enough in the creative process, just as an expectant mother awaits the breaking of the water that signals the arrival of her baby.
In the end, uncertainty, fear and doubt teach us to trust in something much greater than ourselves –God!
3. Creative Booster
Success breeds comfort and comfort leads to complacency. You know that point when you don‘t see the need to do more and you just want to sit on your butt and enjoy the ride. Well that‘s what uncertainty, fear and doubt are meant for, to help you get off your butt and work.
Knowing that nothing is for sure will always keep you on your feet thirsting for more. Uncertainty, fear and doubt get us thinking and thinking is healthy for we entrepreneurs as long as it doesn‘t degenerate into worrying.
When uncertainty, fear and doubt shows up at your door uninvited, know it‘s time to up your game. Know it‘s time to empty the cup and start all over again.
In life, death is the final stop, uncertainty, fear and doubt reminds us constantly of that as it keeps us going even when we think we are done. We are never done, everything is work in progress, there’s always room for improvement.
So when next uncertainty, fear and doubt pops up their ugly head, go have a re-look, re-think and re-shape your idea, pruning out the wheat from the shaft.
However, don‘t dwell on this for too long. That there‘s always room for improvement doesn‘t mean you keep improving and never launching. You must know when enough is enough, you must know when to launch. Nothing is ever perfect all at once, do all your best with all that you‘ve got and let the world be the judge.
Remember, yours is to deliver the idea in its best possible form. So, let uncertainty, fear and doubt push you to your creative peak, but never allow them prevent you from launching. As everything else in life, the key is balance. You must know when to draw the line and launch despite the uncertainty, fear and doubt.
Over to you
What lessons did you learn from reading this unusual article?
How do you personally cope with uncertainty, fear and doubt in your entrepreneurial journey?
From your personal experience, what other benefits would you say comes from uncertainty, fear and doubt?
PS
Jonathan Fields has just written an excellent book on this subject titled, uncertainty: how to turn fear and doubt into fuel for brilliance. Although I haven’t read the whole book, but from the few pages I’ve read so far, here‘s what I think of it – Brilliant.
By all means, grab your copy!
Tito Philips, Jnr.
I’m an unusual Nigerian that is passionately MAD – Making A Difference!A People, Business & Life developer. I write, speak, coach, train & consult on how people, businesses & lives can be SIGNIFICANT - different [unique] & making a difference [useful]. The CEO of MADphilips, an unusual company dedicated to the development of people, businesses and lives. This blog is where I write about business and entrepreneurship to help unusual entrepreneurs learn how to build SIGNIFICANT [extra-ordinary] businesses that profit from purpose by changing the world!™.Find me on Twitter @MADphilips
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14 Responses to “3 Hidden Benefits Of Uncertainty, Fear And Doubt”
Thanks for a great read and a great site! This article is very timely for me.
Damien recently posted..School Spirit
you are welcome Damien.
Glad to have been of help ….
Funny that you should mention this book, it had caught my eye but I didn’t quite pull the trigger as I have a stack of other books I am reading through.
As to your questions – for me the best way to cope is by surrounding myself with a strong team. When fear, uncertainty and doubt become overpowering and I feel negative, others on the team are usually motivated and lift me up. When they are down I reciprocate. One of the most difficult times during my entrepreneurial path was when I was a lone entrepreneur – some days were very productive, others not so much. A solid team has really helped to offset this and now all days are productive.
Perhaps the best benefit of uncertainty, fear, and doubt is the peaking of creativity. What most entrepreneurs miss is that the most challenging times of the entrepreneurial journey are when you are at your most creative. Therefore uncertainty, fear, and doubt should not be avoided, they should be embraced, yet overcome. Take advantage of peak creativity during these times of adversity. Two of the best books that introduced me to this were Your Creative Brain by Dr. Shelley Carson and Ground Of Your Own Choosing by Beverly Ryle.
John R. Sedivy recently posted..The Start-Up
John,
This is one valuable contribution -coping with uncertainty, fear and doubt through the support of a team. Very brilliant approach, as I read through your comment, I couldn’t agree more because I have enjoyed the support of my team during uncertain periods too. I also remember how I have offered encouragement to others during their sober seasons. Indeed, iron sharpens iron.
