Conquer the Fear: Starting, Running, and Growing a Business with Confidence

1. 

Fear Is Normal—But It’s Not the Enemy

The first thing every aspiring or current entrepreneur needs to understand is that fear isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign you care. That tension in your gut before launching a product, hiring a new team member, or signing that first lease? It’s part of the process. Fear only becomes a problem when it leads to paralysis.

Many entrepreneurs think they have to be fearless to start a business. But in reality, it’s not about being fearless—it’s about taking action in spite of fear. Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s choosing to move forward anyway. This mindset shift is critical. When you normalize fear, it loses its power over you. You begin to see it not as a wall, but as a signal—one that means you’re on the edge of growth.

2. 

Confidence Comes from Action, Not From Waiting to Feel Ready

So many people sit on their ideas for years, waiting for the “perfect” moment when they’ll feel fully confident. But here’s the truth: confidence is built by doing. You don’t get confident and then act—you act and then become confident.

That first sale, that first pitch, that first “yes” from a customer—that’s where the courage starts to stack. Whether it’s opening your doors, recording your first video, or finally asking for the sale, progress builds belief. And the more you act, the quieter fear becomes. Encourage your listeners to take micro-steps every day. Those small, imperfect moves compound over time into unstoppable confidence.

3. 

Fear Doesn’t Go Away—But Systems, Support, and Faith Help You Manage It

Even the most successful entrepreneurs still feel fear. The difference is, they’ve developed ways to handle it. Some rely on mentors and coaches. Others create solid systems—like financial forecasting or step-by-step marketing plans—that reduce uncertainty. Many lean into faith—whether spiritual or self-belief—to carry them through doubt.

Fear often comes from a lack of clarity or support. When people don’t know what to do next, or they feel alone in the journey, fear grows. That’s why community, continued learning, and structure are so important. You can’t eliminate risk in business—but you can reduce it, manage it, and move through it with the right tools and mindset.

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Transcript

Conquer the Fear: Starting, Running, and Growing a Business with Confidence

Welcome back to the Startup Business 101 podcast. I’m your host, John Reyes—and today, we’re going to talk about something that most business podcasts brush over or try to package up in a neat little quote. But we’re not going to do that here. We’re going to talk about the real, raw emotion that every entrepreneur, at every stage of the game, has felt. And that emotion is fear.

Whether you’re just thinking about opening your first business, in the middle of growing your team, or staring down a big decision that could change the course of your company—fear is right there, in the mix. I’ve felt it. I still feel it. And if you’re honest with yourself, you probably have too. But here’s the truth I want to drive home in this episode: fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready. Fear doesn’t mean you’re weak. Fear means you care.

It means you’re pushing toward something that matters. Something that stretches you. Something that could change your life—and maybe even change the lives of the people you serve. But here’s where so many people get stuck: they think they have to wait until the fear goes away before they move. And because that day never magically arrives, they sit on their ideas, shrink their goals, or stop themselves short.

So, today’s episode is a wake-up call—but the kind that comes with encouragement, not shame. This is not about pretending fear doesn’t exist. This is about learning how to lead yourself through it. It’s about understanding that confidence doesn’t show up at the beginning of the journey—it’s built through action, decision by decision, day by day.

We’re going to break down where fear shows up most in your entrepreneurial life—whether it’s starting, running, or expanding your business—and we’ll talk about how to move forward anyway. We’ll talk about how to recognize fear for what it is, how to build systems that give you clarity when things feel chaotic, and how to lean into faith—whether that’s faith in God, in your calling, or in the deeper purpose behind what you’re building.

You’re not alone in this. Everyone who’s ever done something worth doing has wrestled with fear. But the ones who make it through? They didn’t wait for it to disappear. They learned to move with it—and grow stronger because of it.

So if you’ve been holding back, second-guessing, overthinking, or just stuck in the what-ifs, this episode is for you. It’s time to stop letting fear be the loudest voice in the room. It’s time to move forward with clarity, purpose, and confidence—not because the fear is gone, but because your mission matters more.

