Albert Einstein defined insanity as the act of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Sanity is the opposite of that –  it means changing how you used to do something (because it’s not producing the result you want) so you can hope for a favourable (or better) outcome.

This act oddly scares people because the outcome is uncertain. They would rather keep doing things the same way because they know it leads to a predictable result.

Yet it doesn’t take a genius scientist to realise that calculated risk-taking and innovation are the keys to achieving your personal or business goals.

Fear of Imagined Failure is the Enemy of Change

Small business owners constantly repeat the same year over and over again. I have witnessed this first hand.

When meeting them to discuss their year-end figures, we have similar discussions regarding their profits and areas to focus on to improve their business.

Frustratingly, even after exploring suggestions, options and opportunities for growth and expansion, I am met with excuses and reasons as to why the recommended changes won’t work.

Defeat False Fear With Courage

A business cannot succeed if the owners are not prepared to make changes and take risks to move it forward. Not taking a leap of faith sets up anyone for a slow decline or constant struggle for survival, which is worse than failure.

Risk-taking does not mean acting without thinking. You need to gather sufficient information so you can make a careful decision and take calculated risks.

It seems like the fear of (imagined) failure is what holds us back. However, you know that repeatedly re-experiencing failure in advance is a waste of time and brainpower.  You can overcome this unnecessary anxiety by taking risks that you can afford. For example, you can:

• Set up a meeting with a new prospect
• Network with potential leads
• Review your marketing strategies to sell more to your existing customers

If you don’t succeed at these attempts, the cost of trying is low. If you do succeed, however, the rewards can be great. The more you take risks, the sharper and more confident you will become.

Don’t be afraid to keep experimenting until you find the proven processes and practices that lead to repeated success. You need wisdom, labour and courage to run a business well – but above all, you need courage to succeed.