As an entrepreneur, the question of safety creeps up all the time—maybe not in those exact words, but it’s often at the root of our worries.
- Do I have enough money? Am I safe?
- Will people buy my offer? Am I safe?
- Will anyone watch this video? Am I safe?
These thoughts come with the territory when stepping outside the “norm” of traditional work. Our brains are hardwired to protect us, constantly scanning for threats—whether they’re real or imagined. This mindset can make entrepreneurship feel full of uncertainty and fear.
But here’s the thing: We often think of safety as something we’ll eventually achieve. However, safety, especially in the entrepreneurial mindset, is a moving target.
This brings me to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a concept you may be familiar with. Typically, once our basic physical needs are met, we seek safety and security. But here’s the challenge: Entrepreneurs rarely feel safe, even when they reach their goals. Why? Because we’re wired to keep pushing for more, leading to constant uncertainty.
This week, I had a conversation with my oldest son, who recently moved out and is doing well on his own:
- He has a place to live.
- A solid job.
- Transportation and basic needs like food and clothing all taken care of.
However, he called me worried because he wanted to attend an event but didn’t feel comfortable spending $38 on a ticket. When I dug deeper, I found out he had $9,500 in the bank, rent paid for the next three months, and a fully stocked fridge. So what was the problem?
He had set a goal to save $10,000 and was telling himself he wasn’t safe until he hit that number. But when I asked him, “Will you feel safe once you hit $10,000?” his response was, “Probably not.”
And this is where a shift in the entrepreneur mindset becomes essential.
How Entrepreneurs Can Create Confidence and Safety
Here’s the truth: We create safety for ourselves. It’s not about hitting a specific goal or achieving a certain milestone—it’s a decision we make. As entrepreneurs, overcoming fear and uncertainty is key to moving forward, whether we’re worried about money, clients, or the success of a new offer.
Creating confidence in your business doesn’t come from external validation. It comes from within. So, if you’ve been waiting to feel safe before making a big move—whether that’s posting a video, making an offer, or putting yourself out there—ask yourself: What if you could create that sense of safety right now?
Practical Steps to Build Confidence as an Entrepreneur
- Focus on what you can control: Set realistic goals and remind yourself of what you’ve already achieved.
- Change your mindset: Instead of asking, “Am I safe?” shift to “What action can I take to create safety and confidence?”
- Embrace uncertainty: The entrepreneurial journey is full of ups and downs. Learning to be comfortable with discomfort is part of what makes entrepreneurs successful.
Want to Build Confidence in Your Business Through Video?
If you’re ready to stop waiting for safety and start creating confidence in your business, let’s work together. In my Lights, Camera, Action program, I help coaches confidently grow their businesses by mastering video creation.
Click here to learn more and take the next step in your business.
To your continued growth,
Matt