Let’s dive in.

Fear Is Normal—But It’s Not the Enemy

Let’s talk about fear. Not the kind of fear that keeps you safe, like not jumping off a rooftop, but the kind that creeps in quietly when you’re standing at the edge of something new—something exciting, uncertain, and potentially life-changing. The kind of fear that whispers, “What if I fail?” or “What if I’m not good enough?” That’s the fear that shows up when you’re about to sign your first lease, pitch your product to a stranger, hire your first employee, or simply press “publish” on that post introducing your new business to the world.

Here’s what I want you to know: fear is normal. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It doesn’t mean something is wrong. In fact, I believe fear is often a sign that you’re right where you’re supposed to be. That flutter in your chest? That hesitation in your gut? That’s your body reminding you that what you’re about to do matters.

You don’t feel fear over things you don’t care about. You feel fear when your heart’s invested. When you’re daring to do something that could change your life. So don’t see fear as the enemy—see it as proof that you’re aiming for something meaningful.

Now, a lot of people believe that successful entrepreneurs are fearless. That they’re just wired differently. But let me set the record straight: you do not have to be fearless to be successful. I’ve been in rooms with multi-millionaires, startup founders, business coaches—you name it—and every single one of them has felt fear. Every one. The difference is, they didn’t let that fear make the decisions. They didn’t let it stop them.

Courage isn’t about the absence of fear—it’s about choosing to move forward despite it. That’s it. You don’t have to wait until you feel 100% confident. You don’t have to wait until the fear disappears. You just have to act. Take the next step, however small it may be. That action builds momentum. And momentum builds confidence.

Think about this: when you first learned to drive, you were probably nervous. Hands tight on the wheel, heart racing, checking the mirrors five times before merging. You didn’t feel ready. But you got behind the wheel anyway. And over time, with repetition and experience, your confidence grew. Now you drive without even thinking about it. The fear didn’t vanish because you waited it out—it faded because you did it scared.

The same applies in business. That first call, that first pitch, that first customer—they’re going to feel scary. But every time you do something uncomfortable, you stretch your capacity. You build emotional muscle. You learn that fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s just a signal that growth is right around the corner.

So how do we work with fear, instead of against it? Let me give you some real tools.

First, name the fear. Don’t just say, “I’m scared.” Get specific. “I’m afraid people won’t take me seriously.” “I’m afraid I’ll run out of money.” “I’m afraid of looking stupid.” When you name the fear, you disarm it. It goes from a foggy monster in the dark to something you can actually look at and deal with.

Second, write down your worst-case scenario. I know that sounds a little dramatic, but it’s powerful. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I take this step?” You’ll often find that even the worst case isn’t as devastating as your mind makes it out to be. Maybe a post flops. Maybe a client says no. Maybe you make a mistake. But guess what? You’ll learn, adjust, and grow. You’re more resilient than you give yourself credit for.

Third, surround yourself with people who stretch you. Fear thrives in isolation. When you’re alone in your head, doubt gets loud. But when you’re in community—with other business owners, mentors, or even supportive friends—fear starts to shrink. You hear stories of others who have done the thing scared. You realize you’re not the only one battling imposter syndrome or startup stress. And that gives you strength.

And lastly, build a rhythm of small wins. Don’t wait for the big breakthrough to feel successful. Celebrate the small steps. Got your EIN number? That’s a win. Sent your first invoice? Win. Posted your first business update online? Huge win. Stack those wins, and fear won’t have nearly as much room to breathe.

Remember, fear is not your enemy. It’s just part of the journey. The real enemy is inaction. The real danger is letting that fear freeze you in place, watching other people move forward while you stand on the sidelines wondering what could have been.

But that’s not you. You’re here, learning, building, stretching, growing. And the fact that fear is showing up? That just means you’re on the edge of something good.

So today, I challenge you to do one thing that scares you. Send that email. Make that call. Post that video. Launch that idea. Not because the fear is gone, but because you’re not letting it lead anymore.

