The things we fear in business and life are usually illusory.

The fear is real, regardless. Accept that your brain and body are responding this way. (Radical self-compassion.) Just don’t give into it without questioning it.

You really should be afraid of the lion. You needn’t be afraid of putting your work out into the world. Take a reflective pause to work out which kind of fear this is.

If there is a genuine reason to fear, think: How might you cage that lion?

(How might you speak more skillfully, or test your business idea with low stakes?)

The safest option is usually this: Push against the fear.

Or even smash through it. See what’s on the other side.