In this interesting economy, many are feeling the effects of fear of failure, and giving up on their dreams. Perhaps the answer is not to give up, but be a bit more resourceful when going to the edge in business.

Fear can be absolutely debilitating. Over the past couple of years I’ve seen many people choosing the path of least resistance or the safer road. I’ve personally witnessed many playing it safe and settling. On one hand, how can you blame anyone? We’re constantly bombarded with indicators about an unstable economy—unemployment up—new jobs down—pay cuts.

Unfortunately, as people become fearful of taking chances, many have remained in the same line of work or the same position for some time. A recent survey has shown that there is increasing dissatisfaction in the workplace, not only because people are fearful of losing their jobs, but because they’re afraid to take a risk and consequently they put their dreams on the back burner. What has resulted is that many are unhappy, unfulfilled and given up on their goals and desires.
 

Fear is natures warning signal to get busy.
--Henry C. Link
 

I’ve seen business people who normally are willing to take risks, be so cautious and hesitant that their dreams quietly slip away. In these cases, fear wins, because their dreams were sacrificed.

While one person hesitates because he feels inferior,the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior.
--Henry C. Link

An associate of mine came up with a fairly unique business idea a few years back. He was too cautious to explore it though, and his fear of failure took over. Sometime later, I saw the same idea executed successfully by someone else. It’s as if when we come up with an idea, it’s uploaded to some computer and if we don’t act upon it, someone who’s braver can download it and act upon it.There’s a responsibility with having a brilliant thought. If we don’t carry it out, someone else will—and they should.

With the passing of Steve Jobs last week, I took to heart one of his quotes, “All fear of embarrassment or failure . . . there is no reason not to follow your heart.”

Admittedly, I’ve had my fair share of trials and failures. But I don’t want to live my life knowing that I played it safe. I want to know that I tried to achieve my dreams, and while victory is more fun than defeat, at least being defeated signifies I tried.

Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It's too high!
COME TO THE EDGE!
And they came
and he pushed
and they flew...
--Christopher Logue

Perhaps next time, when fear arises when looking at a new venture rather than naysaying why it’s too risky, consider going to the edge and be prepared to fly.