“It wouldn’t work for me”
“My niche doesn’t do things like that”
“Our audience won’t like it”
Have you ever not tried something out of fear of failure? Are people you trust telling you to try something but you are holding back?
A few times this week I have asked people if they have ever tried different things and each time they have told me that either something wouldn’t work or that they were afraid that it might not work out the way they hoped.
I can fully understand, I have spoken many times on my blog about Analysis Paralysis, something I find a continual challenge to overcome. My friend Raj and I have been planning a venture for months. Just planning. We don’t seem to get further than that :) (Tip: Include a “doer” in your team of “thinkers”!). I can manage other peoples projects far better than I can my own it seems.
Think of things you could be doing but haven’t tried out of fear:
- Approach potential advertisers – Upside: Profits, Downside: Potential Rejection
- Contact a fellow blogger – Upside: Interview, link, networking …, Downside: Potential Rejection
- Try affiliate marketing – Upside: Profit, diversified revenue, Downside: Audience Rejection
I could go on, but at the core is usually “what will x think?” or “I don’t like rejection”. Is a momentary embarrassment enough to stop you going for the upside?
Fact is there comes a time for action. Certainly look at all the upsides, downsides, mitigate the risks. You need to make an educated leap, of course, but do not allow doubts to stop you dipping your toe in the water. If you have to, try with a pseudonym of embarrassment is the issue.
The time will never be perfect so there is no time like the present. Do it now. Jump in!
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