This is what it looks like to conquer fear with courage. This is what it means to be relentless in your pursuit. And this—this right here—is how businesses are built.

Confidence Comes from Action, Not From Waiting to Feel Ready

Many aspiring entrepreneurs believe they must feel confident before taking the first step. However, confidence is not a prerequisite; it’s a byproduct of action. Waiting for the perfect moment or for all doubts to vanish often leads to inaction. Instead, taking deliberate steps, even small ones, initiates a feedback loop that builds confidence over time.

Consider the concept of “mastery experiences,” introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura. These are instances where individuals succeed in tasks, reinforcing their belief in their capabilities. Each small victory, like successfully pitching an idea or launching a minimal viable product, strengthens self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to execute tasks and reach goals.

Practical Steps to Build Confidence

1. Start with Small, Achievable Goals

This isn’t just a motivational soundbite—it’s a mindset and strategy that can literally determine whether your business gains traction or stalls out before it gets off the ground.

One of the most common reasons people never launch their business—or stop shortly after starting—is because the end goal feels too big, too far away, and way too intimidating. When you say things like “I need to make $10,000 a month,” “I need to get 100 customers,” or “I need to have a full team,” it can create anxiety instead of motivation. That anxiety doesn’t fuel action—it drains it.

Instead, the key is to shift your focus away from the massive end result and zero in on the first move you can make right now—today—that brings you closer to it.

Let me give you an example from the real world. Imagine you’re opening a service-based business—say, a mobile car detailing company. If your first goal is to replace your full-time job’s income, that might be $5,000 or $6,000 a month. But if you’ve never even landed a client yet, that goal can feel overwhelming. So what do you do? You start by saying, “This week, I’m going to talk to five people about my service.” That’s it. Maybe it’s a DM on Instagram. Maybe it’s a neighbor. Maybe it’s walking into a local business and offering a free demo.

That’s how confidence begins. It’s not glamorous. It’s not viral. But it works. And when you reach those five people, you get proof that you can do it. And suddenly the idea of reaching out to ten people doesn’t feel so big.

Here’s the magic in setting small, achievable goals: every time you complete one, your brain registers a win. That triggers dopamine—the chemical tied to motivation, confidence, and forward motion. The more small wins you create, the more your momentum builds. And momentum is what keeps you going when fear creeps in.

This strategy is powerful in any business model. Selling physical products? Set a goal to post three items for sale, not build a full-blown e-commerce site overnight. Launching a course? Record one 5-minute lesson today instead of trying to write the entire curriculum before you’ve even tested it. Want to improve your social media marketing? Aim to post one piece of helpful content this week instead of obsessing over creating a content calendar for the whole month.

Starting small is also a great way to test and adjust. You might think your service or product will be received one way—but once you talk to real people, you start to see what actually resonates. That early data becomes the fuel for better marketing, stronger messaging, and improved offers. But you won’t get that insight if you’re stuck waiting for the perfect plan.

Another example: I know a woman who wanted to open a bakery but didn’t have the capital for a storefront. So she set one simple goal: sell 12 cupcakes to friends and neighbors over the weekend. That was her only mission. She made them, boxed them, and hand-delivered them with a smile and a thank you. A few of those customers posted on social media. A few more asked if she could bake for an upcoming birthday. That one box of cupcakes led to a micro-business that grew organically—and today, she runs a commercial kitchen.

That started with a goal so small most people would overlook it. But she honored it. And then she honored the next one. And the next. That’s how success is built. Not from giant leaps, but from faithful steps.

So if you’re listening to this and you’ve been sitting on an idea, frozen because the finish line looks so far away—take a breath. And then ask yourself, “What’s the one small thing I can do this week to move this forward?” Then go do it. Don’t wait for perfect. Don’t overthink it. Just move. The next step will appear once you take the first.

Remember, small steps compound into big results. The most confident entrepreneurs you know didn’t start with clarity. They started with courage. And often, that courage looked like a very small, very achievable goal—followed by another.