Just thinking about the team support, wouldn’t you also agree that this is what we all collective do for one another online, through blogging, social networking and the likes? Somehow, through the power of the internet, we’ve extended our team of supporters as we go through this unusual journey. We have a global support ecosystem that we can easily reach out to during our sober seasons.
The peaking of creativity is just one of the reasons why uncertainty, fear and doubt must never be rejected. They just often bring out the best in us if we can only endure the creative energy they demand.
Thanks for your contribution. They are very enlightening.
“Iron sharpens iron.” I like that, very well said.
I hadn’t thought about the natural extension of a virtual team through blogging and the overall Internet, but it makes perfect sense. At no other time in history has it been possible to find companions of like-mind on our entrepreneurial journey regardless of geographical location. Great observation which is spot on.
Upon further thought it makes me wonder if a sort of entrepreneurial ecosystem that is said to exist in Silicon Valley can, or has been created online. Interesting stuff. One other thing that came to mind while reading your response – I have found the Internet, and blogging in particular, to be of great value for building relationships and support outside of the core team. Sometimes when you work very closely with individuals for extended periods of time and high intensity, it’s nice to receive outside input and insights.
John R. Sedivy recently posted..The Start-Up
The quote, “iron sharpens iron” is actually a verse from the bible -Proverbs 27vs17.
The thought of the kind of entrepreneurial ecosystem in Silicon Valley is not fully alive online, but I can say it is gradually heading that way fast. Currently reading a book, “the world is flat” by Thomas L. Friedman and it is increasingly opening my eyes to see how the internet is making collaboration, which further supports your idea of having external support outside the core team. Communication is now possible faster, cheaper and better, rather than travel round the world, we just travel on a flat field across through the internet. It is leveling the playing field and giving room for greater collaboration.
You should check out mixergy.com and see one of such silicon valley entrepreneurial ecosystem taking shape there. I marvel every time i visit the sit and see how the internet empowers those who can seek out the time to leverage on it!
Makes sense that was a quote from Proverbs – that was of my favorite chapters, although it has admittedly been a long time since I have read it. Might be a good time to give it another read, there is much wisdom there.
“The World Is Flat” seems like an interesting book, but I just haven’t had a chance to read it – too many books, too little time
I would be interested in your thoughts once you are finished.
I haven’t been to mixergy yet, but am intrigued. Will it give a look, thanks for the recommendation.
John R. Sedivy recently posted..The Start-Up
From fear and other negative sides of life I tend to be more stronger and not be afraid to commit mistakes and take the risks of a decision in the business. You’re right this article is not usual but the points about fear etc is very common feeling among entrepreneur. Thanks for the wonderful questions.
dhanna | Austin Accident Lawyer recently posted..Family files wrongful death suit over truck accident
Hello Dhanna,
thanks for sharing your thoughts.
It’s true the triple play of uncertainty, fear and doubts are familiar with entrepreneurs, what has always been the problem, is our inability to deal with them creatively. This post and the book I recommended focused on how we can get the most from uncertainty, fear and doubt as entrepreneurs.
Hey Tito,
The way I see it is that life is uncertain. Ultimately, we don’t know if we’ll wake up in the morning, make it home safe from work, or whatever. I live very close to that reality – so everything else in my life is considerably easy to deal with.
I take things on as if I’m not supposed to start out as an expert. I’m supposed to learn as I go and with that comes stumbling…then getting better. What I do to help combat the fear is do as much as I can to be prepared for as much as I can.
I added the book to my amazon cart. Can’t wait to read it!
Good stuff Tito!
Jk Allen recently posted..The Side Hustle
Good point JK about not starting out as an expert. Having a learner’s view of things helps us accept mistakes or failures as learning opportunities and that makes uncertainty, fear and doubt less scary.
Thank you for your contribution.
This is a very brave and honest account and I can relate. However, I don’t know if these emotions give us a clearer perspective. When you are stressed, it is usually very hard to find solutions with fear clouding your judgment. But yes, it can help you get out of your comfort zone and into something new and previously unexplored.
Thank You Ana,
the way uncertainty, fear and doubt gives us clearer perspective come in disguise. They aren’t very obvious at first, because like you pointed out they can be very overwhelming that they becloud our judgment. But on deeper reflection, they draw our attention to things we normally would have overlooked in our quest to execute. Because they prompt us to have a second look at what we are doing, they reveal certain things that helps us to explore new areas.