I was pretty cocky about starting law school. But I was also scared.
It was new, it was different, and it was intimidating. I didn’t know if I was embarking on a great adventure or I had made a big mistake.
I can say the same thing about opening my practice and about many other milestones in my life. I’m sure you can, too.
It’s not the fear of failure so much as the fear of not knowing what’s next. H.P. Lovecraft said, “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.”
But the flip side of fear is excitement. Not knowing what’s about to happen can be thrilling. So can the notion that you might be about to accomplish something great.
And so I ask you, when was the last time you were scared?
Because if you’re not scared from time to time, if your career or your life are boring and routine, it means you’re not taking enough risks, or big enough risks, and you’re not growing.
Former CEO of Evernote, Phil Libin, said recently that one of the reasons he stepped down from the company was that he was bored. He’s now with a venture capital firm and thrives on not knowing what’s next. “It wouldn’t be the best time if it wasn’t scary. When we started Evernote, it was terrifying,” Libin said. “I don’t think I’ve ever embarked on anything great without being scared.”
Of course too much fear can be paralyzing, so you have to find balance. You have to find things to do that challenge you and frighten you but also excite you and pull you forward.
What might that be for you career-wise?
Take on a partner? Go out on your own? Start a new practice area? Revamp your marketing?
Or are you ready for a new career?
Helen Keller said, “Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing.” Do something that scares you. Find your next daring adventure.
If you’re ready to revamp your marketing, start here
