Are You Living Your Fears or Your Dreams?

As I sat in yet another corporate meeting, I was running a list in my head. The list I’d made of the things to do before I started my own business. I’d been thinking about this business and doing preparatory things for 5 years. And still no business. I was scared. What if I failed? What if I lost my house because I couldn’t pay the mortgage? What if I looked like a complete idiot in front of my friends? We all have fears. You can probably list 10 of yours right now, with the greatest of ease! The big question is: are you living those fears? Or are you living your dreams? It’s bee 22 years since I last sat in a meeting as an employee, 22 years since I became an entrepreneur. I’ve moved through many waves of fear. Debt, offerings that tanked, employees that weren’t the right fit. And every time, I’ve nudged my fears aside and lived my dreams. It didn’t end with starting a business, which took the jolt of getting fired to start me on my path. I’ve lived many dreams since, much more intentionally: increasing income, global clients, and working with amazing people. It’s been one of the great adventures of my life. Through this adventure of being an entrepreneur that you and I share, I’ve discovered how I want to have impact. You can too. I define impact as, where your best self meets the world and makes it a better place. Your journey as an entrepreneur allows you to explore and discover who that best self is, and the ways that you can contribute to others. Through that impact, you’ll not only have a successful business. You’ll build a successful life. Living your dreams involves vulnerability. That can feel scary. And yet, vulnerability can open the door to new possibilities. Accepting intended risk, moving through fear, and taking a chance. Vulnerability means facing uncertainty and with no guarantees, remaining hopeful that your meaningful work, your impact, will prevail. As you move through this week and you’re planning your days, are you living your fears or your dreams? I hope it’s your dreams that are getting most of your attention.