1. Embrace the Learning Process

This might be one of the most freeing truths you can hold onto as an entrepreneur: you don’t need to know it all to begin—you just need to be willing to learn. Every successful business owner, leader, and innovator you admire was once where you are right now—unsure, inexperienced, and figuring it out as they went. The difference between them and the people who never started isn’t genius—it’s persistence through the learning curve.

We often treat business like a test. We think we need to have the right answers, the perfect plan, or a flawless execution from the start. But business is not a test. It’s a journey. It’s a process of trial and error, progress and pivots. And the more you embrace that truth, the less pressure you’ll feel to “get it right” from the beginning.

Think about learning how to ride a bike. You didn’t read a manual, then hop on and cruise the neighborhood. You fell. You wobbled. You needed training wheels. You probably cried. But you also kept going. And eventually, your brain and body caught up with what your heart believed was possible. That’s exactly what building a business feels like.

Let’s look at a real example. Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, started her business with zero fashion, retail, or business experience. In fact, she sold fax machines door-to-door. She didn’t wait until she was an expert in manufacturing or distribution. She saw a problem—uncomfortable underwear lines—and she tried to solve it. She made her first prototype using scissors and pantyhose, then went on a journey to learn how to bring her idea to market. And every step along the way—pitching stores, finding suppliers, negotiating with investors—she had to learn by doing. She literally wrote her own patent using a how-to book from Barnes & Noble. If she waited to feel “qualified,” Spanx wouldn’t exist.

This mindset shift—from “I need to be competent” to “I need to be curious”—is powerful. When you see every step in your business as a chance to learn, fear loses its grip. Mistakes become teachers, not evidence that you’re a failure. A failed ad campaign isn’t proof that you’re bad at marketing—it’s feedback. An unhappy customer isn’t the end of the world—it’s insight into how to improve your service.

When I launched my first business, I remember being terrified the first time I had to run payroll. I had no idea how to set it up correctly. I watched YouTube tutorials, read blog posts, and asked a more experienced friend to walk me through it. Was it intimidating? Absolutely. Did I get everything right the first time? Not even close. But once I did it, the fear disappeared. That’s what action does—it turns the unknown into the familiar.

And here’s the best part: the learning never stops. Even as your business grows, new challenges will require new skills. You might have to learn how to lead a team, negotiate a lease, manage inventory, or launch a new product line. But once you’ve built confidence through action, you no longer fear not knowing—you trust yourself to figure it out.

The most successful entrepreneurs I’ve met are the ones who love the learning process. They ask questions. They study trends. They admit when they don’t know something and seek out people who do. They treat every “mistake” as a tuition payment for the school of experience. They aren’t trying to look perfect—they’re trying to grow.

So if you’re listening to this and you’re feeling unqualified, I want you to hear this loud and clear: you are allowed to be a beginner. You are allowed to not know everything. What matters most is that you’re teachable, open, and willing to step into unfamiliar territory with the confidence that you can learn whatever you need to know.

Start with a mindset of growth. Surround yourself with resources—podcasts, books, mentors, communities. When something goes wrong, don’t spiral into shame. Ask, “What did this teach me?” Then get back up and move forward stronger.

Because the truth is, the people who make it in business aren’t the ones who knew everything from day one—they’re the ones who stayed in the game long enough to learn what they didn’t know.

1. Reflect on Past Successes

When you’re in the thick of running a business—when the numbers aren’t hitting your expectations, when you’re dealing with staff issues, or when doubt starts whispering that maybe you’re not cut out for this—it’s very easy to forget what you’ve already overcome. You start focusing on everything that’s not working, and your mind spirals into fear and insecurity. That’s where the power of reflection steps in and grounds you.

Think about this: how often do you pause to celebrate what you have done? Not just the big milestones, but the small wins that most people overlook. Because those small wins—they add up. They build momentum. They tell the story of your resilience.

