There’s something you want to do that’s been nagging at you for a while. I know it. It shows up on your list of goals for the coming year. Each year. It’s outlasted Dick Clark. But for some reason you haven’t done it.
Because you’re afraid.
Maybe you’re afraid of failure. Maybe you’re afraid of success and what that could bring. Maybe you’re afraid of seeming like a novice? Maybe you’re afraid you’ll look foolish.
But when you want to take that step into uncharted territory — whether it’s a bucket list-level achievement like starting your own business or something smaller like showing a new product line — ask yourself one thing to free yourself from the chains of fear.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Most often, the worst thing that could happen is not actually all that bad. Maybe you'll hear no. Maybe you’ll stumble. Maybe you won’t know all the answers. Maybe you’ll feel out of place. In most cases, if you think about the worst thing that could happen, you can see it's worth doing the action or at least giving it a try.
The only time the worst that could happen is a problem is when you don’t take chances, or don’t take the changes in the industry seriously, or don’t learn about new products. It’s when you don’t adapt to changes in technology and consumer expectations. When you don’t present a new product because you’re nervous you won’t represent it right.
Because the worst thing that could happen then is that your competition will be out there giving it a shot and your clients could become theirs. And there’s no hyperbole in saying that’s the worst.