As a business coach, the #1 question I get asked the most is: “what is the most common denominator of successful six figure entrepreneurs?”. Is it resources, skill, certifications, experience, connections, marketing prowess, or just plain luck? While some successful business owners might have some of these assets, or a combination, they might not have any at all! The truth is that the most common indicator of success is how an entrepreneur handles fear.

My mom used to tell me to always listen to my “inner voice” because it would never steer me wrong. Did your mom give you the same advice? Our inner navigation system can be helpful when we’re trying to decide between doing something risky versus something safe. Should we cross the street when that car is not that far away? Should we speed to that meeting when we’re late and it’s raining?  Should we buy that $200 pair of jeans we’ve been coveting?

Being physically safe is important, and it’s crucial to follow our intuition when it leads to our highest good. The interesting thing is that success usually is found when we know the difference between being safe and playing safe.  Playing safe can be dangerous to our income levels and future growth.

We take out a mortgage to buy a home. Why? Because we need to have somewhere to live, sleep, cook and raise our families. Most people sign a lease or a car loan to purchase a car. Why? Because transportation is essential. Sure, some people rent homes and cars but it’s more cost effective usually to invest in a home or car than renting.

The most successful entrepreneurs invest in their businesses the same way they do in other areas of life. They don’t play it safe because it’s more comfortable, or tell themselves that “someday” will be a better time to invest in themselves.  Playing it safe is smart when it comes to staying alive, but when fear keeps us from taking risks that allow us to really live and grow, being “safe” is what should be feared.

What fears do you put aside because it’s more “comfortable” to play it safe, and what fears are you ready to face?  Please leave me a comment, I’d love to know.