I remember talking to a local restaurant owner who was feeling completely discouraged during a slow season. He kept saying, “I don’t know if I can keep doing this.” So I asked him to walk me through his last year, month by month, and tell me one thing he was proud of each month. At first, he struggled to think of anything. But after a few minutes, the memories started to surface: he remembered that time he retained all his staff while other restaurants were laying people off… the catering gig that came in last-minute and saved his month… the five-star review from a difficult customer who ended up becoming a regular.

By the end of that conversation, something had shifted. He didn’t just remember what he had done—he remembered who he was. Capable. Resourceful. Tenacious. And sometimes, when you’re leading a business, that is the fuel you need to keep going.

Here’s a practical way to turn this into a habit: keep a “Wins Journal.” This could be a physical notebook, a note in your phone, or even a spreadsheet if that’s your thing. At the end of every week, write down three wins. They don’t have to be world-shaking. It could be as simple as finally sending that email you were dreading, solving a customer issue with grace, or hitting a small goal. What matters is that you acknowledge it.

This journal becomes your evidence file. On days when imposter syndrome kicks in, or when you feel like giving up, go back and read your own words. Let your past self remind your present self of what you’re capable of. You’ll be surprised how empowering it is to re-read your own victories.

Let’s look at a real-life example here: Jamie Kern Lima, the founder of IT Cosmetics. She was rejected by investors for years. Her pitch was dismissed over and over again—some of them even told her no one would buy her products because of how she looked. But she kept going. Do you know what helped her push through? She says it was remembering what she had already accomplished. The testimonials from customers whose lives were changed by her makeup. The small retail wins. The partnerships she fought hard to secure. She reflected, she remembered, and she kept believing.

Eventually, she sold her company to L’Oréal for over a billion dollars. And she often says: the reason she made it through those hard years wasn’t because she had no fear—it was because she had proof. Proof from her own life that she could persevere.

When you get in the habit of documenting your progress, you’re creating that same proof. You’re giving yourself fuel for the days when motivation runs low and fear tries to convince you that you’re not enough. You are. And you’ve got the receipts to prove it.

So my challenge to you today is this: start capturing your wins. Don’t trust your memory to hold onto them. Write them down. Reflect on them regularly. Read them out loud when you need a boost. Let your history remind you of your strength. Because you’ve done hard things before. And you can do it again.

1. Seek Feedback and Mentorship

Now I know, especially for those of us who take pride in being self-starters, asking for help can feel like admitting weakness. But here’s the truth: no one builds something great alone. Not one single successful entrepreneur you admire got to where they are without guidance, feedback, and wisdom from someone who’s walked the road before them.

I’ll never forget sitting across the table from a mentor early in my entrepreneurial journey. I had built a decent business, but I was hitting a wall and couldn’t figure out why. I was working around the clock, wearing every hat, and still not hitting the numbers I knew we were capable of. I expected him to tell me to work harder, hire more people, or double my marketing budget. But you know what he said?

He looked me straight in the eye and said, “You don’t have a business problem—you have a leadership problem.”

That stung. I wanted to push back. I wanted to defend myself. But I sat with it. And the more I reflected, the more I realized he was right. I wasn’t empowering my team. I was micromanaging. I wasn’t delegating because deep down, I didn’t trust that anyone could do it “as well as I could.” I wasn’t growing because I was too busy trying to control everything.

That one conversation changed the trajectory of my company. And I would’ve never seen that blind spot if someone I trusted hadn’t called it out.

That’s the power of mentorship. It doesn’t just pat you on the back and tell you you’re doing great. It challenges you, stretches you, and helps you see what you can’t see from the inside.

Now let’s talk about feedback—because that’s a cousin of mentorship, but it shows up more frequently and often from unexpected places. Feedback from customers, employees, or even peers can be uncomfortable at first, but it’s gold. It tells you where things are working and where they aren’t. It shows you how others perceive your service, your leadership, your brand.

And here’s the trick: you have to learn to invite feedback before it’s forced on you.

