There’s a moment in every solopreneur’s journey when you feel paralyzed by fear. Overcoming fears at this moment may feel like a stretch. Maybe it’s the thought of following up with a potential client, hopping on a call, or putting yourself out there to sell your services. It’s uncomfortable. It’s vulnerable. It’s terrifying. But it’s also the very thing that can change everything for your business.
If you’ve been avoiding emails, dreading phone calls, or second-guessing your offers, know this: you’re not alone, and it’s okay to feel this way. Here’s how to navigate the fear and take action, even when every part of you wants to hide.
1. Acknowledge the Fear Without Judgment
First, let’s pause for a moment. Instead of pushing the fear away or shaming yourself for feeling it, try this:
- Write down exactly what you’re afraid of. Are you scared of rejection? Of not sounding “good enough”? Of being judged?
- Take a deep breath and remind yourself that fear is a normal part of growth. Feeling scared doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong—it means you’re stepping into something new.
Fear is loud, but it doesn’t have to control you. It’s just a signal that you care deeply about what you’re doing.
2. Start Small: One Step at a Time
When the idea of “showing up” feels overwhelming, break it down into the smallest possible steps.
- Instead of committing to a long sales call, start with a friendly, low-pressure email.
- Instead of pitching your full-service package, share one valuable tip or free resource.
Action, no matter how small, creates momentum. And momentum builds confidence.
3. Shift the Focus: It’s Not About You
One of the biggest reasons showing up feels so scary is because we make it about ourselves—our worth, our abilities, our fear of rejection. But what if you shifted the focus?
- Think about the person on the other end. What are they struggling with? How can you help them?
- Remind yourself that selling isn’t about convincing someone to buy; it’s about offering a solution to a problem they’re facing.
When you reframe the interaction as an act of service, it feels less like self-promotion and more like connection.
4. Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario
What’s the absolute worst thing that could happen?
- They don’t respond? Okay, you’re in the same spot you were before.
- They say no? It’s not personal—it’s just not the right fit or the right time.
Sometimes, naming your fears out loud takes away their power. You’ve survived hard things before, and you can handle this too.
5. Create a Ritual for Courage
Before you send that email or hop on a call, create a little ritual to calm your nerves and boost your confidence.
- Take three deep breaths and visualize a positive outcome.
- Put on your favorite power outfit, even if no one can see you.
- Play a song that makes you feel unstoppable (Beyoncé’s “Run the World” works wonders).
A small ritual can shift your energy and remind you that you’ve got this.
6. Celebrate the Act of Showing Up
Success isn’t always about the outcome—it’s about the courage it takes to try.
- Sent the email? That’s a win.
- Made it through the call, even if you stumbled? That’s a win.
- Shared your services, even if they didn’t buy? That’s a win.
Every time you show up, you’re building resilience. You’re proving to yourself that you can do hard things.
7. Remember: You’re Not Alone
Solopreneurship can feel isolating, especially when you’re carrying the weight of everything on your own. But you don’t have to go through this alone.
- Reach out to a business buddy or mentor. Share your fears—it’s likely they’ve felt the same way.
- Join a supportive community of like-minded solopreneurs who understand the highs and lows of this journey.
Sometimes, knowing someone else believes in you is all the courage you need to believe in yourself.
Showing Up Is the Ultimate Superpower
The truth is, the scary moments don’t go away. But with practice, they become less overwhelming. You’ll learn to show up even when it’s uncomfortable. You’ll discover that rejection isn’t the end of the world. And you’ll realize that the more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you create for growth, connection, and success.
So, the next time fear creeps in, remind yourself of this: You don’t have to be fearless to show up—you just have to be willing. And that willingness is what makes you unstoppable.
Take a deep breath, solopreneur. You’ve got this. 💪🌟