The most successful investors buy, while the crowd is selling.

The most successful leaders speak out, while the crowd stays silent.

The most successful CEO’s make decisions, while the crowd makes excuses.

I could list dozens of examples like those above. But you already know the pattern well. We all do. Including those who choose to follow the crowd. So, what causes people to follow the crowd, knowing it will damage their business, and how can you avoid it?

I’m glad you asked.

The power of fear

The reason small business owners choose to follow the crowd, is fear. They fear stepping out of the crowd, more than they fear limiting the success of their business. Fear is, after all, an exceptionally powerful motivator. Even when the fear is working against them and their business.

Can someone overcome that kind of irrational fear?

Yes. Absolutely.

Here’s one technique that works extremely well.

Swapping fears

What you do is swap your fears, so fear motivation is propelling you forward, rather than pushing you back. It’s about using fear the way it’s intended, to protect you and help you.

For example, you decide to attach massive fear to wasting your life in an underperforming business. That’s a very real and fully-rational fear to have. Such businesses are always dangerously close to failing, as they lack the financial clout and robustness of a successful business.

Does that work for everyone?

No, not everyone.

Some small business owners have become too comfortable with just getting by. It’s unintentional. They start off in their business with big plans and dreams of a better life. But over time, their plans and dreams slowly fade. They begin to settle for less than they want. They lower their lifestyle choices to offset their underperforming business. It’s heartbreaking and it’s 100% avoidable. They know it’s avoidable too, which creates additional stress.

However, for those interested enough to summon the courage — interested enough to leave the crowd and show the world what they’re truly capable of, it can produce life-changing improvements.

Photo: Olena Bohovyk on Pexels.com