Instead of waiting until a customer complains publicly, ask them directly: “How was your experience?” Instead of wondering what your team thinks, create a safe space for them to share. Instead of guessing why sales are dipping, talk to your regulars. Let them tell you what they love—and what could be better.

One of my favorite examples of this in action is the story of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. In the early days, she didn’t just assume she knew what women wanted in a slimming undergarment. She took prototypes to her friends. She asked strangers what they liked and hated about the products already out there. She refined based on real feedback. And because she built based on listening, not guessing, she created a billion-dollar empire.

Mentorship and feedback also go hand-in-hand when it comes to boosting your confidence. When you’re knee-deep in doubt, hearing someone you respect say, “You’ve got this. I see something in you” can be the exact push you need to keep going. On the flip side, when someone helps you course-correct with compassion and clarity, it keeps you from wasting time heading in the wrong direction.

So how do you start if you don’t already have mentors or feedback channels? Start by looking around. Is there someone in your community doing what you want to do a few steps ahead of you? Reach out. Be humble. Ask if they’d be willing to share their insights. Most successful people want to help—especially if you come with gratitude and a willingness to learn.

And when it comes to feedback, create rhythms. Weekly team check-ins. Post-purchase surveys. Monthly strategy sessions with someone outside your business. Don’t make feedback a one-time event—build it into the DNA of how you grow.

Here’s what I want you to remember: you are not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. The smartest leaders seek insight. The most confident entrepreneurs are coachable. If you want to grow faster, go farther, and build something that lasts, surround yourself with people who can see your blind spots, call out your brilliance, and walk with you as you evolve.

You already have the vision. Feedback and mentorship are the tools to sharpen it.

1. Celebrate Progress

When you’re running a business—especially in the early stages—there’s a tendency to keep your head down and move from task to task, goal to goal, without ever pausing to recognize how far you’ve come. I’ve been there. I’ve had days where I closed a big client, launched a website, or even just made it through a tough week, and instead of celebrating, I said to myself, “What’s next?” And while ambition is great, always chasing the next win without stopping to appreciate the last one can leave you burnt out, disconnected, and robbed of the very joy that made you start this business in the first place.

Celebrating progress is about creating energy. It’s about acknowledging that the work you’re doing matters. That your effort is making a difference. And that no matter how far you still have to go, you’ve already come a long way.

Here’s where it really matters: on the hard days. When everything feels like it’s taking too long. When results are slow. When your self-doubt is louder than your belief. That’s when you need to look back and say, “I may not be where I want to be yet—but look at where I was six months ago.” That’s when you open your success journal and see the first sale you made. The first five-star review. The first compliment from a client. Those wins, no matter how small they seem in the moment, are proof. Proof that your work is working.

Let me give you a few examples. I knew a woman who started a meal-prep business from her kitchen. Her goal was to have 50 weekly clients within a year. But when she got her first five—just five consistent customers—she celebrated. She made a dinner for her family, took a photo, and shared it with her little audience online. She said, “I’m grateful for every plate.” That kind of gratitude didn’t just keep her motivated—it drew more people in. Fast forward two years, and she was operating a commercial kitchen with hundreds of customers. But it all started with honoring the first five.

Or take a small coffee shop owner who finally got their first feature in a local newsletter. Could’ve brushed it off. Could’ve said, “It’s just one mention.” But instead, they printed it, framed it, and hung it on the wall. That little celebration turned into a conversation piece with customers. It showed pride in progress—and it created a story their community could rally around.

The point is: progress builds confidence when we pause long enough to notice it.

Now, let’s talk about how to put this into practice.

Start by identifying your milestones early—not just revenue targets or product launches, but small, meaningful benchmarks. Your first client testimonial. Your 10th email subscriber. The first time a stranger buys your product online. Celebrate those. Take a moment. Share it with your team. Post it on your social media. Tell your spouse, your friend, your mentor. Do something—anything—that marks the moment.

