“Believing in yourself means knowing a good day makes for a good week, a good week can make a great month and a great month can become the best year! But it all starts today! It all starts NOW!”
Belief is a necessary companion in the business world. Without it, we question ourselves, our leadership choices, and our bosses. It’s the kind of emotion that if not used, will keep you from moving forward and hinder your ability to make critical decisions. When there is no belief, I can assure you, this is when problems will most likely occur. Of course, when that happens it reaffirms our false convictions and perpetuates a fearful cycle. As a leader in the middle, we can’t afford this to happen, our belief is what guides our decisions, helps us to brave uncharted paths and keep our employees willing to maintain ranks. Let’s reflect on what this really means for people in our position.
Failing to Believe in Failure
As a business owner and leader of leaders, I’ve come to see failure as just being a part of the game. In my head, I may not win this round, but the match is still very much mine for the taking.
To truly believe in yourself, you must reign in your fear of failure. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that doing that is easy, it can be downright scary. However, it’s something that you’ve got to train your mind to do. When the going gets tough, I often remind myself that failing is necessary for growing, expanding, and succeeding. It’s happened before and it’ll happen again, but so will my ability to succeed. Failure just possibly means a change in strategy or players. This is the mindset we need to consciously choose every day and again, it takes practice.
Here are a few reminders I repeat to myself to help control that voice:
- It isn’t about not being afraid, it is about acting despite your fears.
- As a leader it is important to see that bad situations don’t last forever.
- Every failure is a lesson for you to apply in the future and coach down to your employees.
- Most fears dissolve in the face of success. As long as you are proactive despite your trepidation, you can achieve your goals.
You Can’t Believe Fear Mongers
Ok, confession time. Are you ready? Can you handle what I’m about to say? Yes? Sigh, ok, here it is, I’m allergic to fear mongers! I mean I actively avoid them like I do pollen during allergy season. Nope, I’m not going near them. I’m also here to tell you that when it comes to business or personal interactions, it’s best you avoid them too.
“Don’t allow others to pass on their fears. Fear is a magnetic energy; it is very contagious. It does not take long to catch it and it’s hard to cure, so avoid it at all costs.”
*Shudders* Even talking about fear mongers gives me the hebbie-jeebies!
If I’m being even more transparent with you, when everything came to a halt due to COVID and I knew we had plans to open Retreat Ranch, I could have listened to those around me and held off. However, I’m proud to say that I ignored the naysayers! Despite the inevitable challenges, I ended up having a great year in business. I want that for you, the blind belief in oneself that no matter the challenge, you know that it will be ok; YOU are enough; you are capable.
Final Words on Belief Leadership
As LIMs, our job is to help our employees choose belief over fear by using empathy, not sympathy. This includes coaching our people through decisions, rumors, and new directions. Belief does not mean you sit around and wait for success either.
It’s about keeping you focused on getting the job down instead of being caught up in the distractions. The key is to make sure our efforts and energy are focused on the goals and achievements- not on the fear.
I mentioned Retreat Ranch earlier; it’s our new family venture. The ranch is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and give you that positive space to release those fears. Come check us out and let’s chat in person.
