Alright, let’s cut to the chase. As an ex-athlete, you’ve stared down fear on the field, court, or ring. You know the sweat, the adrenaline, the moment of truth. Now you’re channeling that same grit into entrepreneurship. But guess what? The fears are still there, just wearing different uniforms. It's time to face your fears in entrepreneurship, crush them, and win.In this guide, we’ll break down the five biggest fears every ex-athlete-turned-entrepreneur faces.
Fear of the Unknown
Remember the first time you stepped onto the field, the court, or into the ring? Uncharted territory, right? Now, starting a business feels the same. No matter how much prep you’ve done, there’s always a wild card. But here’s the thing – just like in sports, you can’t win if you don’t play.
Imagine you’re in the fourth quarter, game on the line. You wouldn’t sit on the bench, right? You’d get in there and make plays. Same with business. Embrace the unknown. Take the leap. Just like Clooney’s line in 3 Kings: “You do the thing you’re scared sh*tless of, and you get the courage after you do it. Not before.”
In your entrepreneurial game, courage is earned on the field. Act first, fear later.
Fear of Failure
Failure on the field? Yeah, been there. A missed shot, a bad game – it stings. But you didn’t quit sports, did you? You came back stronger. Business is no different. Fear of failure? It’s like a bad opponent trying to psych you out.
Let’s get real: You will face setbacks. That’s a given. But sitting on the sidelines out of fear? That’s a guaranteed loss. Think of every failed attempt as a stepping stone to success. You didn’t learn to dunk, tackle, or sprint overnight. Building a business? Same deal. Block out the naysayers. They’re just scared of their own shadows. Focus on your goals. Visualize success. Every setback is a lesson. Train your mind like you trained your body.
Fear of Not Being Good Enough
Maybe your last season wasn’t great, or your career didn’t end as you’d hoped. Now you’re doubting if you can cut it in the business world. Time to ditch that mindset.
Remember Einstein’s words: “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” You’ve got a unique skill set forged in the crucible of athletic competition. Use it.
So what if you make mistakes? With more than 9,000 missed shots in his career, Michael Jordan proved persistence leads to greatness. Mistakes are part of the game. Embrace them. Learn. Grow. You’re more than enough. Believe it.
Fear of Being Too Late or Too Old
Feeling like the business ship has sailed and you’re stuck on the dock? Think again. Look at Stan Lee, who created his first major hit at 39. Henry Ford? 45. Ray Kroc started McDonald’s at 52.
In sports, there’s always another season, another comeback. Business is no different. The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time? Right now. Age is just a number. Your experience is an asset, not a liability.
Fear of Limiting Beliefs
You’ve heard it all: “You’re just a jock,” “Stick to what you know,” or “Business isn’t for you.” Screw that. Your beliefs shape your reality. As an athlete, you didn’t accept limits on the field. Don’t accept them in business.
Limiting beliefs are like mental shackles. Break them. Picture yourself in the championship game. Your mind can either win it or lose it for you. Reprogram your brain for success. Challenge every limiting thought. Replace it with action.
Here’s the play: F.E.A.R. – False Evidence Appearing Real. Your real opponent is in your head. The game is to act despite fear. Make a plan. Adjust. Execute. When fear whispers that you can’t, yell back that you will.
Game Plan
It’s game time, champ. The entrepreneurial field is yours. Don't let those fears in entrepreneurship hinder you. Go out there and win. You’ve got this!
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Ready to transition from the playing field to the business world? I specialize in helping former athletes like you become successful entrepreneurs. Together, we'll draft a new playbook tailored to your unique strengths, leveraging your competitive spirit and discipline to thrive in entrepreneurship.
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