Keep a journal or a whiteboard where you track wins. Not just numbers, but personal victories. “Had a tough client conversation and stayed calm.” “Delegated a task instead of trying to do it all.” “Finally launched my landing page after weeks of delay.” These are wins. These matter. And when you start looking for them, you’ll start seeing more of them.

And when you hit a bigger milestone—maybe you crossed $10,000 in sales, hit 1,000 followers, or hired your first employee—celebrate that out loud. That celebration isn’t ego. It’s encouragement. And not just for you, but for everyone watching your journey.

Because people are inspired by progress. Your team wants to know their work matters. Your customers want to cheer you on. Your future self will thank you for remembering the road you traveled.

So here’s the takeaway: Don’t wait until you’ve “made it” to feel proud. Make a habit of being proud along the way.

Because every step forward, every lesson learned, every obstacle overcome—that is success in motion. And the more you celebrate that motion, the more motivated, resilient, and joyful you’ll be as you grow.

Conclusion

Confidence is not a static trait bestowed upon a select few; it’s a dynamic quality cultivated through consistent action. By taking deliberate steps, embracing the learning process, and reflecting on progress, entrepreneurs can build the confidence needed to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Remember, the journey to confidence begins with a single step—take it today.

Fear Doesn’t Go Away—But Systems, Support, and Faith Help You Manage It

Fear doesn’t vanish the moment you start a business. In fact, in many ways, it becomes a steady companion along the road. But here’s the good news: fear doesn’t have to drive the car. It doesn’t have to dictate your decisions or stop you from building something great. The goal isn’t to eliminate fear—it’s to learn how to manage it with wisdom, structure, and belief in something bigger than the moment.

Early in my journey, I thought fear would eventually go away. I figured once I made enough money, hired a great team, or finally got a steady stream of customers, I’d stop waking up with that knot in my stomach. But here’s what I’ve learned: new levels bring new fears. The fear of launching becomes the fear of staying afloat. The fear of failing becomes the fear of growing too fast. The fear of being unknown turns into the fear of being seen. And while the fears shift, the real question becomes: how do I keep going anyway?

For me, and for so many successful entrepreneurs I’ve spoken to, it comes down to three pillars: systems, support, and faith. These three things, when practiced intentionally, create a structure that fear can’t easily knock over.

Let’s start with systems. Systems are the unsung heroes of confidence. When you have a plan, a process, and a predictable flow, your mind doesn’t spiral as easily into anxiety. You’re not waking up each morning wondering what to do—you’ve got a framework that tells you, “This is the next step.” Whether it’s your sales process, your onboarding flow, your social media strategy, or your financial dashboard, systems give you something solid to stand on. For example, if you’re constantly worried about cash flow, build a system that shows you exactly what’s coming in and going out every week. If you stress over leads, create a simple routine to reach out to five new people every day. Action dissolves anxiety. And systems make action sustainable.

But systems alone won’t carry the emotional weight. That’s where support comes in. Running a business can feel incredibly lonely if you let it. And fear thrives in isolation. I’ve seen amazing leaders nearly burn out—not because they didn’t have talent, but because they were carrying everything alone. You need people in your corner. Maybe that’s a mentor, a mastermind group, a therapist, or even just a close friend who understands the entrepreneurial grind. These are the people who will remind you of your worth when you forget it. They’ll challenge your negative thinking. They’ll hold you accountable when fear tries to disguise itself as procrastination. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked up the phone and said, “I’m stuck,” and just hearing someone else say, “That’s normal,” brought my nervous system back online.

Now, let’s talk about faith—not just in a spiritual sense, although that can absolutely be part of it—but faith in your mission. Faith in your future. Faith that you were called to do something meaningful, and you’re not walking this path by accident. Faith is what you hold onto when the results haven’t shown up yet. It’s what helps you keep investing, keep showing up, and keep leading, even when you can’t see the payoff. I think back to some of the most uncertain seasons of my business—when payroll was tight, when my idea wasn’t catching on, when it felt like the whole world was saying “no.” In those moments, faith kept me steady. I would pray, I would journal, I would speak words of truth over my life and my business: “This isn’t the end of the story. This challenge will become my strength. I wasn’t built to quit.”

