I’m starting out and it’s exciting but also terrifying. What tips or resources do you use to push past the fear?
I recently quit a well into the six-figures job to work on a business that might not, in the end, be very successful. It pays me nothing now, and it might never pay me anything. I have to admit that that's scary, and I'm scared. I'd be a fool not to be a bit scared. That said, here's how I push past the fear:
1) I saved some money first. I could live for four or five years on my savings if I had to, assuming nothing went terribly wrong.
2) I'm frugal- my rent is a bit higher than I'd like, and I have a nice computer and an iPhone, but aside from that I spend very little, so...
3) I've assessed my situation carefully, and thought about how to make it less scary. For instance, if I do some work on the side to sustain myself it won't take much to at least extend my runway. 300 hours a year of contracting would cover my expenses (see point 2.)
4) I haven't done anything irrevocable. If this doesn't work out I can get another job.
5) But isn't it great to have a company instead of a job? I hated my job, but I love working on this company. I'm pre-revenue, but I'm much happier than I was when I was getting a big paycheck. I could die tomorrow, and wouldn't it be a shame if my last day were spent working for people I detest? _That's_ a real fear. And that's the fear that drives me, and the fear that balances all the others. I'm old enough to know that I am going to die and I'd like to enjoy myself a bit before I do.
The other fears- well, see point 4. The little scared voice in the back of my head whispers about homelessness and destitution, but the reality is that I'm unlikely to ever be homeless or destitute. That's not a real fear, so I shouldn't let it drive me.