Overcoming fear in business is often the first step to creating something meaningful and new. I know firsthand because I had “launch a podcast” sitting in my notes since last December, and here we are almost a year later, finally recording Episode 1! While I’d planned every step of the way, actually hitting that record button took courage—especially since I found myself rerecording multiple times to get it just right.

But from what I’ve learned (and what I’ve had to practice myself), there’s a three-step formula that has helped me, and many others, find the courage to start: Curiosity, Courage, and Confidence.

If you’re like most entrepreneurs or creatives, it’s easy to wait for the “right moment” or more clarity before you take the first step. We think, “Once I feel fully ready or see the whole path, then I’ll start.” But in reality, clarity doesn’t always come before we begin. What we often need more than clarity is courage—the courage to take that first step and let the path reveal itself as we go.

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Step 1: Curiosity – The First Spark

Curiosity is where it starts. It’s that “what if” moment that sparks a new direction or idea. Curiosity is what makes us wonder, “Could I actually do this?” or “Why hasn’t anyone else tried this approach?” For me, this podcast journey began with questioning if there was a new way I could connect with potential clients and build community in a different way.

Curiosity is a powerful tool for moving past fear because it takes us out of the paralysis of overthinking and into a mindset of exploration. It’s less about “knowing everything” and more about allowing ourselves to imagine what’s possible. And that curiosity often nudges us to consider the exciting, open-ended possibilities rather than the fear of what could go wrong.

Step 2: Courage – Taking the First Step

The leap from curiosity to action is where courage comes in. Courage is what allows us to take that next step even if we don’t feel fully prepared or certain of the outcome. This podcast didn’t happen because I had every detail mapped out; it happened because even after months of ideating, I decided to just hit “record” and see what happened. Courage doesn’t mean having zero fear; it means moving forward with it anyway.

In business, courage could look like sharing an idea that feels vulnerable, reaching out to someone new, or just announcing that you’re stepping into something different. Overcoming fear in business isn’t about pretending the fear doesn’t exist—it’s about learning to walk alongside it and take action.

Step 3: Confidence – Gaining Clarity Through Action

Confidence is something that grows through experience. If we wait for confidence before we start, we might be waiting forever. Confidence follows courage. Each small action you take builds both confidence and clarity, reminding you that you can handle the challenges that arise.

When I finally recorded this episode, I felt the shift. With each try, I gained a little more confidence, and eventually, I knew I was ready to share it. Confidence comes from doing, not from waiting until you feel 100% ready. Each step builds a foundation for the next, making it easier to take bigger leaps down the line.

Reconnecting with Your “Why” in Business

When fear sneaks in, it helps to revisit your “why.” Why are you doing this? What’s the vision that keeps you going? List out all your reasons for starting this journey, and make sure to put yourself at the top of that list. So often, we get caught up in doing things for everyone else and forget that this journey is also for us.

Two Action Steps to Start Overcoming Fear in Business

To help you start overcoming fear and building momentum, here are two steps you can try today:

1. Write Down Your Why – Make a list of the reasons you’re pursuing your goals, keeping it somewhere you’ll see often. Don’t forget to put your own name at the top to remind yourself that this journey is yours.
2. Take One Small Step with Courage – Think of one bold action you can take this week. It could be sharing something personal with your audience, reaching out to a potential client, or launching that new idea. The goal is to start building momentum by taking that first step, however small.

Overcoming fear in business is about letting curiosity guide you, using courage to take the next step, and letting confidence build as you go. The path may not be perfectly clear, but with each step, you’ll find your way. Courage gets you started, and confidence keeps you going. So here’s to taking that first step and discovering just how capable you are.

Creating a life of balance, success, and fulfillment isn’t easy, but taking that first step can be the most empowering choice you make. If you’re ready to find your own rhythm in work and life, tune in to Work, Play, Rest — Repeat. Start with our intro episode, and jump into Episode 1, Having the Courage to Start, where we explore what it means to overcome hesitation and take meaningful steps toward a business and life that feel aligned.