Faith doesn’t erase fear—but it reframes it. Instead of asking, “What if this fails?” you start asking, “What if this works?” That simple shift changes everything.

Now let’s make this practical.

First, create a basic system for the area of your business that gives you the most stress. If it’s customer acquisition, write down your weekly rhythm: How many people will you reach out to? Where will you find them? What will you offer? Make it repeatable. If it’s cash flow, set a weekly money check-in—review your expenses, income, and goals. Don’t avoid the numbers—make them your friend.

Next, build your support circle. If you don’t have one, start with one conversation. Reach out to someone who inspires you. Join a local business group. Invite a friend to be your accountability partner. You don’t need 20 people—you need 1 or 2 who will show up for you and help you think clearly when fear clouds your vision.

And finally, cultivate your faith. That might look like morning quiet time, reading Scripture, writing affirmations, or just sitting in silence and remembering why you started. When you anchor yourself in purpose, the storms don’t shake you as easily.

Fear will always whisper, “You can’t.” Systems say, “Here’s the plan.” Support says, “You’re not alone.” Faith says, “Keep going.”

And together, they create the courage you need to keep showing up—not perfectly, but powerfully.

This is your journey. And yes, it comes with fear. But it also comes with fire. You’re building something that matters. And every day you move forward—even in fear—you’re proving that you’re not just a dreamer. You’re a doer. A builder. A leader. A force.

And the world needs more people like that.

So, here we are—at the end of this conversation, but maybe just at the beginning of a new mindset for you.

We’ve talked today about something that every single business owner deals with—but not enough people are willing to admit. Fear. That creeping doubt that whispers, “What if I fail?” “What if this doesn’t work?” or “What if I’m not cut out for this?” You are not crazy for feeling that way. You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re human. And if you care deeply about the work you do—if you have skin in the game—of course you’re going to feel fear. That just means you’re playing for something real.

But here’s the shift I want you to hold onto: fear is not your enemy. It doesn’t have to be the wall that blocks you. It can be the signal that you’re growing. That you’re stepping into new territory. That you’re doing something that matters. The goal is never to eliminate fear completely—it’s to stop letting it steer the wheel.

And how do we do that? We act. Even when we’re scared. We take that first step. We send that email. We launch the idea. We ask for the sale. We hire the help. Because confidence is not a prerequisite—it’s the result. You don’t wait until you feel ready. You build readiness by showing up, again and again. That’s how belief grows.

And I want to remind you of something very practical: you don’t have to do this alone. Build systems. Lean on mentors. Surround yourself with people who’ve walked the road before you. Talk to your team. Pray. Journal. Create structure around your chaos. Faith—whether it’s in God, in your calling, or simply in the belief that you were made for more—will give you a solid foundation. And systems will give you clarity when your emotions try to hijack your momentum.

So if you’re listening to this today and you’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis, or fear has been holding you hostage from taking your next step—this is your moment. Don’t wait for the fear to leave. Move anyway. Progress doesn’t come to the fearless. It comes to the faithful.

Celebrate the small wins. Take the next best step. And remember that every successful entrepreneur you admire didn’t get there because they were fearless—they got there because they kept showing up when it mattered most.

You were made for this. The dream you’ve been carrying? It’s not random. It’s rooted in purpose. And someone out there is waiting on the other side of your obedience and your courage.

So go build it. Make the call. Launch the thing. Lead the team. Trust yourself. You’re not too late. You’re not too small. You’re not underqualified.

You are capable. You are chosen. You are equipped.

This has been Startup Business 101—I’m John Reyes, and if fear’s been holding you back, I hope this episode helps you remember that you were never meant to play small. Keep building. Keep believing. And keep showing up.

Because the most powerful thing you can do for your business… is not give up.

Until next time—stay relentless, stay courageous, and go take that next bold step.

Startup Business 101

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